This is technical and reader service work overseeing and participating in the recording, distribution and maintenance operations of the taped materials collection for the visually impaired and reading disabled. The employee in this class operates and maintains recording equipment and oversees the activities of volunteers engaged in recording literary materials, duplicating taped materials, and distributing and maintaining taped materials and related listening equipment. Work includes preparing specifications for recording equipment and installing and maintaining devices designed to aid visually impaired staff and patrons in performing assigned tasks and accessing library services. Providing technical oversight to volunteers is a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the supervision of an administrative supervisor.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

• This one position class must perform the work in the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
• The position must operate and maintain recording equipment.
• The position must oversee and participate in the distribution and maintenance of taped materials and related listening equipment.

• Serves as a regional distributor of taped materials and listening devices for the visually impaired to local dispensing agencies throughout the state; oversees depository and distribution of taped materials for the local library; maintains inventories and prepares reports to state and federal agencies on a periodic basis.
• Serves as a liaison between the library and contracted and volunteer repair centers of listening equipment and provides technical advice on equipment repairs; conducts periodic training for volunteer groups on the repair of playback equipment; oversees the packaging of damaged machines for removal to the repair centers; provides replacement parts to volunteer repairing group to restore equipment to usable condition; authorizes the removal of obsolete items from the system.
• Oversees the inspection of cassette players by volunteer staff; determines whether machines should be made available for further use; determines whether repairs should be performed in-house or sent to volunteer repair center; participates in the repair of cassette players as required.
• Masters and remasters tapes from individual selection on open-reel tapes onto four-track open-reel masters; utilizes a variety of audio devices and computer systems and software to make adjustments and corrections on recordings' quality; provides voice messages on recordings to indicate beginning and ending points; evaluates recordings made by volunteer staff; edits analog and digital tapes to obtain a quality finished product.
• Utilizes a variety of electronic testing equipment to maintain and repair recording and duplicating equipment; reads manufacturers' manual and interprets schematic diagrams to locate malfunctions and perform repairs; replaces or repairs defective parts; contacts manufacturers if unable to repair equipment; prepares specifications for new recording equipment.
• Oversees and participates in the operation of cassette duplication systems; transfers materials from open-reel tapes on to cassettes utilizing duplicating equipment; adjusts amplifier settings, speed and safety levels to obtain best results.
• Oversees the receipt and distribution of materials and equipment to patrons; fills requests for items from patrons and distributing centers registered on computer cards.
• Evaluates needs of visually impaired patrons and library staff in accesssing library services and performing assigned tasks; researches available software and computer peripheral devices to determine applicability to user needs; prepares specifications for adapted computer applications and peripheral devices; installs and develops modifications to meet user needs; explains the use and operation of adapted computer systems to users as needed.
• Reconfigures telephone lines and installs telephone instruments at work site as needed.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles, practices and materials used in tape equipment operations.
• the methods and procedures involved in producing master recordings.
• the maintenance and repair of taping equipment.
• the methods and procedures involved in inventory control.

SKILL IN:

• the operation of taping and duplicating equipment.
• the use and care of tools and equipment used in repairing recording and duplicating equipment.

ABILITY TO:

• train and provide technical oversight to volunteer staff engaged in recording literary materials, duplicating taped materials, and distributing and maintaining taped materials and related listening equipment.
• edit tapes to obtain a quality finished taped product.
• disassemble, test, clean and adjust, and reassemble cassette tape recorders, playback units, and tape duplication equipment.
• order and maintain materials and supplies based on present and anticipated work load.
• adapt to new technologies in the recording field.
• prepare specifications for recording equipment.
• read and interpret manufacturers' manuals and schematic diagrams.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with other library personnel and the public.
• prepare periodic reports.

EDUCATION

• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.

GENERAL EXPERIENCE

• Two years of experience using recording and duplicating equipment to remaster and duplicate materials.

AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE

• One year of experience in digital recording in a production setting which has included maintaining and repairing recording equipment.

Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department which includes completion of the twelfth school grade as an educational minimum and the specific experience indicated above.

NOTE: Successful completion of an electronics training course of at least one year's duration at a state licensed trade school can be substituted for the general experience.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

PAY RANGE: 12
Class Established: 9/1969

Latest Spec. Revision:
  CSC - 11/1996 ; Ad Board - 3/1997

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