Library Associate IV

Invitation to Compete #24-26: Library Associate IV

Humanities
Central Library, 1000 4thAve, Seattle, WA 98104
Regular, FLSA non-exempt; benefitted, part time; 64 hours per pay period

Schedule:

Week 1: Wed 9:30am - 6pm, Thurs 11:30am – 8pm, Fri 9:30am – 6pm; Sat OFF, Sun OFF, Mon 9:30am – 6pm, Tues OFF

Week 2: Wed OFF, Thurs 11:30am – 8pm, Fri 9:30am – 6pm, Sat 9:30am – 6pm, Sun 9:30am – 6pm, Mon OFF, Tues OFF

Salary Range: $38.96 - $47.24 per hour

A pay period is two weeks in length that starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. Hours will include weekdays, evenings and weekends. The schedule listed represents the Library’s current operational need and are subject to change. This classification is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME.

This position is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library’s employees.Please read the How to Apply section of this bulletin for more information and submit your application and cover letter in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on May 11, 2026to be considered.

Overview

The Seattle Public Library is a dynamic urban library system that consists of the Central Library and 26 branch libraries and 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 values of care, connection, and learning. They are equitable, demonstrate respect, engage in partnerships, and are transparent in their communications and intentions. The Library seeks to foster a culture of innovation which focuses on creativity, engagement, learning, and staff well-being and belonging. If you share these values and meet the qualifications, the Library invites you to apply for this Library Associate IV position.

The Central Library in downtown Seattle serves a diverse patron base including people experiencing housing insecurity, children and teens, immigrants, students, researchers, readers, and others seeking information resources, social service referral, enrichment, and technology support.

If you share these values and meet the qualifications, The Seattle Public Library invites you to apply for the Library Associate IV position in the Humanities at the Central Library.

The Library Associate IV supports Humanities (arts, recreation, literature, history, travel, maps) and many service desks at the Central Library. This position reports to the assistant managing librarian for Humanities.

The Library Associate IV will work closely with a team of staff who are responsible for services at the information desk and maintaining a welcoming environment for everyone, including interacting with patrons regarding the Library’s Community Use Agreement and using de-escalation skills to support patrons’ successful use of the Library.

The Library Associate IV provides a broad range of information services for patrons in person, by phone, chat and email. This position assists patrons with using Library technology which includes use of Microsoft Office software, searching the internet, downloading eBooks, using the Library’s online resources, printing, scanning and copying materials.

In addition to working information desks, the Library Associate IV provides technical and administrative support to the Humanities team. Assigned duties may include ordering supplies, assisting with department projects, and contributing to the maintenance of SharePoint (intranet) pages for Library staff. This position may be asked to serve on committees, and help colleagues with exhibits, displays, programs and/or outreach activities.

• Provide basic reference services in all subjects:Provide reference services in person, on the phone, email and chat , using information resources in print and electronic formats (SPL catalog and website, licensed databases and web resources). Refer complex reference questions to an appropriate reference service provider, when necessary.
• Perform basic troubleshooting for patrons who are using library-related technology: Assist patrons with questions related to the Library’s public computers, pay for print, and distribute internet guest passes to visitors. Provide instruction and assistance to groups and individuals regarding library-related technology and online resources.
• Provide information services related to Library operations, services and policies:Provide information to patrons about operations, services and policies throughout the Library system.
• Perform support duties and special projects:Specific support duties for the Library Associate IV includes maintaining and updating branch and region-specific information in an internal, online environment.
• Promote Library services and support services that are coordinated by librarians:Contribute to meeting the community's recreational, educational, cultural and information needs by promoting the Library's services, and, when necessary, the Library's policies and procedures. Support and provide public instruction sessions in areas such as accessing digital downloads and using the Library’s catalog and databases. Support classes and programs by helping with setup, scheduling, organizing, communication and marketing.

• Education:A high school diploma or a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) is required. Post-secondary education and/or relevant work experience will be considered in determining a candidate’s competitiveness. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Experience using Library information resources in print and electronic formats: Experience using basic print reference resources, such as dictionaries, directories, encyclopedias, online databases and maps. Experience searching licensed databases and web search engines. Experience using the Library’s website and current knowledge of services, resources, programs and events that are available to patrons throughout the Library system.Familiarity with other public technology support systems is helpful.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills:Must have at least three (3) years of professional experience in providing customer service to the general public. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively respond to patrons’ communications and inquiries, resolve issues among staff and between staff and patrons. Must be able to communicate in English, orally and in writing, and comprehend spoken and written English.Must demonstrate an ability to work effectively with other staff in a team environment (on projects and in work groups).
• Ability to prioritize and manage daily tasks:Must be organized, efficient and proactive. Must show initiative 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 the Library’s policies and procedures.
• Experience using basic computer office applications and equipment:Must be proficient in creating and editing documents in MS Word and Excel, using MS Outlook (or a similar email and calendar application) and managing email files. Experience in managing electronic files and using shared documents in an internal, online environment. Experience using office equipment, including scanners, copiers and printers. Ability to troubleshoot minor computer and office equipment issues and assist patrons with resolving issues related to computers and office equipment is helpful.
• Project management skills:Knowledge and experience assisting with events or projects, including assisting with planning, coordinating resources, monitoring progress, marketing and assisting with developing reports, informational materials and/or records.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with maintaining intranet pages or other online information for staff.
• Experience working with racially, culturally and economically diverse communities.
• Experience with interacting with people who are experiencing housing insecurity and individuals who are living with addiction or mental illness.
• Familiarity with de-escalation techniques for challenging behaviors and demonstrated experience using those skills.
• The ability to speak and read Amharic, Chinese, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya or Vietnamese.
• Experience in social services and/or providing computer assistance to adults.

How to Apply

Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit the following items by5:00 p.m. on May 11, 2026to be considered for this position.

1. NEOGOV online application
2. A cover letter that describes how your experience and skills align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications. Please let us know why you are interested in this position.
3. Current resume that summarizes relevant education, professional experience, training and skills.

Applications that do not include a cover letter, resume, and complete online application will not be considered.

Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials. The employment history detailed in your application materials MUST validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a series of one or more interviews.

Benefits and Salary Information

The full salary range for this position is $38.96 - $47.24 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Information about retirement plans can be found at: https://www.seattle.gov/retirement

Additional Information

If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at The Seattle Public Library, please send an email tojobapplications@spl.org. The Library promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.

Please keep in mind that job offers are contingent on a review of criminal history as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.