Library Technician

The Library Technician is responsible for developing the Portland Japanese Garden’s library collection and promoting its use. They are a skilled library and information professional, trained to perform the day-to-day functions of a library and assist the librarians in the acquisition, preparation, and organization of information. The resources are constantly evolving at the Garden, books are continually being published, and standards are regularly being updated. They also perform as the face of the Garden during the library’s operation hours. The Library Technician reports to the Training Center Program Manager. This position works from the primary Garden campus, located at 611 SW Kingston Ave.

Primary Duties 

• Supervise reading room and provide instructions for patrons
• Create print and online resources to educate patrons about our materials and their subjects
• Catalog books, audiovisual materials, and electronic resources
• Welcome library volunteers and oversee their basic tasks
• Manage and troubleshoot on-line collection database, TinyCat, and other systems
• Collaborate with Japan Institute staff to create programs for members/visitors using Library resources
• Support Garden Department on educational and research needs
• Document incoming library acquisitions
• Respond to patrons’ research inquiries via email, phone, and/or mail
• Display the rotating shelf to align with seasonal events and other cultural/artistic activities across the Garden
• Process circulation requests from Garden staff
• Transfer materials between storage locations
• Process and catalog records and archives materials
• Update library’s operation procedures as needed
• Digitize photographs and archives for use on the website or in publications
• Monitor and acquire new publications to keep the Wish List up to date
• Survey collections storage and follow preservation guidelines
• Perform regular inventories for security and documentation
• Execute disaster management procedures in the event of inclement weather
• Connect catalog records to WorldCat to enable researchers to find our materials
• Other duties as assigned

Other Responsibilities 

• Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook
• Get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere of open, honest, two-way communication 
• Serve as a role model for Garden volunteers, providing support and encouragement to volunteers in their roles across the Garden
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance
• Adhere to Garden Dress Code

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.

• Friendly, positive, and poised personality
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proven track record of excellent interpersonal communication and customer care
• Working experience in public and/or private libraries
• Master’s Degree in Library Science or equivalent experience preferred, but not required
• English and Japanese language fluency strongly preferred, but not required
• Current driver’s license: Must be able to supply satisfactory DMV report

Special Requirements

Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs

Compensation & Schedule

• Wage: $19–$20/hour
• This is a part-time, hourly position up to 20 hours per week.
• Vollum Library hours of operation are typically 9:00am – 2:00pm on Friday and Saturday. Librarian may work on backend tasks during other days of the week. Monday, Thursday and Sunday library operations are currently supported by volunteers. Portland Japanese Garden is closed on Tuesdays.
• Benefits
  • a household membership to the Garden
  • reciprocal access to other area attractions, such as Portland Art Museum, OMSI, and Oregon Zoo
  • a 30% discount on most items in the gift shop
  • incentives for using alternative transportation to commute to work
  • free access to the Employee Assistance Program
  • paid sick time
  • eligible for the company 401k plan upon completion of 500 hours in the first 6 months of employment (4% employer match after 1 year of service)

Transportation

The Garden is located at 611 SW Kingston Avenue, in Washington Park. Below are the transportation options for staff commuting to the Garden:

• Parking: Staff may park in the numbered spaces throughout Washington Park, which require payment. Additionally, staff may request parking permits from Washington Park. The Garden subsidizes a portion of the cost for parking permits; the cost for staff is $75 during the high season (March – September) and $50 during the low season (October – February).
• Bus Passes: For staff who take public transit as their primary means of commuting to the Garden, we provide paid bus passes. Full-time staff receive a monthly TriMet pass, and part-time staff receive daily passes, based on their work schedule.
• Transportation Stipend: Staff who take any form of alternative transit to get to work qualify for a $5 daily stipend. This includes taking public transit, walking, biking, carpooling, or getting dropped off. The only staff who do not qualify for the stipend are those who are receiving a bus pass through the Garden.

Applications

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three work-related references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls or hand delivered applications. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

All submitted applications will be held in confidence.

We encourage all potential applicants to watch our video entitled “Come to Understand: Welcome to Portland Japanese Garden” (5:56 minutes).