Area of Impact: Capacity
We are an organization of people serving people, and in recent years, our staff have been called on to serve new kinds of community roles. These realities take more staffing, time and, in some cases, special expertise. We are committed to ensuring staff have the systems, infrastructure, and development opportunities they need to best serve Seattle residents.
Our Goal
Build organizational capacity and capability through new recruitment, training and retention approaches, and improved systems and processes. We seek to be a desirable workplace and an employer of choice in our community.
How We Will Make an Impact
We will:
- Enhance, expand and support a workforce that is diverse and culturally competent in working with Seattle communities.
- Increase staffing levels to support open hours, provide secure and welcoming spaces, increase programming and improve access.
- Determine new skill sets and aptitudes to support current and future community needs.
- Increase staff sense of satisfaction, purpose and belonging at work.
- Foster staff empowerment, learning, development and upward mobility.
2025 Accomplishments
- Hired a Director of Belonging and Inclusion to establish a new office that will focus on identifying opportunities to improve the way we foster inclusion and belonging at the Library.
- Increased Library staff awareness of and access to available wellness resources.
2026 Priority Activities
- Review and update the Library’s Diversity Action Plan and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility policy.
- Establish improved onboarding processes and scheduling systems and expand employee wellness resources.