Search Jobs

LIBRARIAN I/II

Level I:  $6,716 - $8,163 per month

Level II:  $7,055 - $8,575 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 Librarian I/II will perform varied professional library work, including collection development of library materials; development of library services, programs, outreach, and marketing; technical services work; and assisting patrons with basic and complex informational requests.  The Librarian I/II will be proficient with library systems.  

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.

• 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.
• Maintain awareness of emerging trends in technology, reference services, and librarianship.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of 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.
• May evaluate, select, and order books and media items for one or m ore collection areas in the library, and evaluate items for withdrawal from the library collection.
• Support and provide content for the development and implementation of marketing strategies.  
• May provide direction, training, and support to paraprofessional staff in one or more of the following areas:  collection development, circulation, technical services, programs and services, events, outreach, and marketing.
• Follow all safety rules and protocols; take appropriate action as required to identify and correct techniques and practices and report safety and security concerns in a timely and appropriate manner to their supervisor.

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:  

Librarian I:  

• This is the entry-level in the professional librarian series.

Librarian II:  

• Two years of professional library experience at the Librarian I level or equivalent is required

For Both Levels:

• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, Vietnamese, ASL, or other community languages is desired, and may be required for some assignments.
• 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.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• While possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is not required, incumbents may need to report to different job sites and travel to offsite outreach, events, etc.  
• Ability to report to different locations during the workday to perform the essential functions of the position may be required. 

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; stoop, kneel crouch, or crawl and smell.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.  

SENIOR LIBRARIAN

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.  

Join our award-winning team and work at one of the top-rated libraries in the nation! Apply for a Community Library Manager I/II position with San Mateo County Libraries.
 
San Mateo County Libraries is thrilled to offer an incredible opportunity for an experienced leader looking to join a progressive, forward-thinking organization or for a skilled librarian with supervisory experience to transition into a management role. It is our mission and passion to build meaningful connections and inspire lifelong curiosity. We seek enthusiastic team players, creative risk takers, and flexible individuals who proactively search for new opportunities to make public library services relevant to all members of the community. At San Mateo County Libraries, we celebrate diversity, strive for equity, and practice inclusion. Bilingual skills are valued as we serve a variety of communities in the county.
 
This recruitment will fill positions at the East Palo Alto, Half Moon Bay, and Millbrae Libraries and any anticipated future vacancies throughout the library system.

The Community Library Manager:

• Plans, develops, coordinates, organizes, and supervises the activities of one or more community libraries.
• Develops goals and objectives for libraries and staff that embrace and align with San Mateo County Libraries' vision, mission, strategic goals, and brand.
• Manages and coaches a team of talented staff to provide excellent and innovative library services to the community in a positive environment.
• Leads and supports staff in engaging in growth mindset, smart risk-taking, and embracing creativity and flexibility.
• Works collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders to strategically develop meaningful community partnerships.
• Is responsible for ensuring our libraries are warm and welcoming, which includes ensuring marketing, collections, and physical spaces are actively maintained to reflect San Mateo County Libraries standards and brand.

The ideal candidate will have four years of experience as a librarian, including one year of supervisory experience, be highly effective in diverse settings, and proactively seek opportunities to make library services relevant to community members. The successful candidate will be excited about and eager to tackle new challenges and skilled in communicating with people from a variety of backgrounds.

In addition, the ideal candidate will have these skills and abilities:

• Add value to the leadership team in goal setting and strategic planning.
• Lead a team of people and oversee library operations to meet the needs of the community and ensure every customer has a positive experience.
• Establish standards of performance and clear expectations for library staff.
• Foster cooperative working relationships with staff, colleagues, library leadership, customers, city staff, and Friends of the Library groups.
• Actively participate in local organizations and community events, and partner with community groups.
• Problem solve using a creative and collaborative team approach.
• Demonstrate excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills with internal and external partners.
• Analyze library statistics and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures.
• Deploy excellent judgment in interpreting library policy.

SAN MATEO COUNTY LIBRARIES
San Mateo County Libraries is a Joint Powers Authority comprised of 11 member cities and the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County. Our family of 13 libraries include: Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, North Fair Oaks, Pacifica-Sharp Park, Pacifica-Sanchez, Portola Valley, San Carlos, and Woodside. Our service area spans rural and urban communities, with approximately 270,000 residents, 75% of whom have library cards. For more information about San Mateo County Libraries, please visit www.smcl.org 

Note: The eligible list generated by this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies throughout San Mateo County Libraries.

