State of Washington Classified Job Specification
LIBRARY & ARCHIVES PARAPROFESSIONAL 1
Class Series Concept
Library & Archives Paraprofessionals perform a wide variety of tasks in the delivery of library or archival services offered by state agencies or Higher Education institutions. These may range from basic tasks at the entry level to complex work and problem solving at the higher levels. Some positions in this series supervise assigned personnel and maintain or direct the operations of library or archives units or functions within another organization or agency.
Perform library or archival tasks such as: assisting patrons with writing, reference, or informational questions; circulation; collection maintenance and preservation acquisition; interlibrary lending and document delivery; cataloging; input/update library records or archival databases; creating and providing materials in alternate formats.
At the higher levels perform complex library and/or archival work involving intensive application of specialized knowledge and skills and may participate in the development and implementation of policies.
At the higher levels perform complex library and/or archival work involving intensive application of specialized knowledge and skills and may participate in the development and implementation of policies.
Definition
Performs basic paraprofessional library and/or archival tasks and services.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the entry level of the series. Positions work under close supervision and perform basic library and archival tasks and services. Refers patrons to higher-level staff when appropriate.
Typical Work
Provides courteous, effective and timely customer service;
Answers basic informational and directional questions; refers clients to appropriate employees for other services;
Searches for materials;
Performs prepping, scanning, and imaging procedures;
Performs circulation functions such as checking materials and other resources in and out, issuing library cards and collecting fines;
Receives and processes materials including stamping and labeling;
Shelves, shifts, and shelf-reads items in various collections according to specifications;
Creates temporary bibliographic records as appropriate;
May collect change for photocopies and count and record totals;
May direct the work of student employees and/or volunteers.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Desirable Qualifications
High school graduation or equivalent and one year of clerical or customer service experience. Equivalent education or experience will substitute.
Class Specification History
New class, consolidates 4325 Library Technician I, 4326 Library Technician II; adopted January 1, 2006.
Revise class. General revision; adopted May 10, 2007 effective July 10, 2007.
(04/16/2009) Correction/Revision: Changed Category Concept heading to Class Series heading.
Revised class series concept, definition, typical work, desired qualifications; added distinguishing characteristics; and removed knowledge and abilities adopted June 13, 2019; effective July 1, 2019.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.
Revise class. General revision; adopted May 10, 2007 effective July 10, 2007.
(04/16/2009) Correction/Revision: Changed Category Concept heading to Class Series heading.
Revised class series concept, definition, typical work, desired qualifications; added distinguishing characteristics; and removed knowledge and abilities adopted June 13, 2019; effective July 1, 2019.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.
