Library Summer Reading Reference Assistant

The Position

The Beaverton City Library is looking for two Reference Assistants to join us for our busiest season of the year. If you are passionate about library public services, excited to share our summer reading programs with library visitors, thrive in a busy work environment, and excel at providing great customer service, we want to hear from you! Reference Assistants provide an important link between library visitors and the wealth of resources available through the library. During the busy summer season, Reference Assistants interact with hundreds of patrons each week, providing exceptional customer service in person, over the phone, and via email. No two days are the same, and this job is fast-paced and dynamic.

The Ideal Candidate

• Is enthusiastic about libraries and wants to share everything the library has to offer.
• Loves working with people of all ages.
• Thrives in a busy work environment.
• Communicates effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Cares about providing excellent customer service.
  
  

This is a part-time (20 hours/week), seasonal, non-exempt position. There are two vacancies. One position will work all hours at the Main Library; the other will be scheduled to work at the Main Library as well as providing off-site Summer Outreach.

Schedule A (Main Library/Summer Outreach)

June 2nd – August 18th

Mondays: 10am-5:30pm

Tuesdays: 11pm-4pm

Wednesdays: 2pm-6pm

Thursdays: 2pm-6pm

Schedule B (Main Library Only)

June 2nd – August 17th

Thursdays: 11am-6pm

Fridays: 1pm-4pm

Saturdays: 10am-3:30pm

Sundays: 1pm-6pm

Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Beaverton’s online portal. You will need to fill out your work history and respond to several supplemental questions. Your education, skills, and experience will be evaluated using the main application form and supplemental questions; a resume and cover letter are not required and do not substitute for a complete application and work history.

Responsibilities

• Provide welcoming, courteous, and efficient customer service to patrons of all ages and backgrounds.
• Provide quick and accurate answers to patrons’ reference and reader's advisory questions.
• Assist patrons in their discovery of library materials and resources, both print and digital.
• Assist patrons in the use of library computers, databases, and electronic resources.
• Promote the library’s summer reading program.
• Promote an environment respectful of living and working in a multicultural society.
• Assist in maintaining a work environment with a culture of teamwork and communication.
• Provide assistance to the library’s outreach team, including prepping materials for events.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, and
• One year of experience in a library or bookstore setting; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience enabling the incumbent to perform the essential functions of the position.
  
  

Licensing and special requirements

• Ability to pass reference checks and education verification, and satisfy the requirements of a background check and education verification.
• Ability to pass a written exam.
  
  

The City of Beaverton is committed to supporting a culture of accountability, equity and inclusion for all, especially marginalized groups. We pledge to continue the ongoing, difficult and essential work needed to address institutional racism and historical inequities in all forms.

Beaverton is a diverse city, boasting a large population of qualified persons, including women, veterans, Black, Indigenous and people of color, persons with disabilities, generational groups, persons who speak many languages and are of diverse national origins.

Studies have shown that many candidates, especially women, are less likely to apply for a job if they do not believe they meet 100% of the hiring criteria. The city’s talent acquisition goals include hiring the candidate who is best able to meet the performance objectives of the role. We therefore encourage persons with non-traditional skill sets and experiences to apply, even if you believe you do not meet 100% of the qualifications and hiring criteria described.

Compensation

Wage rate: $27.27 hourly

This seasonal position is not eligible for city-sponsored benefits.

This position does not receive benefits.

01

What is your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above
  
  

02

What best describes your experience working or volunteering in a library or bookstore?

• Less than one year
• 1-2 years
• 2-5 years
• 5 or more years
• None of the above
  
  

03

Please Select The Schedule(s) You Are Willing To Work

• Schedule A: Monday-Thursday
• Schedule B: Thursday-Sunday
• None of the above
  
  

04

Briefly describe your experience working or volunteering in a library or bookstore. Please be sure to include:

• Any experience answering reference questions or making book recommendations.
• Any experience in a Washington County Cooperative Library Services library.
• Any experience using Polaris ILS.
  
  

05

What excites you most about working as a Summer Reading Reference Assistant at Beaverton City Library this summer?

06

Please list any dates when you will be unavailable to work for a week or more during June, July, or August 2025.

• Required Question