Community Languages Librarian

City of Hillsboro; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

PERS retirement

Bilingual pay incentive

Free library access

Job summary

City of Hillsboro’s Hillsboro Public Library seeks a Community Languages Librarian to develop multilingual collections and engage with local language communities. You will balance direct public service with selecting and maintaining materials in Spanish and other languages, using data to inform acquisitions.

The role evolves as collection management shifts to WCCLS in 2027, emphasizing community engagement and countywide access while maintaining some collection duties.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience selecting, evaluating, purchasing, or maintaining library materials.
• Ability to serve a broad public and balance competing needs.
• Ability to build relationships with community members and organizations.
• Experience seeking feedback to improve materials or services.
• Understanding of collection development, intellectual freedom, and the Library Bill of Rights.
• Ability to use data and community input to make thoughtful decisions.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt as responsibilities and service models change.
• Commitment to equitable access and responsive public service.
• Strong digital literacy and ability to learn Library systems and vendor platforms.

Responsibilities

• Provide welcoming, responsive service to a broad range of community members and help them find information and resources.
• Provide reference, research, and readers advisory assistance in person, phone, email, and online.
• Select, purchase, replace, evaluate, and remove materials following policy.
• Develop and maintain collections for all ages in Spanish, Hindi, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other languages.
• Use Polaris, Power BI, borrowing data, and community feedback to identify collection needs.
• Monitor material expenditures and manage purchasing for assigned areas.
• Build relationships with language communities and gather input on useful materials and services.
• Support collections and services at Brookwood and Shute Park libraries.
• Work with colleagues to maintain community access points and Little Free Libraries.
• Support daily operations and a safe, welcoming environment by following policies and keeping records.
• Serve as Person in Charge when assigned; occasional library branch PIC duties.

Education

Master’s degree in Library Science, Information Science, or a closely related field

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Polaris

Power BI

Job description

Join Our Team

Help Hillsboro residents find library materials and services that reflect their languages, interests, and experiences. As our Community Languages Librarian, you will provide direct service to the public, develop Hillsboro’s community-language collections, and build relationships that help the Library better understand what our community wants and needs.

This position is joining Hillsboro Public Library during an important period of change. Collection management responsibilities will transition to Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) in July 2027, allowing this role to develop into a broader community-focused Librarian position.

About Hillsboro Public Library

Our mission, For Everyone | Para Todos, guides how we serve our community. Hillsboro Public Library is proud to offer a robust community-languages collection that helps people access information, stories, and resources in the languages that matter to them.

Our work is grounded in five Library values: Belonging, Credibility, Excellence, Sustainability, and Innovation with Purpose. These values shape how we serve the public, manage resources, protect intellectual freedom, and respond to the changing needs of our community.

Position Overview

This is a generalist Librarian role with a focus on collection development, community engagement, and data analysis. You will spend regular time assisting patrons at the service desk while also selecting, purchasing, evaluating, and maintaining Spanish-language and other community-language materials.

You will report to a Library Supervisor and work closely with other Librarians, Library Support Specialists, Library Materials Assistants, community partners, volunteers, and employees throughout the Library.

How This Role Will Evolve

Through June 30, 2027, the role will continue to combine direct customer service with community-language selection, purchasing, collection maintenance, and budget responsibilities.

Beginning in July 2027, most physical collection management will transition to WCCLS. The position is expected to place greater emphasis on community engagement, communicating Hillsboro’s collection needs, and helping residents access the countywide collection. Some collection responsibilities will remain, and the role may continue to evolve as Hillsboro Public Library and WCCLS develop the centralized model.

What You’ll Be Doing

The balance of these responsibilities will shift beginning July 2027, with less time spent on collection selection and more on community engagement and direct service.

