Associate Librarian
Meridian Free Library DistrictThis is a Full-Time position working 40 hours/week.
Application will close at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 4th 2026.
Position Summary
The Associate Librarian position provides patron-focused library service in response to the needs
of library users and members of the community. The incumbent assists with the daily operations
of the library and performs related duties as assigned. Work is performed independently and may
include locations outside of the library in the community.
The majority of time is spent providing direct customer service at the library and in the
community, assisting with library initiatives, maintaining library partnerships, and planning and
leading library programs.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential
Library Initiatives and Partnerships
Assists librarians and library leadership with strategic library initiatives, providing operational
support. Uses principles of project management to support progress on large-scale projects.
Works with a variety of community partners and helps to maintain relationships tied to both
programs and library initiatives. Works collaboratively with other locations, departments, and
community partners to support outreach services, including bookmobile operations and off-site
library services as assigned.
Event Coordination/Planning
Actively seeks out and discovers program and event topics that are strategic, appealing, and
relevant to community interests. Plans, develops, organizes, schedules, and implements
informational and educational events and programs for the library. Conducts programs in person
and remotely. Develops program plans in adherence to the library’s strategic priorities. Supports
library leadership and management with budget needs and allocations. Works collaboratively with
other locations and departments to plan and implement district-wide programs that advance the
library’s strategic goals. Continuously evaluates programs for learning outcomes and to make
improvements based on attendee and management feedback. Oversees the set-up and takedown
of programs and events.
Customer Service
Provides excellent customer service to library patrons at public service desks, on the phone,
virtually, and off-site with community partners. Assists library visitors with account issues and the
circulation of library materials. Provides informational assistance to patrons and refers questions
as needed. Makes decisions based on library policies and procedures. Determines customer
needs and advises patrons about library materials, reading suggestions, resources, and
technology equipment. Aids visitors regarding library services, including databases, technology,
circulation, and quality online sources. Actively promotes respect for diversity and supports an
inclusive, welcoming, and respectful library atmosphere. Exhibits good working knowledge of
adult, teen, and children’s literature, related media, and materials. Arrives at work location on
time, ready to interact with the public.
Operations
Performs duties required of daily library operations, including opening and closing procedures,
both within the library buildings and in the community. Assists with staff training. Performs
circulation duties including issuing cards, checking materials in and out, reserving books, collecting
fees, and answering the phone. Drives and rides in all library vehicles for delivery or outreach
purposes. Processes requests for holds; conducts catalog searches, retrieves materials from the
stacks, searches for materials, and checks for availability of materials. Maintains confidentiality of
patron information. Operates the District’s bookmobile and other outreach vehicles to deliver
library services in the community. Duties include driving and riding to scheduled outreach stops,
safely parking, setting up, assisting patrons on board, carrying out circulation functions and
operating equipment while offsite, and ensuring the vehicle is secured and prepared for service.
Performs basic pre-trip checks and reports vehicle maintenance and safety concerns to
appropriate staff.
Technology
Uses conferencing, video recording and editing technology effectively in the production of virtual
programs. Provides support to patrons who bring their technology devices or use the library’s
hardware and software. Assists patrons with computer use, printing, and copying. Provides basic
technology instruction.
Marketing and Promotion
Promotes library collections, services, and programs. Supports library marketing efforts as
designated by library leadership.
Records and Reports
Maintains accurate records, collects statistics, tracks performance measures, and prepares
reports related to library services, programs, and events as directed by administration. Produces
program plans that include ways to measure learning outcomes and track program success.
Completes clerical tasks such as record maintenance, compiling lists, and drafting resource guides
in both an office setting and remotely. Maintains personal and public calendars to ensure room
availability and program promotion. Maintains good attendance and timekeeping records.
Marginal
Attends webinars, workshops, and conferences. Recommends purchases based on community
needs or interests.
Assists with directing the work of volunteers.
May open and close the library and ensure the security of the building.
Participates in committee groups as assigned by the District to demonstrate our commitment to a
culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and professional development.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Proficient in project management and event planning. Ability to foster and sustain partnerships.
Ability to establish, measure, and evaluate program outcomes. Proficient in creating and
administering surveys and other evaluation tools.
Proficient with standard office applications (including Microsoft Office and Google applications),
online library automation system, and online searching. Understands the role of technology in
providing library services and is proficient in that technology. Ability to learn and adapt to new
software and equipment technologies.
Provides exemplary customer service and maintains a favorable public image of the library. The
incumbent has a desire to work in a public service role. Has excellent interpersonal skills and the
ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with people, including patrons, volunteers,
and coworkers, of all ages from diverse backgrounds. Builds and maintains positive working
relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization and fosters positive partnerships with
outside organizations. Actively promotes respect for diversity and supports an inclusive,
welcoming, and respectful library atmosphere.
Experience: 2-4 years of experience in library services or similar experience. Experience with
project management, event planning, public speaking, and acting or regularly performing before
an audience.
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education, training, or experience.
Training, Licenses, or Certifications: Valid Idaho driver’s license in good standing or the ability to
obtain one.
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual, preferably Spanish-English, Russian-English, or other
languages. Experience working with multi-generational populations. Desired personal attributes
include: a positive approach to interacting with the public, an awareness of the entire community,
a passion for engaging patrons from all backgrounds and ages, a continuous desire to update
technology skills, and a sense of humor.
Working Conditions
Physical Requirements: The job requires the employee to constantly stand, twist/turn, maintain
flexibility, hear, listen, see, and speak clearly; frequently stoop/bend and walk; perform manual
dexterity movements; seldom sit, kneel, crawl, and balance. The job also requires the employee to
frequently lift and carry 10-50 pounds; occasionally lift and carry 50 or more pounds while twisting
and turning; reach at, above, and below shoulder height; grasp objects weighing 10-50 pounds;
push and pull objects weighing 50 pounds.
Mental Requirements: The job requires the employee to read, write, perform clerical duties,
comprehend and use perception, perform alphabetical and numerical sorting/filing, and perform
basic math.
Technology, Requirements, and Devices: The job requires the employee to regularly operate and
exhibit proficiency with computers and commonly used applications, library systems and
databases, email, and cloud environment. The job requires the employee to operate and
occasionally troubleshoot general office equipment, as well as various equipment, including new
consumer technology and advanced computer software. This position requires the operation of a
vehicle, including the Bookmobile, on behalf of the District.
Work Environment: The job requires the employee to be subjected to repetition, working with
community partners, working alone, working away from the library or remotely, working around
others, verbal contact with others, face-to-face contact, noise, inside and outside environments,
mechanical equipment, and moving objects. The job may require the employee to work alone at a
location or scheduled event. This job also requires safely driving and riding in a variety of vehicles,
which include bookmobiles and passenger vehicles, and an awareness of vehicle maintenance.
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme
temperatures, potential areas with dust, odors, mist, gases, or other airborne matter. Employees
may be exposed to uneven or slippery walkways and door sills at community events.
Expected Hours of Work: The job requires the employee to work a varied schedule, including days,
evenings, and weekends (Saturday and Sunday). Position schedule is subject to change at any time
at the discretion of management.
Expected Travel: The job requires travel throughout the library district to conduct programs and
occasional travel for training and conference activities, and attendance at community and
business events.
Disclaimers: The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills,
efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal
responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
Meridian Library District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring and employment practices are done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability. In addition, preference in employment may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
Adopted by the Meridian Library Board of Trustees September 15, 2021
Revised and Board Approved 01/22/2026