Library Assistant I/II

This is a special recruitment and will be filled by way of the following methods of appointment:

• Reinstatement
• Transfer
• Voluntary Demotion
• Provisional Appointment

The results from this recruitment will not establish an eligible list as this is not a civil service examination. Candidates will be contacted directly by the Library Department if selected for a hiring interview.

The Alameda County Library is seeking to fill eight part-time (minimum of 37.5 hrs per pay period) Library Assistant positions. These positions will be filled at either the Library Assistant I or II level based upon applicants who meet minimum qualifications described below. The vacancies will be located at multiple library branches, including Union City, Castro Valley, Newark, San Lorenzo, Fremont and Dublin. Positions will require evening and weekend work, including Saturdays and some Sundays. Depending on scheduling needs, work location may occasionally vary.

Library Assistants perform para-professional or technical Librarian services for the County Libraries and County Library Outreach Service Units. Positions in this series perform functions in direct support of the Librarian classes and do related work as required.

Library Assistant I is the entrance level classification. Incumbents in this classification perform, under close supervision, the most difficult clerical or technical duties unique to the Library. These tasks may include bibliographic searching for book selection and audio/visual materials selection (simple reference and reader’s advisory service), back-up clerical tasks for professional and para-professional services, simple cataloging tasks, assistance during age-level programs, community aide and outreach duties.

Library Assistant II is the journey level in the Library Assistant series. Positions in this classification are under the general supervision of a Librarian, and perform tasks requiring a thorough knowledge of library materials and procedures. These tasks may include reference and reader’s advisory services, difficult bibliographic checking, simple descriptive cataloging, interpreting library policy, and directing the work of subordinates in the absence of a Librarian, as well as age-level programming and assisting in the selection of library materials. Positions in this classification perform public service functions in the County Libraries.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Assists the public in the use of book catalogs, periodical indexes and other catalogs. Answers reference questions and gives readers advisory services. Performs simple and/or difficult bibliographic searches using a library computer system. Assists in the compilation of order lists for books and other library materials prior to selection. Provides clerical backup for professional and para-professional service. Assists other para-professional and professional staff in the various age-level program activities and events. Assists with and/or develops a unit age-level program activity, under the general direction of a Librarian. Interprets Library policy in the absence of a Librarian. Directs the work of subordinates in routine and clerical matters. Performs library service in a bookmobile, hospital library, County institution or reading center.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidates will have demonstrated a successful track record in the following:

• Delivering high-quality, patron-focused, front line customer service.
• Effective problem solving, troubleshooting, planning and organizing work, independently and collaboratively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including proficiency in interpersonal communication and the ability to professionally deliver information to customers and colleagues. 
• Working collectively in a diverse team environment.
• Updated on current technology trends as they are applied to library service and advanced internet searching.
• Adapting to new processes and learning new skills appropriate to library services.
• Assisting with age-level programming.
• Performing clerical tasks using appropriate organizational library systems and/or computer-based tools and software.
• Knowledge of popular literature in written and digital formats, major authors in various genres (both fiction and nonfiction), integrated library software and library operations (cash handling, public service & policy and procedures).
• Strong technical skills, including the ability to navigate eBook and database searching, online public access catalogs and Windows-based software.

Library Assistant I

Experience: The equivalent of two years of full-time experience as a Clerk II or higher level clerical classification in the Alameda County Library Department.

Or II

Education:

The equivalent of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university.

Library Assistant II

Either I

Experience: The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in the class of Library Assistant I in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or

II Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. License: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

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:

• Literature in written form and other formats.
• Books and authors in several fields.
• Library materials, procedures, and practices.
• Library automated systems.

Abilities:

• Problem solve, plan and organize work.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Learn basic skills appropriate to library service.
• Perform general clerical tasks as applicable.
• Manipulate and use library catalogs and other computer-based tools.
• Perform public speaking before audiences.
• Interpersonal sensitivity.

As mentioned above, this is a special recruitment, not a civil service examination. Positions will be filled by the following methods of appointment:

• Reinstatement
• Transfer
• Voluntary Demotion
• Provisional Appointment

Candidates will be contacted directly by the Library Department if selected for a hiring interview.

If you have additional questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Barbara Schmelzer in the Library's Human Resources Department at (510) 745-1514.

All notices related to County recruitments for which you have applied will be sent/delivered via email. Please add @acgov.org and alamedacountyHR@acgov.org as accepted addresses to any email blocking or spam filtering program you may use. If you do not do this, your email blocking or spam filtering program may block receipt of the notices regarding your application for recruitments. You are also strongly advised to regularly log into your County of Alameda online application account to check for notices that may have been sent to you. All email notices that will be sent to you will also be kept in your personal online application account. You will be able to view all of your notices in your online application account by clicking on the "My applications" button on the Current Job Openings page.