Library Assistant

Do you have a keen eye for detail, a passion for organization, and a heart for helping others? The Public Library is looking for enthusiastic Library Assistants to join our team. If you’re excited about libraries and want to make a meaningful impact in your community, we’d love to hear from you!

Library Assistant performs routine support tasks related to checking in, shelving and retrieving library materials or related to mending and repairing damaged materials. Provides routine patron support and assistance with programs.

We are filling several Library Assistant vacancies. A list of qualified individuals will be retained for up to six months to fill future vacancies. The hours will be up to 16 hours/week, year-round and includes taking part in a rotation for Saturday and Sunday shifts. Shifts may be assigned at any of the local Bellingham Library Branches (Central Library, Barkley, Bellis Fair, or Fairhaven). These positions may be required to have a valid WA State Drivers License and a good driving record.

This position will start at Step 1 ($19.41/hour). Employees receive step increases on completion of 2080 hours in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $19.41 - $23.67. 

At the City of Bellingham, we offer the following benefits that help you thrive in both your career and personal life.

• Work up to 69 hours per calendar month and flex up to full time for up to four months each calendar year.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 1 hour of Washington State paid sick leave accrued for every 40 hours worked.

This position is not eligible for benefits, except as required by law. 

This position becomes represented by the Local 1937 bargaining unit after the completion of 1040 hours working an average of at least 12 hours per week, on an annual basis. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

Closing Date/Time: Tuesday 5/06/2023 4:00 PM Pacific Time

   
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  

1. Transfers library materials to shelves and organizes materials according to classification system.  Maintains accurate order of materials on shelves.
2. Checks in library materials from outside and inside book drops and deliveries from the Whatcom County Library System as well as other offsite depositories; inspects materials for damage; alphabetizes and organizes materials for re-shelving; prepares and sorts newspapers and magazines for public use.
3. Processes library material request forms, retrieving requested materials from the corresponding areas in the Library.
4. Straightens work areas and patron seating areas by picking up materials and debris and arranging chairs.
5. Mends and repairs damaged books.
6. Assists patrons in the routine use of micro format reader and printers, public computers and printing, and express checkout machines.
7. Assists with library programs as assigned, including supply preparation, room set-up, greeting and assisting patrons, noting attendance statistics, assisting in the monitoring of children, and room clean-up.
8. Assists with ensuring patrons adhere to library policies and procedures by monitoring public areas and reporting potential violations to security and information attendants or management staff.
9. Drives Library delivery vehicle to off-site locations as assigned; loads and unloads book trucks and library materials from the vehicle

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

1. Assists Public Service Staff in checking out materials as needed.
2. May search for and process items from system-generated lists, including holds retrieval, expired holds, and missing items.
3. May re-shelve magazines; process and shelve newspapers, reference materials and items for closed stacks.
4. Assists management and staff in familiarizing new employees with routine tasks.
5. May provide basic clerical assistance such as filing, word processing, and producing spreadsheets and graphics; monitoring, ordering, and stocking office supplies.
6. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
 
Works indoors interacting with co-workers and the general public and using a variety of common office equipment including a computer, telephone, copier, etc.  Involves long periods of time standing and walking, with frequent stooping, squatting and pushing heavily loaded book carts.

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including:

• Reach shelves from six feet high to floor level
• Lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Stand for up to three hours
• Push a loaded book cart
• Correctable visual acuity sufficient to perform required work
• Fine finger dexterity to manipulate computer keyboard and mouse

• Ability to read and understand decimals and to arrange items alphabetically and numerically.
• Experience with the organization of materials preferred.

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check and child and vulnerable adult abuse records check (See Fair Hiring Practices).
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire. 
• Ability and willingness to work various shifts depending on the needs of the Library.
• Some positions may require a valid Washington State driver's license and good driving record. A three-year driving abstract must be submitted prior to hire for those positions.

**You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along**
 
Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.

Complete applications will be sent to the department for further review. The Library will contact the top candidates to schedule interviews.

Equal Opportunity: 
Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not discriminate or make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40 ), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

Fair Hiring Practices

• The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.
• The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.
• The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.
• The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.

Salary : $19