Library Associate IV
Invitation to Compete # 38-26: Library Associate IV, University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., Seattle, WA 98105. Regular, FLSA non-exempt, part-time position (72 hours per pay period). This position is temporarily re-assigned to other neighborhood branches while the University Branch is closed for major renovations until late 2026.
Schedule:
Week 1: Wednesday 11:30am – 8pm, Thursday 11:30am – 8pm, Friday 9:30am – 6pm, Saturday OFF, Sunday OFF, Monday 9:30am – 6pm, Tuesday 9:30am – 6pm
Week 2: Wednesday 11:30am – 8pm, Thursday 9:30am – 6pm, Friday OFF, Saturday 9:30am – 6pm, Sunday 9:30am – 6pm, Monday OFF, Tuesday 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 recruitment is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library's employees. Please submit your NEOGOV application, cover letter and resume by 5:00 p.m. on July 18, 2026 to be considered. Please note: This recruitment may be used for up to 90 days following the closing date of this posting to fill regular and temporary Library Associate IV vacancies.
Job Responsibilities
- Provide basic readers' advisory and reference services in all subjects: Provide readers' advisory and reference services in person, on the phone and online, using a broad range of 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 a range of library circulation activities: Assists patrons with circulation-related functions, such as checking in and checking out library materials, paying fees, placing holds, updating borrower records, and registering new borrowers.
- 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 outreach 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 catalog and databases. Support classes and programs by helping with setup, scheduling, organizing, communication and marketing.
Qualifications
- Education: High School Diploma or Graduate Equivalent Degree (GED) is required. Postsecondary education and/or relevant work experience will be considered in determining candidate competitiveness. A combination of education, training and/or experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the Scheduling Office Library Associate IV will be considered.
- Experience using Library information resources in print and electronic formats: Experience using basic print reference and readers' advisory resources, such as dictionaries, directories, encyclopedias, online databases and maps. Must be proficient in using the Horizon Integrated Library System or similar online systems. 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 fax machines, photocopiers 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, scheduling staff and rooms, coordinating resources, monitoring progress, marketing and assisting with developing reports, informational materials and/or records.
Desired Qualifications
- Proficiency in Horizon Integrated Library System or similar Integrated Library System.
- 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 the principles of de-escalation and specific experience employing those skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively in a language other than English, particularly Amharic, Chinese, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, Vietnamese or American Sign Language or a proven ability to effectively serve communities across communication barriers is strongly desired.
Additional Information
How to Apply Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit the following items in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on July 18, 2026 to be considered for this position. Your application will not be considered if these items are missing or incomplete:
- Online application with responses to the supplemental questions.
- 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.
- 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: Benefits - Human Resources | seattle.gov Information about retirement can be found here: 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 to job.applications@spl.org. The Library promotes diversity and inclusion in