Back to all jobs

City of Richland are hiring a

Library Assistant - Intermittent (User Experience)

Department: Parks & Public Facilities

Division: Library

Pay Range

$26.78 - $37.49 Hourly

Midpoint

$32.14 Hourly

Starting salaries generally fall between the minimum and midpoint of the range. Each offer depends on the candidate’s experience and qualifications, internal pay equity, and available budget. Salary offers are negotiated individually based on these factors.

The Richland Public Library is seeking individuals who are passionate about proactive customer service to join our User Experience team. As an intermittent employee, you will help cover schedule needs on varying days and times, including nights and weekends, and hours are not guaranteed. Typical shifts include working at public service desks. Successful candidates will be flexible, positive, enjoy helping others, and thrive in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
Benefits are not included as part of this position.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Performs administrative support work providing a variety of responsible library and clerical duties, assisting in the organization of the library and library materials, and related work as apparent or assigned. Works a varied schedule to include days, evenings and weekends. Work is performed under the close to moderate supervision of the Library Supervisor or designee.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

None

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED and one (1) year of customer service experience.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Prior experience working and/or volunteering in a public library
Two (2) year college degree or higher
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Word
Prior experience in a web-based work environment

CORE VALUES

All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Richland’s core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City. The values of Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence promote and maintain a high level of morale and productivity and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across all functions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The City may make reasonable accommodations to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Performs a variety of responsible library and clerical duties to assist patrons; answers reference questions; provides information and explains library procedures and policies; periodically assists in locating and gathering materials and demonstrates proper use of reference materials, eResources, databases and services; assists patrons with the use of various digital devices and library equipment.
  • Performs a variety of services at the circulation desk; checks books and materials in and out; sensitizes and desensitizes materials utilizing the library security system.
  • Assists in the monitoring of patron behavior and ensures positive and harmonious interaction and relationships between patrons and library staff, assists in the overall security of the library and its premises.
  • Organizes circulation desk, reference, and children’s desks as needed; performs opening/closing procedures; assists patrons at the desks and on the phone; directs or refers patrons to appropriate library personnel; promotes library services relevant to patron needs.
  • Registers patrons for library cards; issues and renews library cards according to established guidelines; performs and submits financial transactions on automated system; ensures security of monies at circulation desk; assists in maintaining security of library materials.
  • Sorts returned materials to carts or shelves; operates a variety of library equipment to perform assigned tasks; records library statistics; opens meeting and study rooms as scheduled; assists in maintaining a clean and orderly library environment.
  • Attends community outreach events to promote library usage and services; supports library programming, including the promotion, creation, and execution of library events.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge of:

  • Library policies, procedures, methods, practices and equipment.
  • Principles of Intellectual Freedom and their application.
  • Purpose and functions of the library.
  • Basic reference and bibliographic tools, techniques and procedures.
  • Internet searching, use of Library catalog and online resources.
  • Modern office practices, methods, procedures and equipment.
  • Proper telephone techniques and etiquette.
  • Alpha-numeric and Dewey-decimal filing systems.
  • Computer software and data entry techniques.

Skills and abilities to:

  • Perform a variety of responsible library and clerical duties.
  • Provide information, assist patrons in locating materials and demonstrate proper use of reference materials in a tactful and courteous manner.
  • Assist in the circulation and return of library books and materials.
  • Explain library practices, procedures and equipment.
  • Demonstrate the location of books, periodicals and other materials in the library.
  • Show attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Type 25 words per minute with accuracy.
  • Determine appropriate action within clearly defined guidelines.
  • Maintain library in an orderly and safe condition.
  • Monitor and maintain acceptable patron behavior in the library.
  • Operate standard library equipment.
  • Learn and apply interlibrary loan procedures and guidelines.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; comprehend and use English effectively including producing all forms of communications in a clear, concise and understandable manner to intended audiences.
  • Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; work independently with little or no direction, set priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Operate a variety of modern office equipment and personal computers in a windows computing environment using standard or customized software application programs appropriate to assigned activities.
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
  • Establish, maintain and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Provide continuous effort to improve operations and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
  • Assist with community outreach.

COMPETENCIES

Foundational

  • Use Technical/Functional Expertise: Displays an appropriate depth of knowledge and skills as required for the position and commensurate with the time in class. Uses technology as appropriate for the position. Seeks additional knowledge and information to continually enhance knowledge in areas of specialty.
  • Be Accountable for Performance: Actively shows responsibility, reliability, and trustworthiness. Ensures work and information are complete and accurate. Admits mistakes and looks for ways to improve. Models self as dependable and reliable. Follows up with others to ensure agreements and commitments have been fulfilled. Values the importance of team and organizational success. Independently takes action to influence events, to improve own or organizational performance and to promote the goals of the organization.
  • Provide Excellent Customer Service: Anticipates, assesses, and responds effectively to the needs of diverse customers, both internal and external, providing consistently excellent service that is timely, accurate, courteous, and respectful.
  • Communicate Effectively: Uses verbal and written skills effectively to ensure that information is successfully shared throughout the organization. Relates well to a range of people. Shows sensitivity to the needs of others. Demonstrates ability to build rapport and facilitates mutual understanding.
  • Work Safely: Knowledge and application of relevant safety requirements that apply to the specific work being done. Recognizes and mitigates safety hazards on the job. Observes rules and regulations to comply with personal and workplace safety standards. Works to create a hazard-free, accident-free environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements and Working Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This work requires regular and punctual attendance at the Library or other assigned locations; this work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and pushing and/or pulling up to 75 pounds; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires standing, walking, sitting and repetitive motions and occasionally requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching with hands and arms; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data; work has rare possibility of exposure to the following environmental conditions: fumes or airborne particles and exposure to blood borne pathogens; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Selection will be based on overall qualifications, skills testing (if applicable) and an interview process. Final candidate selected will be subject to a comprehensive background/reference check commensurate to the position.

The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diversified work force. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age (over 40), martial or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be provided for participation in the application and selection process, if requested. Persons with a disability who need assistance must notify the Human Resources Department about the accommodation needed at the time of application and prior to the closing date by calling (509) 942-7392.

The provisions of job announcements listed on this website do not constitute an expressed, or implied, contract of employment with the City. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.