Library Assistant - Aberdeen

Salary : See Position Description

Location : Aberdeen, WA

Job Type : Part-time

Job Number : 25-008

Department : Aberdeen

Opening Date : 02 / 05 / 2025

Closing Date : Continuous

The Timberland Library is seeking a Library Assistant to work at the Aberdeen Library branchLibrary Assistants perform various circulation, reader advisory, and reference duties in support of community library operations for the Timberland Regional Library. This position reports to a Library Supervisor as part of a service-oriented team.

The ideal candidates work well in a team, foster positive interactions with patrons, while having excellent customer service skills. They should be adaptable and proactive, with a willingness to try new things. The skills needed to be successful in this role include effective communication skills, flexibility, keen organization skills, attention to detail, the ability to work independently, and use good judgement when solving problems.

This position is located in the West Grays HarborRegion of our Library District which includes the Aberdeen, Amanda Park, Hoquiam, and Westportlibraries. You may be scheduled to work in any location within the region. Per our policy, if you are scheduled to work at another branch, you will be provided with a TRL vehicle or paid for any commute in excess of your typical commute.

• Type : Part-time, 35 hours per week (0.875 FTE) with benefits. Regular. FLSA non-exempt.

Bargaining Unit : AFSCME Local 3758.

Starting Pay : The current pay range for these positions is $20.41 - $28.26 per hour, depending upon qualifications.

The Timberland Regional Library offers a Bilingual Pay Incentive for demonstrated fluency in the following languages : Spanish / Spanish Creole, American Sign Language, and in Thurston County onlyKorean and Vietnamese.

Examples of Duties & Responsibilities

Class specifications are intended to provide a descriptive list illustrative of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. May be assigned any of the following duties :

Performs circulation duties including checking books in / out, processing hold requests, fees for materials, and library card applications.

Provides customer service to library patrons in-person, by telephone, or electronically. This includes responding to general and reference inquiries and locating library materials. Conducts reference interviews to determine reader's advisory and information requirements of patrons.

Educates and advises patrons in the use of library computers and equipment. Provides troubleshooting assistance in relation to computer / library equipment as required.

Understands and clearly explains library rules, policies, and procedures to the public as required and resolves patron issues as needed. May refer patrons, when needed, to other departments for assistance.

Maintains assigned library display areas.

Performs library opening / closing duties and assists in maintaining library facilities and equipment.

In the absence of a supervisor will act as the person in charge.

Performs clerical duties including data entry, preparing reports, processing library mail, and ordering supplies. May process / distribute departmental mail; retrieves and delivers mail to post office as required.

May provide assistance in monitoring the activities of volunteer and community service workers. May provide training and guidance to new personnel as directed by supervisor.

At the direction of a supervisor, may present and / or participate in assigned library programs, including recommending programming and performers. May assist with community outreach.

May participate on local and district-wide committees and perform other duties as assigned or required.

Education & Experience

High School diploma or equivalency preferred. Two years customer service, including one year library experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses, Certifications, and Special Requirements :

Must pass and maintain a criminal background check (per RCW 43.43).

The ability to work evenings and weekends and to adapt to schedule changes on short notice.

How to Apply :

Attach cover letter ONLY.

For positions requiring an MLIS you may attach the degree and State of Washington Librarian Certificate. This is not a required application attachment, but must be documented prior to official employment with TRL.

Please note : Failure to follow the application instructions above may lead to disqualification.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Employees are expected to demonstrate the following qualities at all times :

Positively reflect TRL's mission, vision, and values to the staff and public.

Effective organizational and time management skills, including the ability to multitask, manage multiple projects at the same time and adapt to changing priorities to meet demands of the department.

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Demonstrate quality customer service.

Exhibit reliability and dependability. Demonstrate punctuality with regular and consistent attendance.

Demonstrate a positive attitude and flexibility.

Work well with others, show respect, and contribute to the team.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Employees are expected to perform or possess the following :

Able to process and shelve library materials.

General office equipment and standard computer software applications.

Customer service standards and procedures.

Performing a variety of general clerical library functions.

Providing backup assistance and performing a variety of basic circulation desk duties.

Filing numerically and alphabetically.

Maintaining assigned library materials and equipment.

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with library staff, volunteers, patrons, and the general public.

Reader advisory and reference methods and techniques.

Conducting circulation, reader advisory, and reference activities.

Utilizing library computer systems and databases.

Community library operations, programs, and services.

Committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Technology Requirements :

Ability to navigate, search and use web functions and software applications (i.e., time and attendance systems, online trainings, and other various work-related applications).

Microsoft Office Suite skills (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel) to satisfactorily complete job responsibilities

Physical and Environmental Conditions :

Subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting objects up to 40 pounds.

Must be able to push / pull library carts and lift / carry library materials.

May be exposed to potentially intimidating and / or unreceptive members of the public.

May travel to other sites and locations to participate in work related assignments.

Timberland Regional Library is an intercounty public library system whose service area spans from the Pacific Coast of Southwest Washington to the Foothills of Mount Rainier, and from the Hood Canal to the mouth of the Columbia River. We serve more than 550,000 rural and urban residents through our network of 29 community libraries, 1 public kiosk and 1 cooperative library center, and strive to provide excellent service to any and all who seek us out. Our mission is to connect our diverse community to ideas, experiences, and each other.

We offer competitive salaries with a full suite of benefits for regular employees hired at .50 FTE and above :

Dental - Washington Dental Service or Willamette Dental

Vision Service Plan (VSP)

Employee Assistance Program

Life and Long-term Disability insurance (The Standard).

Short-term disability insurance (Aflac) at the employees option.

Flexible Benefits Savings Plans, Available Health Savings Account

Participation in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) (City, County, and State Employees may be able to roll over service credit years upon hire.)

Deferred Compensation Plan

Paid Sick Leave, Vacation Leave and 12 Paid Holidays plus 2 Personal Holidays

Do you have experience providing services to members of the community belonging to marginalized and underserved groups, or those who speak a language different from your own? If yes please describe your experience.

If faced with a difficult customer / patron situation, how would you handle it?

Do you have experience assisting people with technology? If yes, please describe your experience.

Please briefly describe your experience using Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365. If none, please put n / a.

Required Question

Salary : $20 - $28