Library Associate IV

Position Description

Invitation to Compete #69-23: Library Associate IV

Central Library, Quick information Center, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle

Regular, FLSA non-exempt, full-time position (80 hours per pay period); Benefits eligible

Pay Rate: $31.68 - $38.42 per hour

Hours for this appointment will include weekdays, weekends and evenings. This classification is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME. A pay period is two weeks in length.
This recruitment is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library's employees. Please submit your online application, cover letter, resume and responses to the supplemental questions in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023.

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 and growth mindset. We take time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of others.

If you share these values and meet the qualifications, The Seattle Public Library invites you to apply for the Library Associate IV position in the Quick Information Center (QIC) at the Central Library.

The Quick Information Center is located on level 5, where 120 computers are available for public use. QIC staff serve patrons and visitors from all walks of life, including people who are experiencing homelessness, veterans, immigrants and refugees, seniors, families and others. Partner organizations provide social service support and tax preparation assistance for the Library's patrons on level 5.

The Library Associate IV position will work closely with a team of staff who are primarily responsible for services at the information desk and maintaining a welcoming environment for everyone, including interacting with patrons regarding the Library's Rules of Conduct and using de-escalation skills to support patrons' successful use of the Library.

The Library Associate IV provides a broad range of information services for patrons in person, by phone, chat and email. This position assists patrons with using Library technology which includes use of Microsoft Office software, searching the internet, downloading eBooks, using the Library's online resources, printing and photocopying materials.

The Library Associate IV utilizes a variety of skills to locate information in response to patrons' requests and must be familiar with the Library's departments and where to refer patrons. Questions will be on a variety of topics, including general reference questions; requests for housing, food and job search assistance; and questions about the Library's services, policies and programs.

The Library Associate IV may be asked to provide presentations, serve on committees, assist with computer instruction classes, and help colleagues with programs and/or outreach activities. The position also provides technical and administrative support. Assigned duties may include typing and filing of Library records, preparing correspondence and reports, ordering supplies, assisting with department projects and contributing to the maintenance of SharePoint (intranet) pages for Library staff.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide basic readers' advisory and reference services in all subjects: Provide readers' advisory and reference services in person, on the phone and online, using information resources in print and electronic formats (SPL catalog and website, licensed databases and web resources). Refer complex reference questions to an appropriate reference service provider, when necessary.

• Perform basic troubleshooting for patrons who are using library-related technology: Assist patrons with questions related to the Library's public computers, pay for print, and distribute internet guest passes to visitors. Provide instruction and assistance to groups and individuals regarding library-related technology and online resources.

• Provide information services related to Library operations, services and policies: Provide information to patrons about operations, services and policies throughout the Library system.

• Perform support duties and special projects: Specific support duties for the Library Associate IV includes maintaining and updating branch and region-specific information in an internal, online environment.

• Promote Library services and support services that are coordinated by librarians: Contribute to meeting the community's recreational, educational, cultural and information needs by promoting the Library's services, and, when necessary, the Library's policies and procedures. Support and provide public instruction sessions in areas such as accessing digital downloads and using the Library's catalog and databases. Support classes and programs by helping with setup, scheduling, organizing, communication and marketing.

Qualifications

• Education: A high school diploma or a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) is required. Post-secondary education and/or relevant work experience will be considered in determining a candidate's competitiveness. A Bachelor's degree is preferred.

• Experience using Library information resources in print and electronic formats: Experience using basic print reference and readers' advisory resources, such as dictionaries, directories, encyclopedias, online databases and maps. Must be proficient in using the Horizon Integrated Library System or similar online systems. Experience searching licensed databases and web search engines. Experience using the Library's website and current knowledge of services, resources, programs and events that are available to patrons throughout the Library system.Familiarity with other public technology support systems is helpful.

• Excellent customer service and communication skills: Must have at least three (3) years of professional experience in providing customer service to the general public. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively respond to patrons' communications and inquiries, resolve issues among staff and between staff and patrons. Must be able to communicate in English, orally and in writing, and comprehend spoken and written English.Must demonstrate an ability to work effectively with other staff in a team environment (on projects and in work groups).

• Ability to prioritize and manage daily tasks: Must be organized, efficient and proactive. Must show initiative and use good judgment in prioritizing work. Successful candidates should have the ability to recognize and adjust what work needs to be done in order to support the successful operation of the unit.

• Excellent judgment in problem solving and deductive reasoning: Ability to recognize problems and assess situations, to gather and evaluate relevant information, and to take appropriate action, including appropriate referral and appropriate application of the Library's policies and procedures.

• Experience using basic computer office applications and equipment: Must be proficient in creating and editing documents in MS Word and Excel, using MS Outlook (or a similar email and calendar application) and managing email files. Experience in managing electronic files and using shared documents in an internal, online environment. Experience using office equipment, including fax machines, photocopiers and printers. Ability to troubleshoot minor computer and office equipment issues and assist patrons with resolving issues related to computers and office equipment is helpful.

• Project management skills: Knowledge and experience assisting with events or projects, including assisting with planning, scheduling staff and rooms, coordinating resources, monitoring progress, marketing and assisting with developing reports, informational materials and/or records.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with maintaining intranet pages or other online information for staff.
• Experience working with racially, culturally and economically diverse communities.
• Experience with interacting with people who are experiencing housing insecurity and individuals who are living with addiction or mental illness.
• Familiarity with de-escalation techniques for challenging behaviors and demonstrated experience using those skills.
• The ability to speak and read Amharic, Chinese, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya or Vietnamese.

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 Thursday, September 7, 2023 to be considered:
Online applicationA 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.
Applications that do not include a cover letter, resume, and complete online application will not be considered.

Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials. The employment history detailed in your application materials MUST validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a series of one or more interviews.

Benefits and Salary Information

The full salary range for this position is $31.68 - $38.42 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Information about retirement plans can be found at: https://www.seattle.gov/retirement

Additional Information

If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at The Seattle Public Library, please send an email to job.applications@spl.org . 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.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Closing Date/Time: 9/7/2023 5:00 PM Pacific