Library Technical Assistant - Kent - 40 Hours
King County Library SystemGeneral Position Summary
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Job Number: 2026-00050
King County Library System (KCLS) is seeking a motivated, skilled and passionate Library Technical Assistant (LTA) to provide service to the Cedar region of King County libraries. The Cedar region of KCLS includes the following libraries: Maple Valley, Kent, Kent Panther Lake, Southcenter and Fairwood.
The Library Technical Assistant (LTA) performs operation and circulation duties as assigned and serves as a first point of referral for material handling issues. This position provides basic assistance to patrons with checking and locating requested materials, programs, and services, both in person and on the phone. The LTA also assists patrons with library accounts and technology, responds to and resolves building, technology, and patron issues whenever necessary following system procedures, requesting assistance as needed. In addition, Library Technical Assistants help troubleshoot the Automated Material Handling (AMH) system and uphold and practice the principles of intellectual freedom.
The successful candidate will be able to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing needs, and consistently deliver a high level of customer service in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have direct customer service experience and demonstrate respect for the diverse patron populations and staff members at the branch. This role requires a strong team player who can follow established procedures while remaining flexible and responsive to evolving service demands. Candidates should have a genuine commitment to public service, the ability to remain composed in stressful situations, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
Required:Applicants must attach a current resume and cover letter which addresses relevant work experience, education, and training as it relates to this position.
Schedule:Tuesday, 11:15am-6:15pm at the Kent Library
Wednesday, 11:15am-6:15pm at the Kent Library
Thursday, 9:15am-6:15pm at the Kent Library
Friday, 9:15am-6:15pm at the Fairwood Library
Saturday,10:15am-6:15pm at the Kent LibrarySchedules are subject to change based on business needs.
Candidates possessing additional language skills, including but not limited to Spanish, Dali, Ukrainian, Russian, Arabic are encouraged to apply. Experience working with marginalized communities is a plus.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 employment@kcls.org.
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
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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.
- Upholds the principle of intellectual freedom. Responds to related inquiries and refers challenges as appropriate.
- Attends and actively participates on internal committees.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Core Competencies:
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.
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 from differences.
Ethics, Values, and Judgment
Exercises best judgment, trustworthiness, and professional standards of conduct; consistently demonstrates organizational values, moral principles, and accountability in behavior, character and action. Defends intellectual freedom and patron confidentiality.
Professional & 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 foster personal success and connections for others.
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; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty, does not exhibit excessive need to control or track, can ‘let go’ and move forward in uncertainty.
Teamwork/ Collaborating
Works cooperatively and productively with others to achieve goals and deliverables. Is aware of, utilizes and celebrate their own and team member’s 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
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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
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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.