Library Associate I

Invitation to Compete #37-21: Library Associate I

Ballard Branch, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., Seattle

Regular, FLSA non-exempt, part-time position (64 hours per pay period)

Beacon Hill Branch,2821 Beacon Ave. S., Seattle

Regular, FLSA non-exempt, part-time position (52 hours per pay period)

Capitol Hill Branch, 425 Harvard Ave E, Seattle

Regular, FLSA non-exempt, part-time position (64 hours per pay period)

Douglass-Truth Branch,2300 E. Yesler Way, Seattle

Regular, FLSA non-exempt, part-time position (48 hours per pay period)

Lake City Branch, 12501 28th Ave. N.E., Seattle

Regular, FLSA non-exempt, part-time position (64 hours per pay period)

Queen Anne Branch, 400 W. Garfield St., Seattle

Regular, FLSA non-exempt, part-time position (40 hours per pay period)

Salary: $21.43 – $26.01 per hour

Hours for these positions will include weekdays, weekends and evenings. These positions are part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME.

These positions are open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library’s employees. Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit an application, cover letter and resume in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on July 26, 2021.

Note: This recruitment may be used for up to 90 days following the closing date of this posting to fill subsequent regular and temporary Library Associate I vacancies in the Mid-City East, Mid-City West, Northeast and Southeast regions, which include the Ballard, Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill, Columbia, Douglass-Truth, Fremont, International District / Chinatown, Lake City, Magnolia, Montlake, Madrona Sally-Goldmark, NewHolly, Northeast, Northgate, Queen Anne, Rainier Beach and University branches. If you are interested in job opportunities in these locations, you are encouraged to apply.

Overview

The Seattle Public Library’s mission is to bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community. We view Seattle as a city where imagination and opportunity continue to thrive. Since 1891, we have grown from a single reading room in Pioneer Square to a world-class library system with 27 locations.

The Library works every day to foster and support a healthy city and a healthy democracy. We do this work guided by the principles of intellectual freedom, literacy and the love of learning, racial equity, privacy and confidentiality, respect for the community, strong partnerships and innovation. We are an active and committed partner in the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Library employees are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. As a workplace, we value respectful and transparent communication, partnership and engagement. We are enriched individually and organizationally because of our diversity. We take time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of others.

If you share these values and meet the qualifications, the Library invites you to apply for the Library Associate I positions.

The Library Associate I classification is part of a public service team that provides courteous and responsive service to patrons. Library Associate I staff are responsible for shelving, retrieving materials and checking the accuracy of materials that are on the shelves in the Library system. Additional duties may include: answering telephones, typing and data entry, providing basic directory services to patrons at circulation desks, assisting patrons with using Library equipment and resources, and limited circulation services (such as library card registration and checking materials in and out).

Job Responsibilities:
Assists with the flow and organization of materials: Sorts, files, shelves and routes books and a variety of other materials; lifts and transports books and materials using book carts, hand trucks and similar equipment; empties book drops and uses computer-based automated systems to check in materials; locates and retrieves materials for processing; maintains the order and appearance of materials; and retrieves materials for patrons and Library staff.

Performs support duties: Gathers information or data, when instructed, and maintains records and files; compiles statistics; and assists with various projects, such as processing damaged materials, updating circulation records and/or developing circulation-related reports.

May provide circulation services to patrons: Serves as a back-up for circulation desk staff, providing friendly, responsive customer service to patrons by phone or in-person. Performs duties such as: checking materials in and out; renewing and reserving materials; collecting fees; registering patrons for library cards; providing directions or information to patrons regarding the location and use of materials, equipment and resources; and responding to a variety of related issues.

Qualifications:
Education: A high school diploma or a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) is required.

Customer Service Experience: At least one year of work experience demonstrating the ability to apply customer service standards and the Library’s practices and policies when assisting patrons. Candidates who understand the nuances of providing customer service in an environment that is open to public use are desired.

Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills: Candidates must be able to effectively respond to patrons’ communications in person and on the telephone, specifically the ability to listen to and understand concerns, assess available options, and respond accurately and appropriately. Candidates must also be able to respond to patrons’ requests for directional assistance. Candidates must be able to effectively communicate in English, verbally and in writing, as well as comprehend spoken and written English.

Organizational Skills: Candidates must be able to learn sorting and library filing schemes, such as the Dewey Decimal system. Candidates with work experience sorting books, files or other materials alphabetically and numerically, quickly, accurately and safely are desired.

Experience using Personal Computers and Office Equipment: Candidates must have experience using office equipment including photocopiers, printers and cash registers. Candidates must also have experience using internet browsers, online catalogs and email (such as Microsoft Outlook). Candidates must have the ability to learn and operate computer-based customer account systems that use menu-based commands to obtain, interpret and display data, and information related to customer accounts.

Other Required Skills and Abilities: Candidates must be flexible in adjusting their work hours and locations. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to work with others as part of a team on projects and have the ability to understand and apply verbal and written instructions. Candidates must also be able to bend, stretch, stoop, and lift bins up to 40 pounds in weight and push wheeled book carts weighing up to 200 pounds. Candidates must also have the ability to squeeze and release hand brakes on Interagency (IA) bins.

Desired Qualifications:
Work experience in a public library.

Experience working with people who are unstably housed and/or with individuals who have mental health challenges.

The ability to speak and read Amharic, Chinese, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya or Vietnamese.

Fluency in American Sign Language.

Additional Information:
How to Apply

Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit the following items in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on July 26, 2021. Applications that do not include a cover letter and resume will not be considered.

NEOGOV online application

A cover letter that describes how your experience and skills align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications. Please let us know why you are interested in this position.

Current resume that summarizes relevant education, professional experience, training and skills.

If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at The Seattle Public Library, please send an email to [email protected]. The Library promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.

Please keep in mind that job offers are contingent on a review of criminal history as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.