Yakima Valley Libraries is excited to announce an opening for a Collection Development Specialist! Join our team and help shape a dynamic, community-focused library collection that supports the diverse interests and needs of our readers. This part-time role (25 hrs/week) assists patrons with circulation, technology, and reference while supporting collection management and library projects. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, strong customer service, teamwork, attention to detail, and comfort with library systems and office technology are required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Intellectual Freedom: This role upholds the principles of Intellectual Freedom, which protect library users' rights to seek and receive information without scrutiny.
• Customer Service: Welcomes and serves patrons with high-quality customer service, ensuring inclusivity and respect for all.
• Collections Processing Coordination: Coordinates the processing of collection activities, including system-wide technical processing of selections.
• Collection Assessment: Researches and provides information on existing media collections to determine the materials needed for each library branch, identifying those to be replaced or added.
• Patron Request Review: Reviews patron requests for materials not in the collection to determine availability for purchase or interlibrary loan, and communicates with patrons regarding request status.
• Collection Maintenance: Reviews ILS reports for high-demand items no longer in the collection and addresses circulation issues to maintain proper collection flow.
• Selector Support: Assists selectors in locating vendors, processing orders, creating tracking systems, and downloading information into the library database (Polaris).
• Order Validation: Validates purchase orders with vendor information and ensures the accuracy of library orders.
• ISBN Verification: Verifies provisional records, including manual ISBN verification when necessary.
• Material Reassignment and Withdrawal: Participates in the reassignment and withdrawal of leased materials.
• Material Evaluation and Withdrawal: Evaluates and withdraws materials using selector information and ensures removal from the library database.
• Weeding Coordination: Coordinates project-oriented weeding of materials and trains others in the weeding process.
• Staff Training Identification: Assists in identifying staff training needs related to the collection lifecycle and ILS searching.
• Meeting and Committee Participation: Attends meetings and participates in various committees as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bargaining Unit: Yes

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two years of college or an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited institution. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Three years of library experience.
• Equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience may be substituted.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Washington driver’s license.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

REQUIRED JOB COMPETENCIES

• Library Knowledge: Understanding of basic library work principles, including the Dewey Decimal System and reference resources.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in current office methods, equipment, and software, including word processing, spreadsheets, email systems, and web-based searching.
• Customer Service: Ability to provide excellent customer service with tact, courtesy, and confidentiality.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage workload efficiently, and remain on task despite interruptions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong relationship-building and communication skills for interacting with diverse staff, patrons, and external agencies.
• Technology Proficiency: Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including library management systems and office machines.
• Attendance and Dependability: Consistently attend work and perform duties reliably.

These competencies highlight the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the role, focusing on key areas essential for success in the position.

Compensation and Benefits

• The pay for this position spans from $23.44 to 30.76 an hour, but most begin on Step 1 pending qualifications.
• Yakima Valley Libraries offers many benefits. Please visit our site for more information: https://www.yvl.org/about-us/employment-opportunities/benefits/