Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Tacoma, WA

Salary: $25.36 - $30.85 Hourly
Location : Vashon Library, 17210 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon Island, WA
Job Type: Regular Part-Time
Job Number: 2026-00177
Department: Olympic Region - BP/BU/GB/TU/VS/WC
Opening Date: 09/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Union Represented: Yes
General Position Summary
Job #2026-00177
King County Library System (KCLS) is seeking a motivated, skilled, and customer service-oriented Library Technical Assistant (LTA) to provide service to the Vashon Library of the King County Library System.
As a Library Technical Assistant (LTA), you will have the opportunity to:

• Serve as a first point of referral for material handling issues
• Provide directional assistance to patrons by checking and locating requested materials, programs, and services, in person, over the phone, and online
• Assist patrons with library accounts and technology (included but not limited to resetting email/passwords and troubleshooting peripherals)
• Troubleshoot the Automated Material Handling (AMH) system
• Uphold and practice the principles of Intellectual Freedom
• Resolve patron incidents, concerns and conflicts ensuring the Code of Conduct is followed or redirect as appropriate

Schedule
Week A:
Monday, 11:45am-8:15pm
Tuesday, 11:45am-8:15pm
Wednesday, 9:30am-5:30pm
Saturday, 11:15am-6:15pm
Week B:
Sunday, 11:15am-6:15pm
Monday, 11:45am-8:25pm
Wednesday, 11:45am-8:15pm
Thursday, 10:15am-6:15pm
All shifts at Vashon Library
Required: Applicants must attach a current resume and cover letter which addresses relevant work experience, education, and training as it relates to this position.
About King County Library System (KCLS):
KCLS has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1.5 million diverse patrons, providing an unparalleled collection of library materials, resources, technology, services, and programs.
Approximately 1,000 engaged and passionate staff provide service in 50 community library locations and patron engagement using direct outreach, programs, and virtual assistance. Our service area includes cities, towns, tribal lands, and unincorporated districts of King County, with the exception of the city of Seattle.
From a 2021-2022 comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Assessment Demographics and Language Report, of the more than 1.5 million residents who live within the KCLS service area, almost half identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Moreover, roughly one-third of the KCLS community speaks a language other than English as their first language.
The King County Library System values the diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures of all qualified individuals. We seek applicants that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color), immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, veterans, etc.
KCLS welcomes reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities as an opportunity to assist qualified individuals to participate in the job application or interview process and/or perform the essential functions of the position upon hire.
Need an accommodation to apply or interview? Call (425) 369-3224 or email .
KCLS ensures equal opportunities and consideration for all job applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. KCLS does not tolerate discrimination or harassment during any stage of employment, including in recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, leave of absence, compensation, or training.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties
The items listed in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic and therefore duties may change based on business necessity; however, any new duties will remain within the scope of the job.

• Assists patrons and staff regarding circulation and basic information needs via phone and in-person. Registers new patrons and handles library accounts and inquiries. Redirects patrons and staff to appropriate sources to resolve questions as needed.
• Processes incoming and outgoing library materials both manually and with the Automated Material Handling (AMH) machine. Reviews items for any issues that need to be addressed (e.g., damaged materials, items that belong to other institutions, items to evaluate).
• Loads carts with materials and shelves them in appropriate shelving and/or locker locations. Runs materials management reports and pulls and checks in items as appropriate.
• Provides assistance and guidance to patrons on library technology and equipment use, including hardware and software support needs.
• Troubleshoots basic technology issues and reports equipment repair needs and non-routine maintenance, as necessary.
• Supports patrons and system staff with scheduling and using the library facility, including meeting and study rooms.
• Resolves patron incidents, concerns and conflicts ensuring the Code of Conduct is followed or redirects as appropriate.
• Assists with promotion and display of library materials, services, and programs.
• Performs daily cash handling and register functions, and associated reconciliation and deposits.
• Assists with the daily responsibility of opening, maintaining, and closing library facilities, including ordering office and equipment materials and supplies.

Secondary Duties

1. Upholds the principle of intellectual freedom. Responds to related inquiries and refers challenges as appropriate.
2. Attends and actively participates on internal committees.
3. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies
Each KCLS position has job-specific competencies. These competencies describe characteristics needed for optimum performance in the position. In addition, there are organizational competencies applicable to all positions at KCLS that encompass the culture and set expectations for how work is performed.
Organizational Competencies

• Valuing Diversity

Manages relationships with all kinds and classes of people inclusively and equitably. Respects, values, and encourages the unique dimension each employee adds to the organization and each member of the community brings to the whole. Seeks opportunities to learn about differences.

