Library Associate

Closing Date: August 6, 2025 - 11:59 p.m.

Applications must be completed and submitted prior to 11:59 p.m. on the closing date to be considered.

Pay Range: $30.57 - $41.87 hourly 
Job Status: Full-Time
Hours Per Week: 40
Employment Type: Regular
FLSA: Non-exempt
Location: Coupeville, WA

Job Summary

Coupeville is one of Washington’s oldest towns and the seat of Island County. Situated on Whidbey Island on Penn Cove, the town was once the site of three permanent Lower Skagit tribal villages. Named for pioneer Thomas Coupe, it was settled by sea captains and farmers in the 1850s. Coupeville is now a bustling tourist destination surrounded by local farms and parks, as well as the home to county offices and medical services.

The Coupeville Library is located in the historic downtown and sees foot traffic from residents and visitors alike. The full-time Library Associate at the Coupeville Library will provide skilled paraprofessional library support services, including general reference and circulation services, as well as being in-charge of the building when needed.

As part of a small team, the successful candidate will collaborate with other Library Associates to provide storytimes, services, and programs to children that are representative of diverse cultures and perspectives, intentionally inclusive, and accessible to everyone. Work schedules include morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend hours. The successful candidate may be required to adapt to future schedule and location changes depending on library needs.

Excellent customer service and support of equity, diversity and inclusion are highly valued qualifications. Spanish language proficiency is preferred, as the successful candidate may be asked to provide library customer service in Spanish and may also be called upon to represent the library at community events or to community groups in partnership with the Library Manager or Librarian. These events may include formal or informal presentations in Spanish. Multilingual pay differential is available for the successful candidate who demonstrates Spanish language proficiency.

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.

Benefits

All Sno-Isle Libraries employees are eligible for sick leave, vacation leave, paid holidays, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, and an employer-paid ORCA Passport card. Employees working 20 or more hours per week also receive additional benefits such as medical and vision coverage, retirement savings, life insurance, and flexible healthcare and daycare spending accounts. For more information about these benefits, visit our employment webpage at sno-isle.org/employment.

Essential Functions 

Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. 

1. Provide general, basic reference and information service by assisting customers in the use of library facilities, equipment, resources, and services. Refer complex readers' advisory and reference questions to a Librarian or appropriate staff member. 
2. Provide courteous and efficient customer service by performing circulation desk tasks. 
3. Create and present programming for all customer groups as assigned. 
4. Develop program materials, including reading lists, promotional displays, and presentation materials. 
5. Provide training to customers in basic library skills including the use of public computers, catalog and reference computers, Internet, and devices. 
6. Assist customers in resolving technical problems or issues. Maintain and troubleshoot equipment utilized in a community library. 
7. Perform collection maintenance activities through the use of reports and data, to include weeding the collection for condition as well as reallocation of library materials. 
8. Perform other library support services including opening and closing buildings and assisting in maintaining the library in neat, clean, and orderly condition. 
9. May be designated in charge of the community library in the absence of other supervisory staff or building manager. 
10. Travel from one work site to another as staffing needs require. 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Make presentations to the public as assigned. 
2. Prepare correspondence and reports. 
3. Train new staff as needed. 
4. Attend meetings, trainings, and workshops as assigned. 
5. Assist with special projects as required. 
6. Participate on committees or teams as assigned. 
7. May serve as the volunteer coordinator of a community library. 
8. Perform other duties as assigned. 

Supervision 

Positions of the class typically report to a Library Manager, Assistant Library Manager, or Library Circulation Supervisor. Although direct supervision is not a normal part of the position's work, incumbents may be designated as lead people to provide work direction to coworkers or volunteers. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

1. Thorough knowledge of established web-based databases and techniques of searching and accessing those resources. 
2. Thorough knowledge of established practices and procedures for an integrated library system (ILS). 
3. Thorough knowledge of library policies and procedures for determining needs and interests of customers. 
4. Knowledge of collection development policies and procedures. 
5. Knowledge of library resources, programs, and services. 
6. Knowledge of alpha and numeric systems for arranging library materials as well as automated bibliographic identification at a basic level. 
7. Strong customer service skills. 
8. Strong organization and attention to detail. 
9. Ability to uphold the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and the community. 
10. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. 
11. Ability to handle and resolve disruptive behavior effectively. 
12. Ability to work independently and to set priorities. 
13. Ability to work cooperatively and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with the public and co-workers. 
14. 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. 

Education and Experience 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position can be acquired by a combination of experience and education including: 

1. College-level education or specialized training such as library science, presenting programs, or other profession-based subject areas. 
2. Two years of experience providing direct customer service. 

Physical and Environmental Conditions 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Most of the work is carried out within a generally accessible, safe, indoor environment. While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent must 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. Incumbents may frequently move objects or materials weighing up to 35 pounds, including transfer of books and other materials to carts or shelves of varying heights. Incumbents may be required to move carts of books and other materials about the building for extended periods of time. Incumbents are required to operate computers and may frequently remain stationary at one workstation for extended periods of time. 

The incumbent must regularly communicate with coworkers and members of the public. These contacts and situations are deemed to be generally safe and free of undue stress, but require incumbents to be cordial, helpful, and skilled in interpersonal relations with others both in the public and within the Library District. 

Incumbents may travel to various sites in all kinds of weather and traffic conditions. To accomplish this travel, the incumbent must be able to drive and hold a valid Washington State driver's license or to make independent arrangements for such transportation.

The following questions will be asked during the application process and will be considered during the application evaluation:

1. Describe how your experience and skills meet the education and experience requirements for this position as listed on the job posting. Provide specific examples.
2. Describe your experience providing direct customer service including in person, online, or by telephone. Provide an example of a time you provided excellent customer service.
3. Describe your experience providing service to diverse populations in a work setting.
4. Describe your experience in helping someone learn how to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, such as Microsoft 365, electronic databases, email, and internet navigation, in addition to other office equipment (laptops, PCs, etc.).
5. Please describe a situation where you experienced a challenging situation and how you managed to ensure a positive and welcoming experience in a customer service setting. Be specific.
6. Do you speak Spanish fluently?