Residence Requirements:

THERE ARE NO RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS EXAMINATION.   There is one anticipated vacancy the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library - Central Branch.

Examples of Duties:

A Rare Book Clerk assists higher level Special Collections staff in the inventory, preparation and handling of rare and archival materials, in addition to performing routine circulation and clerical duties; 

Basic cataloguing and records management;

Inventory control of Rare Book Room materials;

Assist in the preparation of items for exhibit, and facilitate setup and breakdown;

Prepare statistical and written reports;

Retrieving, handling and rehousing of rare and archival materials;

Assist librarian with conservation/preservation identification and recommendation;

Facilitate researchers with Rare Book materials;

Prepare and scan materials for digitization;

Process and manage digital images;

Assists library patrons with library’s website, electronic catalog, self-checkout, photocopiers, facsimiles, and printers;

Provides verbal directions and instructions to patrons; and

Performs additional duties as required.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Candidates must meet one of the following requirements on or before the date of the written test:

Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and six (6) months of library clerical experience combined with six months experience in digitization, archives, or working with rare materials or special collections.

Notes:

None.

The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However,candidates may find information in the publication "How to take a written test" helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available on line at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm

Subjects of Examination:

SUBJECTS OF EXAMINATION: A written test designed to evaluate knowledge, skills and /or abilities in the following areas:

1. Customer service

These questions test for knowledge of techniques used to interact with other people, to gather and present information, and to provide assistance, advice and effective customer service in a courteous and professional manner. Questions will cover such topics as understanding and responding to people with diverse needs, perspectives, personalities, and levels of familiarity with agency operations, as well as acting in a way that both serves the public and reflects well on your agency.

2. Fundamentals of working in a library

These questions are designed to evaluate the candidate's knowledge about the common terms and concepts used in various sections of a library (e.g. Circulation, Reference, Technical Processing, etc.); the procedures associated with shelving, storing, checking out and receiving library materials; and the proper methods of using equipment commonly found in a library and of handling, processing and storing library materials.

3. Name and number checking

These questions test for the ability to distinguish between sets of words, letters, and/or numbers that are almost exactly alike. Material is usually presented in two or three columns, and you will have to determine how the entry in the first column compares with the entry in the second column and possibly the third. You will be instructed to mark your answers according to a designated code provided in the directions. 

NOTICE TO CANDIDATES:  It is recommended that candidates use a quiet, hand held, solar or battery powered calculator.  Devices with typewriter keyboards, "Spell Checkers", “Personal Digital Assistants", "Address Books", "Language Translators", "Dictionaries", or any similar devices are prohibited.  You may not bring books or other reference materials.

**IMPORTANT APPLICATION FEE - READ CAREFULLY**

A $20.00 filing fee is required for this exam. The required fee must accompany your application. Send or bring check or money order made payable to Erie County Personnel Department and write the examination number(s) on your check or money order. Do not send or bring cash, as the County cannot be responsible for cash payment. As no refund will be made, you are urged to compare your qualifications carefully with the requirements for admission and file only for those examinations for which you are clearly qualified.