Library Associate Job at Sno-Isle Libraries in Camano

Sno-Isle Libraries - Camano Island Library, 848 N Sunrise Blvd, Camano Island, Washington, United States of America Req #9

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Closing Date: February 14, 2025 - 11:59 p.m.

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

In June 2007 the Camano Island Library started as a three-year Pilot Project Library trial to gauge interest in establishing a community library. Given the positive reception, the pilot project was extended until a bond measure could be held. In April 2014, Camano residents approved a levy to establish a permanent location, and, on August 1, 2015, the library celebrated its inauguration; approximately 75,000 customers visited the library in 2024. The library provides the public with a wide selection of material to browse and check out as well as computer, internet, and Wi-Fi access. The Camano Island Library also presents storytimes for children and regularly provides programs for all ages.

Job Summary

This full-time Library Associate will serve the community by assisting customers at the library circulation desk and providing basic reference service. The person in this position may also serve as a Person-in-Charge when the manager is out of the building. In addition, they will be expected to provide storytimes and work with a team of peers to develop and host community-wide programs. Experience in sharing a love of reading with young children is preferred, as is the demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.

Work schedules include morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend hours depending on the needs of the Camano Library as well as the larger North District area. The successful candidate may be required to adapt to future programming, schedule, and location changes depending on library needs. Excellent customer service and support of equity, diversity and inclusion are highly valued qualifications. We also offer a multilingual pay differential to acknowledge the additional skills staff bring to customer interactions and programs.

The Library Associate performs skilled paraprofessional library support services at the Camano Library to contribute to the Library District's effective operation, providing library services, spaces, and resources that are representative of diverse cultures and perspectives, intentionally inclusive, and accessible to everyone.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 2.

Essential Functions

• 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.
• Provide courteous and efficient customer service by performing circulation desk tasks.
• Create and present programming for all customer groups as assigned.
• Develop program materials, including reading lists, promotional displays, and presentation materials.
• Provide training to customers in basic library skills including the use of public computers, catalog and reference computers, Internet, and devices.
• Assist customers in resolving technical problems or issues. Maintain and troubleshoot equipment utilized in a community library.
• 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.
• Perform other library support services including opening and closing buildings and assisting in maintaining the library in neat, clean, and orderly condition.
• May be designated in charge of the community library in the absence of other supervisory staff or building manager.
• Travel from one work site to another as staffing needs require.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Make presentations to the public as assigned.
• Prepare correspondence and reports.
• Train new staff as needed.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and workshops as assigned.
• Assist with special projects as required.
• Participate on committees or teams as assigned.
• May serve as the volunteer coordinator of a community library.
• 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

• Thorough knowledge of established web-based databases and techniques of searching and accessing those resources.
• Thorough knowledge of established practices and procedures for an integrated library system (ILS).
• Thorough knowledge of library policies and procedures for determining needs and interests of customers.
• Knowledge of collection development policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of library resources, programs, and services.
• Knowledge of alpha and numeric systems for arranging library materials as well as automated bibliographic identification at a basic level.
• 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 handle and resolve disruptive behavior effectively.
• Ability to work independently and to set priorities.
• Ability to work cooperatively and maintain effective interpersonal relationships 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.

Education and Experience

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

• College-level education or specialized training such as library science, presenting programs, or other profession-based subject areas.
• 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:

• Describe your experience assisting others with computers, software, and the internet.
• Describe any experience, education, or training that you have in programming and presenting to groups, especially children.
• Describe your experience providing customer service in a library or public service environment, including specific examples.
• Describe your experience navigating web databases and the techniques used for researching and accessing those resources.
• Describe any experience in being in charge of a building or facility.

Sno-Isle Libraries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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. This and all Sno-Isle Libraries' positions are subject to transfer.