Title : IC #10-12 Library Associate IV
Department : (2 positions) Douglass-Truth Branch and Lake City Branch
Application Deadline : 04/16/2012 at 12:00 pm
Job Number : Invitation to Compete #10-12
Pay Range : $23.37 - $28.35 per hour
Hours : 64 hours per pay period
Special Notes :
*Open to the public and to current employees of The Seattle Public Library*
To ensure consideration, applications must be received by noon, Monday, April 16, 2012.
These are regular, non-exempt and benefited position. This classification is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME; and, with few exceptions, upon employment the individual selected must join the union and pay dues.
Note: This recruitment may also be used to fill a 3-month temporary Library Associate IV position at the Northeast Branch. This position would also be 64 hours per pay period.
Overview :
The Seattle Public Library is Seattle's center of information and knowledge and one of the most popular and valued services in the city. Library staff members are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. Staff members are committed to the Library's organizational values of respect, partnership, engagement, diversity, transparency and recognition. In particular, they demonstrate respect, engage in partnerships, and are transparent in their communications and intentions. A strategic priority of the Library is to foster an internal culture of innovation which focuses on creativity, engagement, learning and staff development.
Under the leadership of the Regional Manager of the branch, these positions provide a broad range of information services to Library users, including assisting users in locating and using Library resources, performing bibliographic searches and other basic reference work, providing readers' advisory services, providing information services, offering branch-specific community outreach services, designing and preparing exhibits and other visual material; making presentations as required and performing related tasks as assigned.
These positions use independent judgment in assessing requests for information, and utilize a variety of skills to locate information in response to user demand. Incumbents will also use independent judgment in determining the referral of questions to others in the Library unit or region who may more effectively respond to a particular request.
These positions also provide technical and administrative support in the branch. Assigned duties may include typing and filing of Library records, correspondence and reports, back-up scheduling of staff, back-up supplies ordering and other related tasks. The positions may develop and maintain special files and indexes and assist in drafting department procedures and act as content coordinators for the Library staff online environment. These positions, when needed, serve as building lead and may be responsible for the effective operation of the Library unit in the absence of an Assistant Manager; this may include interpreting Library policies to users and handling emergencies. In this capacity, the position provides a broad range of patron services, including circulation services.
Essential Functions :
Performs basic Reader's Advisory and Reference Services in all subjects: Provide readers' advisory and reference services in person, via the phone and via internet, using a broad range of information resources in print and electronic formats (SPL catalog and web site, licensed databases and web resources). Refer complex reference questions to an appropriate reference service provider, when necessary.
Performs basic troubleshooting for patrons using Library computers: Assists patrons with questions related to the Library's public computers, pay for print, distributing guest passes to visitors of the Library.
Performs information services related to Library operations, services, and policies: Provides information to users about operations, services and policies throughout the Library system. Assists users with borrower services related functions, such as placing holds and updating borrower records.
Performs support duties and special projects for the department as assigned. Specific support duties for the Library Associate IV includes maintaining and updating branch and region-specific information in an internal, online environment.
Promotes Library services and provides Outreach Services: Contributes to meeting community recreational, educational, cultural, and information needs by promoting public awareness of Library services, and, when necessary, the policies and procedures of the Library and by providing effective outreach services. Supports and provides public instruction sessions in areas such as accessing digital downloads and using the catalog and databases. Provides support for classes taught by others by helping to manage setup, scheduling, organizing, communication and marketing related to classes.
Required Qualifications :
Education: High School Diploma or Graduate Equivalent Degree (GED) is required. Post-secondary education and/or relevant work experience will be considered in determining candidate competitiveness. Bachelor's Degree is strongly preferred.
Experience using Library information resources in print and electronic formats: Experience using basic print reference and reader's advisory resources, such as dictionaries, directories, encyclopedias, online databases and maps. Proficiency in using the Horizon Information Portal public online systems. Experience searching licensed databases and Web search engines. Experience using the Library's web site and current knowledge of services, resources, programs and events available to patrons throughout the Library system are a plus. Familiarity with other public technology support systems, such as Reserve a Computer and Pay for Print.
Excellent customer service and communication skills: Must have at least 3 years experience in direct customer service to the general public. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills; including the ability to document branch procedures for publication, effectively respond in-person to patron communications and inquiries, resolve conflicts among staff and between staff and patrons and work effectively with other staff in a team setting, on projects and in work groups. Must have an ability to communicate in English, orally and in writing, and comprehend spoken and written English.
Ability to prioritize and manage daily tasks: Must be organized, efficient, show initiative and be proactive, and use good judgment in prioritizing work. Successful candidates should have the ability to recognize and adjust what work needs to be done in order to support the successful operation of the unit.
Excellent judgment in problem solving and deductive reasoning: Ability to recognize problems and assess situations, to gather and evaluate relevant information, and to take appropriate action, including appropriate referral and appropriate application of Library policy and procedure.
Experience using basic computer office applications and operating office equipment: Proficiency creating and editing documents and spreadsheets using Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience using MS Outlook electronic mail (or a similar web-based e-mail and calendaring program) and managing e-mail files. Experience managing electronic files in a network environment and using web-based shared document technologies in an internal, online environment. Experience maintaining or managing an "intranet" or other staff-only web environment is desirable. Experience using office equipment, including fax machines, photocopiers and printers. Ability to troubleshoot minor computer and office equipment issues and assist patrons in resolving issues related to computers and office equipment is desirable.
Project Management skills: Knowledge and experience assisting with events or projects, including assisting with planning, scheduling staff and rooms, coordinating resources, monitoring progress, marketing and assisting with developing reports, informational materials and/or records.
Other required skills and abilities: Must be flexible in adjusting work hours. Must demonstrate an ability to work with others in a team environment on projects.
How to apply :
Interested candidates should submit a Resume and Cover Letter as an email attachment to jobapplications@spl.org . The cover letter should describe how your qualifications and experience meet those required for the Library Associate IV position. Application materials must be received by noon, Monday, April 16, 2012.
Those invited to interview will be required to complete The Seattle Public Library Employment Application available online at www.spl.org prior to the interview. Candidates who submit the online application in lieu of the resume and cover letter at this stage of the recruitment process will not be considered.
THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY PROUDLY PROMOTES DIVERSITY IN EMPLOYMENT.
If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please let us know.
