Library Associate IV

Invitation to Compete #26-25: Library Associate IV

Quick Information Services

Central Library, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle 

Regular, FLSA non-exempt, full-time position (80 hours per pay period)

Schedule:

Week 1: Wednesday 9:30am-6pm, Thursday 11:30am-8pm, Friday OFF, Saturday 9:30am-6pm, Sunday 9:30am-6pm, Monday OFF, Tuesday: 9:30am-6pm

Week 2: Wednesday 11:30am-8pm, Thursday 9:30am-6pm, Friday 9:30am-6pm, Saturday–Sunday OFF, Monday 9:30am-6pm, Tuesday 9:30am-6pm

Salary Range: $37.61 - $45.60 per hour

A pay period is two weeks in length that starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. Hours will include weekdays, evenings and weekends. This is a fully in-person role. The schedules listed represent the Library’s current operational need and are subject to change. This classification is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME.

This recruitment is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library's employees. Please submit your online application, cover letter, resume and responses to the supplemental questions in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on May 28, 2025.

Overview

The Seattle Public Library is a dynamic urban library system that consists of the Central Library and 26 branch libraries and is Seattle's center of information and knowledge and one of the most popular and valued services in the city. Library staff members are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service, and caring. Staff members are committed to the Library's values of care, connection, and learning. They are equitable, demonstrate respect, engage in partnerships, and are transparent in their communications and intentions. The Library seeks to foster a culture of innovation which focuses on creativity, engagement, learning, and staff well-being and belonging. If you share these values and meet the qualifications, the Library invites you to apply for this Library Associate IV position.

The Central Library in downtown Seattle serves a diverse patron base including people experiencing housing insecurity, children and teens, immigrants, students, researchers, readers, and others seeking information resources, social service referral, enrichment, and technology support.

If you share these values and meet the qualifications, The Seattle Public Library invites you to apply for the Library Associate IV position in the Quick Information Center (QIC) at the Central Library.

The Quick Information Services Library Associate IV supports the Quick Information Center, the Library’s primary call center, and many service desks at the Central Library. It frequently supports adults with technology questions and people experiencing homelessness, and also serves the broader library user population. The position reports to the Assistant Managing Librarian for the Quick Information Center. 

The Quick Information Center is located on level 5, where 120 computers are available for public use. QIC staff serve patrons and visitors from all walks of life, including people who are experiencing homelessness, veterans, immigrants and refugees, seniors, families and others. 

The Library Associate IV position will work closely with a team of staff who are primarily responsible for services at the information desk and maintaining a welcoming environment for everyone, including interacting with patrons regarding the Library’s Rules of Conduct and using de-escalation skills to support patrons’ successful use of the Library.

The Library Associate IV provides a broad range of information services for patrons in person, by phone, chat and email. This position assists patrons with using Library technology which includes use of Microsoft Office software, searching the internet, downloading eBooks, using the Library’s online resources, printing and photocopying materials. 

The Library Associate IV utilizes a variety of skills to locate information in response to patrons’ requests and must be familiar with the Library’s departments and where to refer patrons. Questions will be on a variety of topics, including general reference questions; requests for housing, food and job search assistance; and questions about the Library's services, policies and programs.

The Library Associate IV may be asked to serve on committees, and help colleagues with programs and/or outreach activities. The position also provides technical and administrative support. Assigned duties may include typing and filing of Library records, preparing correspondence and reports, ordering supplies, assisting with department projects and contributing to the maintenance of SharePoint (intranet) pages for Library staff.

• Provide basic reference services in all subjects: Provide reference services in person, on the phone and online, using information resources in print and electronic formats (SPL catalog and website, licensed databases and web resources). Refer complex reference questions to an appropriate reference service provider, when necessary.

• Perform basic troubleshooting for patrons who are using library-related technology: Assist patrons with questions related to the Library’s public computers, pay for print, and distribute internet guest passes to visitors. Provide instruction and assistance to groups and individuals regarding library-related technology and online resources.
• Provide information services related to Library operations, services and policies: Provide information to patrons about operations, services and policies throughout the Library system.
• Perform support duties and special projects: Specific support duties for the Library Associate IV includes maintaining and updating branch and region-specific information in an internal, online environment.
• Promote Library services and support services that are coordinated by librarians: Contribute to meeting the community's recreational, educational, cultural and information needs by promoting the Library's services, and, when necessary, the Library's policies and procedures. Support and provide public instruction sessions in areas such as accessing digital downloads and using the Library’s catalog and databases. Support classes and programs by helping with setup, scheduling, organizing, communication and marketing.

• Education: A high school diploma or a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) is required. Post-secondary education and/or relevant work experience will be considered in determining a candidate’s competitiveness. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

• Experience using Library information resources in print and electronic formats: Experience using basic print reference resources, such as dictionaries, directories, encyclopedias, online databases and maps. Experience searching licensed databases and web search engines. Experience using the Library’s website and current knowledge of services, resources, programs and events that are available to patrons throughout the Library system. Familiarity with other public technology support systems is helpful.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills: Must have at least three (3) years of professional experience in providing customer service to the general public. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively respond to patrons’ communications and inquiries, resolve issues among staff and between staff and patrons. Must be able to communicate in English, orally and in writing, and comprehend spoken and written English. Must demonstrate an ability to work effectively with other staff in a team environment (on projects and in work groups).
• Ability to prioritize and manage daily tasks: Must be organized, efficient and proactive. Must show initiative and use good judgment in prioritizing work. Successful candidates should have the ability to recognize and adjust what work needs to be done in order to support the successful operation of the unit.
• Excellent judgment in problem solving and deductive reasoning: Ability to recognize problems and assess situations, to gather and evaluate relevant information, and to take appropriate action, including appropriate referral and appropriate application of the Library’s policies and procedures.
• Experience using basic computer office applications and equipment: Must be proficient in creating and editing documents in MS Word and Excel, using MS Outlook (or a similar email and calendar application) and managing email files. Experience in managing electronic files and using shared documents in an internal, online environment. Experience using office equipment, including fax machines, photocopiers and printers. Ability to troubleshoot minor computer and office equipment issues and assist patrons with resolving issues related to computers and office equipment is helpful.
• Project management skills: Knowledge and experience assisting with events or projects, including assisting with planning, scheduling staff and rooms, coordinating resources, monitoring progress, marketing and assisting with developing reports, informational materials and/or records.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with maintaining intranet pages or other online information for staff.
• Experience working with racially, culturally and economically diverse communities.
• Experience with interacting with people who are experiencing housing insecurity and individuals who are living with addiction or mental illness.
• Familiarity with de-escalation techniques for challenging behaviors and demonstrated experience using those skills.
• The ability to speak and read Amharic, Chinese, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya or Vietnamese.

How to Apply

Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit the following items in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on May 28, 2025 to be considered for this position:

1. Online application with responses to the supplemental questions. 
2. A cover letter that describes how your experience and skills align with the job responsibilities and qualifications. Please let us know why you want to do this work. 
3. Current resume that summarizes relevant education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

Applications that do not include a cover letter, resume, and complete online application will not be considered.
 
Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials. The employment history detailed in your application materials MUST validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a series of one or more interviews.
 
Benefits and Salary Information
The full salary range for this position is $37.61 - $45.60 hourly.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Information about retirement plans can be found at: https://www.seattle.gov/retirement
 
Additional Information

If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at The Seattle Public Library, please send an email to job.applications@spl.org. The Library promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.
 
Please keep in mind that job offers are contingent on a review of criminal history as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.