• Provide welcoming, responsive service to a broad range of community members and help them find information, materials, and Library resources.
• Provide reference, research, and readers advisory assistance in person and through phone, email, and online service points.
• Select, purchase, replace, evaluate, and remove materials following the Library’s Collection Development Policy.
• Develop and maintain collections for all ages in Spanish, Hindi, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other community languages.
• Use Polaris, Power BI, borrowing data, community feedback, and other resources to identify collection needs and guide decisions.
• Monitor material expenditures and manage purchasing for assigned collection areas.
• Build relationships with Hillsboro’s language communities and create trusted opportunities for people to share what materials and services would be most useful to them.
• Support collections and services at both Brookwood and Shute Park libraries.
• Work with colleagues to maintain community access points, including NovelBranch and the Library’s Tiny Branches (library-sponsored Little Free Libraries).
• Support daily operations and a safe, welcoming environment by following Library and City policies, maintaining records, contributing to projects, and serving as Person in Charge when assigned.
• Serve as Person in Charge of a Library branch on an occasional basis.

Current and Upcoming Priorities

• Assess whether community-language collections reflect local needs, and recommend vendors and purchasing options to address gaps.
• Help transition physical collection management from Hillsboro Public Library to WCCLS.
• Support the replacement and refreshed branding of the Library’s 12 Tiny Branches in partnership with the Library’s Public Information Officer and Hillsboro Parks & Recreation.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Experience selecting, evaluating, purchasing, or maintaining library materials.
• Experience in serving a broad general public, balancing competing needs, responding compassionately during challenging interactions, setting respectful expectations, and using de-escalation techniques when appropriate.
• The ability to build relationships with community members and organizations.
• Experience seeking feedback and using it to improve materials or services.
• An understanding of collection development, intellectual freedom, and the Library Bill of Rights.
• The ability to use data and community input to make thoughtful decisions.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• The ability to adapt as responsibilities and service models change.
• A commitment to equitable access and responsive public service.
• Strong digital literacy and the ability to learn Library systems and vendor platforms.

Preferred Language Skills

Spanish or another priority community language is strongly preferred, but language skills beyond English are not required.

Job Classification

For additional information, review the Librarian classification.

• Master’s degree in Library Science, Information Science, or a closely related field AND at least six months of library selection experience;
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.

Work Location and Schedule

• Primarily based at Brookwood Library.
• Occasional work at Shute Park Library and other community locations.
• Anticipated schedule is Sunday through Thursday.
• Most shifts are expected to be 9:15 a.m.–6:15 p.m., with one regular evening shift.

Why Join Us

Working for the City of Hillsboro means being part of a team that values community, inclusion, and meaningful public service. You’ll have the opportunity to make a direct impact by helping people connect with information, resources, and each other.

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve and creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed and supported.

Anticipated Recruitment Timeline

Application Open: October 5, 2026
Application Close: October 18, 2026
Application Review Complete: October 26, 2026
First Round Interviews Virtual: November 3-5, 2026
Second Round Interviews In Person: November 16–20, 2026
Selection: December 2026

Timeline subject to change based on operational needs.

Why Work for the City of Hillsboro

At the City of Hillsboro, we value innovation, inclusion, and collaboration. Our culture encourages professional growth and supports employees who are passionate about making a difference in their community. You’ll find meaningful work, great people, and opportunities to grow your career in public service. We’re committed to supporting employees with a comprehensive package of benefits and resources designed to promote health, well-being, and growth.

When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay with City contributions to PERS retirement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off for vacation, personal, sick leave, and holidays
• Deferred compensation match and HRA VEBA contributions to support your future savings
• City-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• Bilingual pay incentives and wellness reimbursements
• A free annual TriMet Hop pass
• Free SHARC and Hidden Creek Community Center access for you and your immediate family
• Paid time to volunteer through Hillsboro Helps
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A supportive workplace that values work-life balance and employee wellness

To learn more about the City’s full-time benefits package and collective bargaining agreements, visit the Benefits Page.

Bilingual Incentive Pay Available

Employees who can demonstrate the ability to speak Spanish, ASL, or another language spoken by more than 10% of City residents, as documented by the most recent U.S. Census, will receive a monthly 3% premium. The incentive is paid only on hours in paid status. Proficiency will be determined through a City-administered test.

Helpful Information for Applicants

• Hillsboro Public Library Strategic Plan 2026–2031
• The Future of Collections in Washington County Libraries
• Hillsboro Public Library Collection Development Policy
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Hillsboro

Commitment to Equity

At the City of Hillsboro, we believe that hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.