 

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, organize, direct, and supervise one or more branches of varying sizes.
• Assist higher-level management in planning, developing, and implementing goals, objectives, policies, and procedures that reflect the County Library's mission and service philosophy.
• Supervise professional and paraprofessional staff, including training, assigning, and evaluating staff, and resolving personnel issues.
• Plan, develop, and implement programs and activities to meet community needs.
• Keep up to date on librarianship.
• Recommend, select, and evaluate library materials based on users' needs and interests.
• Consult with users, staff and higher-level management and others to resolve complaints regarding materials, programs, policies, procedures, and performance.
• Manage branch facility and surrounding grounds.
• Participate in library planning groups to assist in library administration, including developing budget priorities. 
• Assist in the development of the Library budget by actively providing information on branch and community needs as well as providing requested information to Library Administration.
• Assist in developing and implementing public relations/outreach programs, including attending and speaking at meetings in the community.
• Seek outside sources of funding and participate in grant writing using guidelines set by Library Administration.
• Participate in the hiring and selection of branch staff.
• Perform related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Education:
A Master of Library Science or recognized equivalent degree from an American Library Association-accredited college or university is required.
 

Experience:
Any combination of experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Library Branch Manager I - Three years of experience as a librarian.
Library Branch Manager II - Four years of experience as a librarian, including one year of supervisory experience.

Knowledge of:

• Management principles and practices.
• Library purposes, organization techniques and procedures.
• Principles and practices of library science.
• Budget principles and practices.
• Principles and techniques of supervision.

Skill/Ability to:

• Plan, direct, and evaluate programs and activities.
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff.
• Analyze and resolve problems.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others.
• Conduct needs assessments and perform community outreach.
• Identify, define, and seek creative solutions to improve library service.
• Make determinations on library materials.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

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: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: May 5 - 9, 2025
Civil Service Panel Interview: May 21 and/or 22, 2025

San Mateo County Libraries is thrilled to announce a dynamic opportunity for a passionate and experienced leader to join our award-winning, forward-thinking organization. We’re looking for team players who are flexible, innovative and eager to reimagine what a modern library can be. If you’re energized by collaboration, committed to equity, and ready to make a meaningful impact in the community, we want to hear from you!

As a Library Services Manager, you will play a vital role in shaping our library’s future. Working under the general direction of the Library Director or Deputy Director, you’ll lead systemwide initiatives in one or more key areas, such as programs and services for all ages, community outreach, partnerships, collections, facilities, and customer service.

This is a chance to lead and inspire teams, develop responsive and innovative services, and help bring our Strategic Plan to life. You’ll work at the intersection of strategy and community, aligning people and projects to meet real needs and deliver measurable results.

We are especially interested in candidates who bring a strong equity lens to their work, value diverse perspectives, and have experience engaging effectively with people from all backgrounds. Bilingual skills are highly valued, as we proudly serve a richly diverse population across San Mateo County.

The ideal candidate is energized by new challenges, driven to make a difference, and skilled at communicating across a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. You’re someone who leads with empathy, builds strong relationships, and sees change as an opportunity to grow.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to:

• Collaborate with fellow managers and staff across the system to guide public services and advance library-wide priorities.
• Build and lead a high-performing, adaptable team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and innovation.
• Inspire staff to embrace a growth mindset, take smart risks, and think creatively to deliver outstanding service.
• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues, community partners, and stakeholders across the County.
• Help shape and execute strategic plans and initiatives that align with the Library’s mission, values, and brand.
• Oversee the effective design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services, using data and feedback to drive improvement.
• Stay current on trends and emerging technologies, applying best practices and creative thinking to meet evolving community needs.
• Represent the Library in community partnerships, the Peninsula system consortia, and internal committees with professionalism and purpose.
• Lead the development of responsive policies and guide staff through change with clarity and empathy.
• Develop and manage budgets and grants, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
• Communicate clearly and effectively—whether presenting ideas, writing reports, or engaging with diverse audiences.
• Use a collaborative, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

To support service to our diverse communities, bilingual skills are desired but not required for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Any combination of experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is completion of a Master of Library Science or recognized equivalent degree from an American Library Association accredited college or university and four years of experience as a librarian, including one year of management experience.

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: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 11:59 PM PST

Application Screening: May 5 - 9, 2025

Civil Service Panel Interview: May 19 and/or 20, 2025