Public Services Assistant I

Sno-Isle Libraries•Lynnwood, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lynnwood Library is seeking a detail-oriented, team-focused individual with a genuine passion for providing excellent public service to join our team as a Public Services Assistant I. In this role, you will perform a variety of public service and library support tasks that contribute to the effective operation of the library, helping to provide services, spaces, and resources that reflect diverse cultures and perspectives and are intentionally inclusive and accessible to everyone. As one of the largest and busiest branches in the Sno-Isle system, the Lynnwood Library serves a vibrant and rapidly growing community. Located in a central transit hub for Snohomish County, our library welcomes customers from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and lived experiences. Our spaces and services, including public computers, printers, study tables and rooms, and meeting spaces, are in high demand. This position works as part of a large, collaborative team in a fast-paced environment. Primary responsibilities include assisting customers at the service desk, answering phones, registering customers for library cards, and processing and evaluating library materials. Through strong customer service and a solid understanding of basic library operations, the Public Services Assistant helps create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all community members, with a shared commitment to ensuring everyone feels connected to their library. We are looking for a candidate who enjoys variety in their workday, approaches challenges with curiosity and strong problem-solving skills, and brings a positive attitude toward innovation and evolving workflows to optimize efficiency and enhance customer service. The selected candidate will work on Wednesday & Thursday, 12:40 pm-8:10 pm, and on Friday & Saturday, 10:40 am-6:10pm. Flexibility to adjust schedule and location in response to library needs is required. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 2. We Value Lived Experience Sno-Isle Libraries is committed to embedding equity into our organization. As we engage in equity work, it's important to have a good foundation to frame the work and then provide training opportunities to build skills and knowledge. We value and embrace the unique experiences our staff members bring to the organization and recognize how their experiences improve the service we provide.

Requirements

High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
Several months in a customer service environment.
Knowledge of established practices and procedures for an integrated library system (ILS).
Knowledge of library policies, procedures, and services.
Knowledge of alpha and numeric systems for arranging library materials.
Strong customer service skills.
Strong organization and attention to detail.
Ability to uphold the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and the community.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Ability to work independently and to set priorities.
Ability to handle and resolve disruptive behavior effectively.
Ability to work cooperatively and maintain effective interpersonal skills with the public and co-workers.
Ability to operate relevant computer systems including hardware and software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, electronic databases, email, and internet navigation in addition to other office equipment and security systems.
Identify and organize library materials such as books, audiobooks, and DVDs based on small-print numbers and alphabetical characters.
Scan and inspect library materials including opening media cases.
Operate computers for extended periods of time.
Occasionally move objects or materials weighing up to 35 pounds, including transfer of books and other materials to carts or shelves of varying heights.
May be required to move carts of books and other materials about the building for extended periods of time.
Frequently remain stationary at one workstation for extended periods of time.
Regularly communicate with coworkers and members of the public.

Nice To Haves

Flexibility to adjust schedule and location in response to library needs is required.

Responsibilities

Provide assistance at the library circulation desk, answers phones, checks library materials in and out, registers customers for library cards, and orders various library materials.
Assist customers with self-checkout machines and answers questions in the hold areas.
Return library materials to proper locations and supports circulation duties.
Provide assistance to library customers with basic reference questions.
Respond to technical services calls and assists with problems with the fax machines, public copiers, pay-for-print stations, vending machines, and printers.
Submit and monitor technical reports for library technology service issues.
Perform other public service and general clerical support tasks as assigned.
Prepare correspondences and reports.
Train new staff as needed.
Attend meetings, trainings, and workshops as assigned.
Assist with special projects as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.