Position Description
Invitation to Compete #40-25: Library Associate IV
Ballard Branch, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., Seattle
Regular, FLSA non-exempt, part-time position (72 hour per pay period)
Salary Range: $37.61 - $45.60 per hour
Schedule:
Week 1: Wed 11:30am - 8pm, Thur @ Fremont Branch 9:30am – 6pm, Fri 9:30am – 6pm, Sat OFF, Sun OFF, Mon 9:30am – 6pm, Tues 11:30am – 8pm
Week 2: Wed 9:30am – 6pm, Thur OFF, Fri OFF, Sat 9:30am – 6pm, Sun 9:30am – 6pm, Mon OFF, Tue 11:30am – 8pm
Please note that one shift will be at the Fremont Branch (731 N. 35th St., Seattle, WA 98103).
A pay period is two weeks in length that starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. The schedule listed is subject to change based on the Library’s current operational need and is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME.
This recruitment is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library’s employees. Please read the How to Apply section of this bulletin for more information. Candidates are asked to submit their application materials in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on August 11, 2025.
Please note: This recruitment may be used for up to 90 days following the closing date of this posting to fill regular and temporary Library Associate IV vacancies.
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 Library invites you to apply for the Library Associate IV position.
The Library Associate IV classification provides a broad range of information services for the Library’s patrons, including assisting patrons with locating and using Library resources, performing bibliographic searches and other basic reference work. In addition, the Library Associate IV classification provides readers' advisory services; assists patrons with using Library equipment; assists with community outreach services; and designs and prepares displays and other visual material. This classification may also make presentations and perform related tasks, as assigned. The Library Associate IV will work closely with a team of librarians, other Library Associate IV staff, and other staff throughout the region to provide information and support at busy customer service points. Library Associate IV staff members are primarily responsible for service and operation of the information desk and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for patrons. This includes interacting with patrons regarding the Library’s Community Use Agreement and using de-escalation skills to support patrons’ successful use of the library.
The Library Associate IV will regularly serve as a branch building lead. A Branch Building Lead manages the physical space of the branch in the absence of a manager, ensuring smooth operations by addressing safety, security, building, staffing, and customer service issues. They handle emergencies like 911 responses, unexpected closures, or facility problems, working closely with Facilities and IT to resolve physical or technological issues. Leads assess situations, take appropriate steps to resolve or refer problems, and collaborate with staff to adjust daily schedules or manage patron concerns. They document actions and escalate serious or uncertain situations to the Librarian in Charge or higher-level staff as needed. Effective communication and prompt reporting are essential to their role.
The Library Associate IV provides circulation services as well as technical and administrative support. The Library Associate IV must use sound judgment when assessing requests for information and utilize a variety of skills to locate information for patrons. They will also determine when to refer questions to others within the Library who may more effectively respond to a particular request.
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 a broad range of 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 a range of library circulation activities: Assists patrons with circulation-related functions, such as checking in and checking out library materials, paying fees, placing holds, updating borrower records, and registering new borrowers.
- 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 outreach 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 catalog and databases. Support classes and programs by helping with setup, scheduling, organizing, communication and marketing
Qualifications
- Education: High School Diploma or Graduate Equivalent Degree (GED) is required. Postsecondary education and/or relevant work experience will be considered in determining candidate competitiveness. A combination of education, training and/or experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the Scheduling Office Library Associate IV will be considered.
- 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
- Proficiency in Horizon Integrated Library System or similar Integrated Library System.
- 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 the principles of de-escalation and specific experience employing those skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively in a language other than English, particularly Amharic, Chinese, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, Vietnamese or American Sign Language or a proven ability to effectively serve communities across communication barriers is strongly desired.
Additional Information
How to Apply
Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit the following items in NEOGOV by 5:00pm on August 11, 2025 to be considered for this position. Your application will not be considered if these items are missing or incomplete:
- 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.
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 $37.61 - $45.60 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
Retirement information can be found here: 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 [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.
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.
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