Library Specialist

Job Title: Library Specialist

Location: Wenatchee Public Library

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Type: Hourly/ 0.80 FTE Part Time
Required Schedule: Monday 10:00 AM -7:00 PM; Wednesday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM;

Friday 9:00 AM- 6:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM

Bargaining Unit: Unit 1

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Library Specialist prioritizes the immediate needs of library users by providing outstanding customer service experiences in person, online, and over the phone. They are responsible for assisting individuals with a wide range of information and circulation needs, including discovery and circulation of print and digital materials, responding to information queries, resolving patron account issues, and providing basic technology support. This position’s primary focus is customer service and the support of their assigned location’s daily operational needs, but they may also support in-branch activities and outreach events in collaboration with the local Librarian.

This position reports to and works under the guidance of an Area Manager, Supervising Librarian, or Operations Supervisor.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

At NCW Libraries, we believe that the foundation of our success lies in the unique abilities and skills each team member brings to the table. The core competencies outlined below represent the key attributes and behaviors that are essential for excelling in this role. We seek individuals who embody these qualities and are committed to fostering a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative work environment. If you possess these competencies, we encourage you to apply and join us in driving NCW Libraries forward.

• Ethical Practice: Consistently demonstrates integrity through behavior, character, and action. Reliably applies good judgment that reflects organizational values.
• Professionalism: Completes work to a set standard, both as an individual and part of a team. Exhibits competence and proficiency, and consistently demonstrates accountability. Serves as a positive representative of the library district both at work and in the community.
• Building Respectful Relationships: Promotes confidentiality and trust, fosters a positive culture, and exhibits respect with all verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Effective Communication & Collaboration: Provides concise, timely, and accurate information through appropriate channels, internally and externally. Welcomes and offers constructive feedback. Listens actively and works effectively with others to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to organizational change and shows a willingness and flexibility to learn and develop. Able to assess and make decisions in the moment, even when lacking complete information. Remains calm during tense or challenging situations or periods of stress.
• Valuing Diversity & Promoting Inclusiveness: Values diverse perspectives, consistently exhibits inclusive behavior, and cultivates respect for all individuals, groups, and cultures. Approaches relationships and communication with staff and community with respect and recognizes opportunities for their own personal learning and growth.
• Library Advocacy & Intellectual Freedom: Promotes and supports the fundamental purpose of the public library, including mission, vision, and strategic directions of NCW Libraries. Understands and can articulate the library’s role in providing free and equal access to ideas, information, resources, and services, from all points of view, without restriction, to every individual.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The list below is intended to describe the general content of and major responsibilities for performance of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of job duties or requirements.

• Provides prompt and courteous support to library patrons and members of the general public.

• Assists patrons with all circulation procedures including check-in and check-out, card registration, and account resolution. Takes payments for library fees as needed.
• Answers patrons’ reference questions and provides readers’ advisory services and bibliographic instruction as appropriate. Refers complex readers’ advisory and reference questions to a Librarian or appropriate staff member.
• Assists patrons in the basic use of library technology, equipment, and resources.
• Educates and assists patrons in the use of personal devices to access library resources.
• Pulls, sorts, and processes library materials and supplies, assesses materials for weeding, and performs data entry into the appropriate system as needed.
• Organizes, arranges, and shelves library materials as needed.

• Resolves staff and patron incidents, concerns, and conflicts, equitably applying NCW Libraries’ Code of Conduct Policy. Escalates issues to local leadership, as necessary.

• Promotes library materials, services, and programs by developing displays and sharing information during customer interactions. Requests and distributes library promotional materials as needed.
• Supports in-branch activities and outreach events in collaboration with the local Librarian, as assigned.
• Performs other library support services including opening and closing buildings and assisting in maintaining the library in a neat, clean, and orderly condition. May occasionally provide janitorial services to address unexpected messes.

Secondary Duties:

• Reinforces training provided to new staff by supervisor and teaches new staff specific tasks, as requested, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and practical application.
• Participates in staff meetings and on committees and teams as assigned.
• Performs daily cash handling and register functions.
• Attends training and professional development opportunities as assigned.
• Performs seasonal tasks such as shoveling snow and spreading ice melt.
• Performs other duties as assigned, apparent, or required, including the work of lower classifications as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associates/Technical degree and moderate experience working in a library and with the public providing library services, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One to two years of Customer Service Experience.

OTHER REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
• Fluency in English and Spanish preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Normally seated, standing or walking at will.
• Normal physical activity including some bending, pushing, pulling, and lifting and carrying, which may range up to 50 lbs. upon occasion.
• Keyboarding and working at a computer monitor for extended periods required.
• Phone usage, reading, speaking, and listening.
• Interactions with library system staff, library customers, other libraries, agencies and organizations, or vendors will be necessary to resolve situations or problems.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Occasionally requires working off-site in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings.
• Some early morning, evening, and weekend work is required.