• Customer Focus

Primarily focused on customer needs. Able to deliver high-quality, value-added services. Constantly strives to find new ways to increase customer satisfaction and understanding, foster equitable services, and forge meaningful connections.

• Ethics, Values and Judgement

Exercises best judgment, trustworthiness, and professional standards of conduct. Consistently demonstrates organization's values, moral principles, and accountability in behavior, character, and action. Defends intellectual freedom and confidentiality.

• Professional and Technical Knowledge

Demonstrates proficiency in professional and technical skills and/or knowledge in position-related areas. Purposely keeps up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise, in order to better foster personal success and connections for others.
Job-Specific Competencies

• Approachability

Listens more than they talk. Allows appropriate time for interactions. Purposely builds rapport, sets positive tone and exhibits confidence by body language and speech. Maintains boundaries.

• Dealing with Ambiguity

Can shift gears comfortably. Can decide and act without the total picture and comfortably handle risk and uncertainty. Does not exhibit excessive need to control or track. Can 'let go' and move forward in uncertainty.

• Teamwork/Collaboration

Works cooperatively and productively with others to achieve goals and deliverables. Is aware of, utilizes and celebrates their own and team members' strengths and differences.

• Composure

Calm and reflective, self-possessed even in the face of provocation, recognizes and manages stress appropriately, even during tough times.
Desired Minimum Qualification
Education and Experience
The items listed below are the minimum requirements for the job and are relevant to this position. The organization values both work experience and education and realizes that individuals take different paths to acquire knowledge.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• One year experience in a library or other service-oriented setting.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position will be considered.

Knowledge and Skills

• Proficiency in basic computer operations troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in software programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in use and support of computer hardware and peripherals.
• Sort in alphanumeric order and learn the Dewey Decimal System.
• Model for customer service mindset and delivery.
• Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Demonstrated commitment to community.
• Responsive to demands in a proactive manner.
• Flexible in an environment with many interruptions.
• Attentive to detail and accuracy of tasks at high volume within identified time parameters.
• Adept communication and listening skills with various and diverse audiences.

Professional Licenses and Certifications

• None.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will:

• Frequently stand and walk throughout work shift and occasionally will sit.
• Frequently reach out at chest level and occasionally down with hands and arms.
• Constantly use hands in conjunction with frequent finger use. Keyboarding may be repetitive up to occasionally.
• Rotate neck up to occasionally.
• Change tasks depending upon the shift.
• Require extensive close work, including use of a computer monitor.
• Frequently twist at waist and occasionally bend, stoop, squat, and crouch.
• Frequently lift and occasionally carry up to 10 lbs. Seldom lift and carry up to 35 lbs.
• Occasionally push or pull carts and wheeled equipment using light force and seldom up to moderate force.

Work Environment
Work is performed in a typical library environment. Interactions with individuals that involve behavior issues may occur. Resources are available to assist with identifying solutions or actions. Incumbent must be available for a varied work schedule, including mornings, evenings and/or weekends, which may change periodically. Travel between assigned work locations may be required.
General Benefits Summary
Paid Time off
It is the policy of KCLS to grant to all part-time and full-time employees:

• Annual Leave (Vacation).
• Sick Leave
• Holidays - KCLS celebrates twelve (12) holidays each year and one (1) floating holiday. Part-time employees are eligible for holiday pay if they are scheduled to work on the day the holiday falls on.

Medical/Dental Insurance Benefits
Our health insurance plans with Kaiser/Premera/Delta Dental are offered at low premium rates to all employees working 20 or more hours per week. Employees may also purchase benefits for dependents and domestic partners.
Retirement - Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
Employees working 20 hours per week or more are automatically enrolled in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) program. Both KCLS and the employee contribute toward PERS retirement benefits.
Flexible and Dependent Care Spending Accounts and Health Saving Account
Employees working 20 hours per week or more can set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to pay for family medical and dependent care needs. KCLS provides an annual employer contribution to Health Saving Account when the employee is enrolled in a high deductible health plan.
Life and Accidental Death & Disability, Long Term Disability Insurance
All the employees working 20 hours per week or more qualify for the group term life and AD& D insurance benefits equal to one times their annual salary. Employees working 40 hours per week receive long-term disability insurance.
Optional/Voluntary Benefits
Employees working 20 hours per week or more are eligible to participate in the following voluntary benefits:

• Supplemental Term Life and AD&D Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Nationwide Pet Insurance
• Allstate Identity Theft Protection
• Student Loan Refinance

Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan (available to all KCLS Employees)

• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan - You can supplement any other retirement benefits you may have by setting aside pre-tax dollars in this retirement savings account.