County of Alameda

Under general supervision, a Library Technician performs paraprofessional and technical customer service for the County Library in direct support of library services;  and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Library Technician is a paraprofessional classification, which performs customer service, information referral, public programming and/or technical duties unique to the Library.  

Library Technicians are distinguished from the lower classifications of Library Lead Clerk and Library Clerk in that Library Technicians, in addition to performing library circulation, clerical support, and customer service functions, also perform basic reference, program and outreach roles. Library Technicians are distinguished from the higher classification of Librarian I, in that the latter has more independence and professional responsibility for service, programs, and outreach to a specific population.

NOTE:   The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1.  Answers reference questions and gives readers advisory services in person, over the phone, or online; routes and refers more difficult reference questions to a Librarian as appropriate.

2.  Assists in the designing, planning, promoting and presenting of a variety of age-appropriate specialty programs, including literature presentations, story times, crafts, displays, games, technology training, and other activities.

3.  Under the direction of a Librarian, assists with outreach services, including visits to schools, daycares, senior centers, nonprofit organizations, County Jails, and other facilities where Alameda County Library provides service.

4.  Performs bibliographic searches, registers patrons, and checks library material in and out using a library computer system. Sorts, displays, and shelves library materials; under the direction of a Librarian, evaluates and removes old, outdated, or damaged material from the Library collection.

5.  Handles basic financial transactions using specialized software and cash register. Investigates and resolves patron inquiries and concerns relating to library accounts.

6.  Instructs and assists patrons in the use of current technology and equipment provided by the library.

7.  Interprets Library policy in the absence of a Librarian.

8.  Acts in a guiding capacity for page and clerical staff in the absence of a Library Lead Clerk or Supervisor.

Either I

Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience in the class of Library Clerk II or an equivalent or higher level class in the Alameda County Library.

Or II

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in the class of Library Lead Clerk in the Alameda County classified service.  

Or III

Education:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (120 semester or 180 quarter units).  

Substitution:

Two years of customer service experience may be substituted for 60 semester or 90 quarter units of college.

NOTE:   The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:   The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Popular literature in written form and other formats.
• Authors in various genres; both fiction and non-fiction.
• Library operations.
• Cash handling.
• Record keeping software and specialized search tools, such as Integrated Library Systems (ILS), online library catalogs and Windows software.

Ability to:  

• Problem solve, plan and organize work independently and collaboratively.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Write and edit graphic materials, presentations and exhibits.
• Speak effectively about library materials and services to community groups of all ages.
• Learn skills appropriate to library service, including new and existing library procedures.
• Perform general clerical tasks using appropriate digital tools and software.
• Manipulate and use library catalogs, consumer technology, and library-specific equipment.
• Perform public speaking before audiences.
• Effectively and tactfully work with vulnerable populations.
• Exercise interpersonal sensitivity while working effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds.

PB:dg  05/05/76

SA:cla-Retyped 07/15/97

VS:lm-Revised:  09/97

Old document:  4115h.doc

New document:  Jobspecs/4115-4120

ys/05/01

CSC Date:  12/17/97

JG:ac  Revised/Retitled 02/05/19

Old Title: Library Assistant I/II

CSC Date:  06/05/19

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.