The City of San Rafael is looking to fill three (3) Senior Librarian positions with this recruitment.
$7,761 - $9,433 per month
Plus excellent benefits
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Apply by Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 5:00 pm
THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture. San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment. San Rafael, with a population of approximately 60,000, is a full-service city with a City Council/City Manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and a fiscal year 2024-2025 annual budget of approximately $180 million. The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity. The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment.
San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.” City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge. We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members. The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees. This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Library and Recreation Department is comprised of two divisions, Library and Recreation & Childcare, that are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of San Rafael residents. The Department’s mission is to enrich the community through discovery, learning, and play, and strives to maximize the delivery of strategically aligned programs and services to provide the highest value for the community.
The Library Division operates with a $4.4 million budget and 22 full-time employees in fiscal year 2024/2025. The San Rafael Public Library consists of three branches—Downtown, Pickleweed, and Northgate—and is part of the MARINet consortium. Exciting projects include a $3 million modernization of the Downtown branch, set for completion by July 2025, and a $2 million renovation of the Pickleweed branch, with construction beginning in August 2025. Additionally, the City is planning a new, joint Library and Community Center at Albert Park, while also focusing on operational improvements and championing innovative library programs and services.
THE POSITION
The Senior Librarian is responsible for a full range of complex librarian duties including classification; cataloging; reference; readers advisory; collection development; program planning, development, and evaluation; outreach and marketing; and service to specialized populations including youth, adults, and/or non-English speaking individuals.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
We are seeking three dedicated and experienced Senior Librarians to oversee key areas within our library system. Each Senior Librarian will be responsible for one of the following units: Children's Services, Adult/Teen Services, or Branch Services. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in library operations, including collection development, reference services, program planning, and community outreach. Proven leadership skills are essential, with experience in supervising and training professional and paraprofessional staff while maintaining high service standards. Expertise in reference services, library technologies, and creating programs for diverse populations, including youth and non-English speakers, will be crucial in meeting the evolving needs of our community.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about providing exceptional library services and fostering a collaborative, supportive work environment. Strong reference and reader's advisory skills, a deep understanding of modern library practices, and the ability to effectively evaluate and select library materials are key. A commitment to cultural competence, customer service excellence, and creating a safe, welcoming space for all patrons is vital.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Including but not limited to)
This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. CLICK HERE for the full job description.
- Supervise and train assigned subordinate staff; assign, schedule and review staff work and write performance evaluations for professional and paraprofessional staff; instruct employees in new or existing policies, procedures and regulations; conduct on-the-job training.
- Provide direction, training, and support to staff in one or more of the following areas: collection development, programs and services, events, outreach, and marketing.
- Provide a range of services to patrons, including complex reference and readers' advisory; circulation and patron account requests; and advanced assistance with accessing library materials, technology, and resources.
- Assist in the development of policies and procedures relating to library services.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate library programs, events, volunteers, and services.
- Organize and lead outreach visits outside the library at events and to community partners to present and promote library services.
- Assist with the administration and organization of core library services, planning, organizing, and coordinating library-wide activities.
- Enforce library guidelines and policies to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all library visitors.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skill and ability outlined in the job spec is:
- Equivalent to a master's degree in library science, library and information services, or similar curriculum, issued by a college or university accredited by the American Library Association is preferred.
- Progressively responsible related experience may be substituted for the college coursework on a year-for-year basis.
- Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, Vietnamese, ASL, or other community languages is desired, and may be required for some assignments., AND
- At least four years of professional experience in a public library setting, including at least one year in a lead/supervisory role.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record is desirable.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. the employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
