The Salinas Public Library is looking for a Librarian I with a passion for building community and nurturing lifelong learning through library programming and services. Be a part of a team that is building a new branch library, re-envisioning existing library spaces and re-energizing library services in Salinas.
This position will be responsible for providing reference and readers advisory services, as well as planning and delivering lifelong learning programs for adults, which encompasses young adults thru older adults age groups. The ideal candidate will be a creative thinker with exceptional customer service skills that is passionate about programming of classes/workshops on health topics, business and workforce development, arts/culture, technology, as well as adult learning and literacy. Candidates with history collections and/or preservation is preferred, but not required.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: All applicants must provide proof of education at the time of application or submit to the Human Resources Department by the filing date. Applications are incomplete without the required document.
Summary of Duties: The Librarian I position assists library patrons with library resources and provides excellent customer service. Plans and facilitates programs, assists in collection development activities, and promotes library services to the community.
Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the entry-level class in the professional library series and is distinguished from the Level II position in its experience, scope, and range of duties performed. Receives regular and immediate supervision from high level staff and may exercise functional supervision over lower level library staff and volunteers.
Essential Job Functions:
- Engages, assists, and guides patrons to provide excellent information and reference service; researches and responds to technical or reference inquiries, demonstrates use of library catalog, answers questions, directs patrons to appropriate resources, both within the library and online and monitors customer activity in the library
- Supports and ensures the delivery of high-quality customer service; assists in the training of library personnel and volunteers, resolves conflict, delegates volunteer work, and ensures daily duties are completed
- Researches, develops, and organizes various young adult, adult and children's programs; assists with preparing program budget; performs outreach projects to community partners to promote library services; conducts library tours and provides professional public interaction
- Compiles program reports and statistics
- Facilitates and assists department staff and personnel in the implementation of innovative technologies and customer tools; catalogs, classifies, maintains, and updates the library collection on a regular basis
- Assists with the implementation of ongoing library services, programs, marketing, and distribution of information; ensures updates to programs, referencing, cataloging, digital resources, and specialty services; conducts story times, and other programming activities
- Contributes to Library collection development; recommends materials to be weeded from the collection, assists with new collection suggestions, and performs ordering and follow up tasks
- Coordinates maintenance and stewards the facility to ensure a clean, attractive, accessible, and welcoming space; ensures facilities and grounds are professionally cared for
- Attends and contributes to numerous weekly, monthly, and annual meetings; understands and communicates the service area needs to ensure the Library is supporting the community in the best ways possible
- Serves as a site supervisor in the absence of the Librarian II; monitors the branch's service and ensures that service standards are met
- Performs other duties as assigned
Typical Decisions: The incumbent will primarily make decisions based on customer service needs. Provides direction and service at the reference desk and will be required to assist in a wide range of library services and inquiries.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Principles of library management including cataloging and integrated library systems
- Public library systems, services, and programs
- Communications, trends, social media, marketing, and technology
- Division policies and procedures
- Research techniques, sources, and availability of information
- Reporting methods and data delivery
- Project management
- Personnel and volunteer supervision and management
Skill in:
- Performing contemporary library programs and services including technology and social media communications
- Library cataloging and reference work including online resources
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with department staff, library, and community patrons
- Promoting the mission, values and standards of an effective public organization, particularly in the area of customer service.
- Dealing courteously and tactfully with the public
- Coordinating activities and operations of specialized library programs
- Communicating clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing
- Conflict resolution and personnel management
- Operating various office equipment and modern office practices and methods
Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university .
Experience: Two years of paraprofessional library experience, which included program design and implementation or collection development work. A Master's degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science from a school accredited by the American Library Association may be substituted for the required experience.
Licenses and Certifications: A valid State of California Class C Driver's License.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Subject will be sitting in an office environment for extended periods of time with frequent standing at the counter. Mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and make valid judgments. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to thirty pounds. Travel for trainings, meetings, and visits to various facilities may occur. May be required to drive bookmobile or van to various sites in the City of Salinas. May be required to work evenings and weekends.
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: A veteran is defined in accordance with California Government Code 18540.4. In order to exercise this preference, the veteran must submit the City's Veteran's Preference Application (found here: https://www.cityofsalinas.org/sites/default/files/departments_files/human_resources_files/veteranspreferencepolicy.pdf) and provide a copy of the DD-214 form at time of application as proof of military status. Failure to submit the required forms will be deemed a waiver of veteran's preference. Military veterans shall be given preference in initial appointment to City service. Further details can be obtained from the Human Resources Department, at 831-758-7254.
SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants' qualifications will be evaluated based on the information provided on the employment application. The exam process may consist of an application appraisal, oral interview, performance exam and/or written exam. The City reserves the right to use alternate testing procedures if deemed necessary. CITY COMMUNICATION REGARDING THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL BE VIA E-MAIL. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE E-MAIL ON YOUR APPLICATION. Finalist interview/assessment will be held with the City of Salinas.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Salinas does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. The City of Salinas makes reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability. Individuals requiring any accommodation in order to participate in the testing process must inform the Human Resources Director in writing no later than the final filing date stated in this job announcement. Requests for accommodation should include an explanation of the type and extent of accommodations needed to participate in the selection process and/or to perform the duties of the job for which they have applied. EEO Utilization Report is available for candidate review upon request.
SALARY STEPS: Appointments are normally made at the first step. Consideration is given for increase to the second step after successful completion of a six-month probationary period. (Employees appointed at a higher step will be eligible for consideration for the next step after one year, providing they successfully complete a six-month probationary period.)
For questions, please contact Patricia Peñaloza, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (831) 758-7416 or patricia.penaloza@ci.salinas.ca.us.
