Library Associate I

City of Seattle•Seattle Public Library - Central Library, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

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 position. 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).

Requirements

A high school diploma or a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) is required.
At least one year of work experience that demonstrates an ability to provide welcoming and respectful service to Library patrons with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, adapt to changes in environment and remain aware and respond appropriately to issues as they arise that could prevent patrons from effectively using the Library.
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.
Candidates must be able to learn sorting and library filing schemes, such as the Dewey Decimal system.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Candidates who understand the nuances of providing customer service in an environment that is open to public use are desired.
Candidates with work experience sorting books, files or other materials alphabetically and numerically, quickly, accurately and safely are desired.
The ability to speak and read Amharic, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya or Vietnamese; fluency in American Sign Language.
Work experience in a public library.
Experience working with people who are insecurely housed and/or individuals living with addiction and/or mental illness

Responsibilities

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
Retrieves materials for patrons and Library staff
Gathers information or data, when instructed, and maintains records and files
Compiles statistics
Assists with various projects, such as processing damaged materials, updating circulation records and/or developing circulation-related reports
Serves as a back-up for circulation desk staff, providing friendly, responsive customer service to patrons by phone or in-person
Checks materials in and out
Renews and reserves materials
Collects fees
Registers patrons for library cards
Provides directions or information to patrons regarding the location and use of materials, equipment and resources
Responds to a variety of related issues