Library Technician

Pierce County Library•Tacoma, WA

About The Position

The Library Technician performs routine clerical and technical library functions for Pierce County Library System’s Collection Management department. The role processes library materials, enters and maintains materials information in the Polaris system, assists with collection maintenance, prepares program materials and Book Club kits, and supports the distribution of materials to library branches. The position provides customer-focused service and accurately communicates library policies to the public. It is a regular, represented, non-exempt position scheduled for 40 hours per week at ACL. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday off; the schedule may change. Evening and weekend work on a rotating schedule and adapting to short-notice schedule changes are also required. The position works in an office and/or library environment, with public contact and handling or moving library materials. Forklift training to obtain WISHA certification will be provided after hire.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, and one year of public library or general office experience; alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge and skills.
Pass a criminal background screening before hire.
Ability to work evenings and weekends on a rotating schedule and adapt to schedule changes on short notice.
Knowledge of public library operations and services, circulation processes and procedures, and collection maintenance principles.
Ability to perform routine clerical and technical library functions; process materials; receive, unpack, sort, and distribute materials; and perform accurate data entry and materials recordkeeping.
Basic keyboard and alphanumeric data-entry skills; basic PC navigation in a Windows-based environment; ability to connect and print, use basic web functions and applications, and follow basic technical instructions.
Ability to navigate basic electronic record creation and storage, and use basic office equipment such as a PC, printer, phone, fax, and mouse.
Strong customer service and public communication skills; ability to collaborate in a team; organizational and time-management skills; attention to detail; professional integrity; and a positive attitude.
Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 35 pounds independently, and to push or pull loaded carts. May lift or push 50–100 pounds with assistance.
A valid Washington State driver’s license may be required depending on assignment.
WISHA Forklift Certification may be required depending on assignment; the library will provide training after hire to obtain certification.

Nice To Haves

Basic Microsoft Office Suite skills, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Experience with an Integrated Library System, inventory system, or data management system; experience with Polaris is highly desirable.
One to two years of relevant experience in a library, clerical, or administrative support role is preferred.
Experience processing library materials, including labeling, stamping, and cataloging.
Experience with data entry and maintaining accurate records in a database or library management system.
Experience receiving, sorting, and distributing materials in a warehouse, library, or office environment.
Experience providing customer-focused service in a public-facing role.
Experience preparing and assembling program or promotional materials.
Experience working effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

Deliver high-quality, customer-focused services.
Process books, audiovisual items, and other library materials, including attaching property stamps, labels, and book jackets.
Enter materials information in the Polaris system, including barcodes, item destinations, collection codes, and call numbers; reassign items to other branches under the guidance of Collection Management librarians.
Prepare, receive, unpack, sort, and distribute library materials, mail, and deliveries; review shipping documents for accuracy; operate forklifts and pallet jacks as assigned.
Check in and shelve materials, organize and maintain shelves, perform shelf reading, locate items, fill customer hold requests, and unload assigned book drops.
Review items for weeding and assist with cleaning library materials.
Assist with preparing, assembling, and distributing library programming materials such as flyers, brochures, booklets, and activity sheets.
Prepare and maintain Book Club kits for monthly distribution to branches.
Maintain punctuality and regular, consistent attendance.
Bring matters of public concern regarding waste, inefficiency, corruption, discrimination, and safety to Library Management’s attention.
Accurately communicate library policies to the public and positively represent the library’s mission, vision, and values to the public and staff.
Perform other specialized and related duties as assigned.