Public Library Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Description

LAC Federal is seeking a Reference Librarian to provide high-quality reference, research assistance, and instructional support to students, faculty, staff, and community patrons through online platforms and at the library service desk. In this role, the Reference Librarian will guide users in effectively navigating library resources, including the online catalog, electronic databases, and print and non-print collections.

Additionally, the Reference Librarian may be responsible for other assigned duties such as gathering and analyzing usage statistics, delivering library instruction sessions, conducting student research consultations, and performing occasional circulation desk functions. Schedule flexibility is required, as the candidate must be available for hours of operation during the fall semester, including the library's evening hours. On rare occasions, if the building needs to close but services are still needed, the employee is expected to work remotely.

Employment Type: Temporary - Part Time/20 hours per week. 

Dates of Employment:  August 31, 2026 - October 2, 2026

Schedule: Schedule may adjust depending on semester schedule:

Monday - Thursday, 3:00pm-8:00pm

NOTE: Monday, September 7 - MC Library will be closed.

Responsibilities

• Deliver reference and research services to library users both in-person and virtually.
• Assist patrons in the effective use of library technologies, databases, and research tools.
• Provide individualized research support to students through consultations.
• Conduct instructional sessions for classes, faculty, and other library users to promote information literacy and enhance research skills.
• Maintain knowledge of library collections, both print and digital, to support user needs.
• Capture and report library usage statistics as directed.
• Collaborate with library staff to enhance services and contribute to special projects as assigned, such as creating and/or updating library guides and instructional resources.
• Support circulation functions as needed.
• Stay current with trends and emerging technologies related to academic library reference services.
• Participate in professional development activities to maintain and improve knowledge and skills relevant to the role.

Requirements

• Minimum of one (1) year of recent experience providing reference services in a public, research, or academic library setting.
• Proficiency with electronic information systems, research databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with technologies used in academic libraries for reference and instructional purposes.
• Strong knowledge of library practices and procedures, including reference and instructional services.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities in a dynamic service environment.
• Strong commitment to customer service and student success.

Preferred Qualifications

• Academic library experience.
• Experience with Primo Discovery Service by Ex Libris strongly preferred.
• Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while providing reference, research, and circulation services at a public service desk and conducting virtual or in-person consultations. 
• Ability to use a computer and other office technology for prolonged periods, including frequent keyboarding, viewing computer screens, utilizing library databases, preparing instructional materials, and participating in virtual meetings or remote work as required. 
• Ability to move throughout the library to assist patrons, retrieve and shelve library materials, transport items weighing up to 20 pounds, and perform occasional bending, reaching, and lifting associated with library operations.

Part-Time: 

• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Federal Holidays)

EEO Statement

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.