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San Mateo County Libraries is seeking dynamic and highly motivated individuals to join our team as a Library Assistant!

 

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an award-winning, innovative public library system and contribute to creating informed, engaged, and connected communities. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, flexible, and passionate about public service and community engagement. This role requires strong communication skills, initiative, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, people-centered environment. If you enjoy working with diverse communities and making a positive impact, we encourage you to apply.

Library Assistants are part of our customer service team and play a key role in connecting community members to opportunities for discovery and enrichment through library services, programming, and outreach.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
We are looking for adaptable individuals with strong communication skills and a commitment to engaging with diverse communities. Experience working in a library, social services, youth development, education, or early childhood setting is highly preferred.

In addition, the ideal candidate will have the ability to:

• Proactively connect library patrons with opportunities and resources for discovery and enrichment.

• Communicate clearly and considerately with co-workers, volunteers, and patrons.

• Model exemplary customer service in all interactions--including in person, at a program, at outreach events, helping with library card or circulation issues, addressing suggestions for improvements, and otherwise ensuring that our library users are uniformly welcomed.

• Work with a variety of technologies to provide services to library patrons and troubleshoot computer issues.

• Use independent judgment to interpret and apply library policies and procedures.

• Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to reach goals.

• Plan and lead a variety of creative, exciting programs for the public under the direction of the Librarian and Community Program Specialist staff.

• Contribute innovative ideas for library programs and services in the branch and throughout SMCL.

• Effectively adapt in a changing environment.

• Warmly initiate interactions, start conversations, and market the library to the community, one person at a time.

• Communicate inclusivity and cultural sensitivity and be approachable in verbal, written, and non-verbal communications.

• Work a required schedule that includes a combination of day, evening, and weekend shifts.

Because of the diversity of the communities we serve, bilingual language skills (Mandarin, Cantonese, or Spanish) are strongly preferred and are required for some, but not all, vacancies. 

SALARIES:
Library Assistant I: $31.49 - $35.19 hourly  
Library Assistant II: $33.22 - $41.54 hourly
 
NOTE: The part-time and full-time opportunities for Library Assistant are at various locations.
 
NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies. If you are interested in an extra-help opportunity, please be sure to check extra-help on the application, as additional exciting opportunities may be available. This will not impact your consideration for the regular positions which will be filled first. 

Some extra help positions may be eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. For more information, please see: https://hr.smcgov.org/sites/hr.smcgov.org/files/EH%20OE%202017%20Information.pdf (Download PDF reader) 

 

Qualifications

 

Experience and Education: 

Qualified candidates possess any combination of education and experience that would likely provide them with the required knowledge, skills, and ability.

• Library Assistant I: No specific education or experience is required.

• Library Assistant II: One year of public contact and support experience in a library.

Knowledge of:

• Excellent customer service practices.

• Modern library services and functions.

• Internet searching skills.

• Computers and technology.

• Correct written and oral English usage.

• Basic math.

Skill/Ability to:

• Deal tactfully and effectively with a wide variety of individuals.

• Interpret and apply library procedures and policies.

• Use, and teach patrons to use, a changing variety of technologies.

• Plan, promote, and execute library programming.

• Be flexible in responding to frequent change.

• Direct and instruct volunteers.

• Understand and follow oral and written directions.

• Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail.

Other Requirements:   

• Must be available to work a schedule that includes a combination of days, evenings, and weekends.

 

Application/Examination

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score.

The examination process will consist of an application screening based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions (weight: pass/fail). Candidates who pass the application screening may be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.
 

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

 

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final Filing Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026, 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: May 25 -  29, 2026
Civil Service Panel Interview: June 8 - 10, 2026

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
 

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. 

 

 

Analyst: Sedrick Dixon (04302026) (Library Assistant I/II K009/K010) 

 Applications will be accepted for this position on an ongoing basis. The selection process may include a written examination and interview.

This hourly position is not in Civil Service and does not receive benefits.

10-15 hours/week

THE POSITION

Library Aides provide customer service to library visitors. Duties include checking items in and out at the Checkout Desk, opening new library accounts, collecting fines and fees, shelving materials, and assisting library visitors in finding materials and using the computers. Other tasks may include processing materials, providing storytimes for children, and assisting with other public programs for children, teens and adults. This is an ideal job for someone who is friendly, computer savvy, enjoys working with the public, putting things in order, and is detail-oriented. Bilingual skills are desirable.

 

DEFINITION

Under supervision, to do library clerical, technical and customer service work, and related assignments as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Check materials in and out, sort materials, open new library accounts, explain library policies and resolve disputes, collect fines and fees, assist library patrons with self-checkout and public-use computers, printers, photocopiers, and scanners, answer routine information questions, complete opening and closing procedures, and perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

Knowledge of:  Modern office and record-keeping procedures; use of office equipment and technology; numerical and alphabetical filing; basic mathematical principles.

Ability to: 

Provide excellent customer service; apply and explain library policies; communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; perform basic troubleshooting and assist patrons with computer use; adapt to changing technology and working conditions; learn the Dewey Decimal Classification System and library procedures; interact positively and cooperate with co-workers; function under demanding time pressure; respond in a positive manner to supervision; and attend work and perform duties on a regular and consistent basis. 

Bilingual ability (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, or Tagalog) is highly desirable.

Must be physically able to stand for extended periods, walk, bend, kneel, push wheeled carts, lift, reach overhead, go up and down stairs, and use a step stool.

Availability for evening and Saturday shifts is required.

Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent

 

Experience: None