As-Needed Temporary Employee (Library Assistant)

Description

The Department: The Santa Clara City Library is a department of the City and has positioned itself as a dynamic community hub, providing access to information, literacy resources, educational programming, and promotes civic engagement in Santa Clara. The Library Department is organized into seven divisions: Administration, Adult Services, Branch Services, Customer Services, Facilities, Technical and Technology Services and Youth Services. The Library is in the process of finalizing and implementing its new Strategic Plan, as well as creation of its Facilities Master Plan, that will support the direction of future library services.

The Position: The As-Needed Temporary Employee (Library Assistant) provides general library services to patrons though a broad range of public assistance, technology, and clerical support. This position is customer services focused and requires attention to detail. The As-Needed Temporary Employee (Library Assistant) may work in any division within the library (i.e. Adult Services, Branch Services, Bookmobile, Circulation, Collections, Support Services or Youth Services). 

As an as-needed employee, this is an "at-will" position and there is no guarantee of hours. Hours are limited to 999 in a fiscal year or 960 hours in a fiscal year for retired CalPERS annuitants. 

Additional Information: 

Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Cover Letter and 2) Resume.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of November 11, 2024 at 4:00 PM.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. 

TYPICAL DUTIES: 

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

Under direct supervision:

• Checks library materials in and out for patrons and prepares materials for return to the circulating collection.
• Registers new patrons by verifying identification, ensuring that the registration form is complete and entering appropriate information into online database.
• Collects fees.
• Opens and closes the library facility following established procedures.
• Answers routine directional and informational questions in person and by telephone
• Solves basic problems involving procedures, staff and patrons and refers more difficult questions to appropriate library staff.
• Uses computers and other library equipment to enter, edit and delete bibliographic, periodical, and patron record information in an online database, catalog and other files.
• Performs basic copy cataloging and classification of library materials.
• Provides basic technology troubleshooting with both staff and public equipment.
• Retrieves and shelves books and other library materials.
• Receives and sorts incoming mail and deliveries and prepares materials for mailing May prepare and maintain displays and exhibits.
• May assist with program and service development.
• May provide basic reference and reader's advisory services.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements: Completion of sixty (60) semester units or ninety (90) quarter units from an accredited college or university; and

Minimum Experience Requirements: One (1) year of recent full-time experience involving direct public contact and/or clerical work.

Acceptable Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on the basis of one (1) year of experience for thirty (30) semester units or forty five (45) quarter units.

License/Certifications: None.

Desirable Qualifications: 1 year of recent full time experience involving computer technical support.

Other Requirements:  

• Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job assignment.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: 

• General types and uses of library materials.
• Basic library terminology.
• Modern office procedures and methods.
• Library computer applications, databases and word processing software.
• Basic mathematical principles.

Ability to:

• Learn library practices and procedures, and the location of materials in the libraries.
• Learn to operate computerized bibliographic, periodical, and circulation systems.
• Perform a variety of library technical and clerical work with speed and accuracy.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in English, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and carry out both oral and written instructions.
• Work accurately with numbers and the alphabet and arrange items in alphabetical and numerical order.
• Troubleshoot a variety of technology problems, and report complex problems to the appropriate supervisor.
• Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload and meet strict deadlines.
• Recognize and resolve basic problems and exercise good judgment, particularly in stressful situations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
• Establish and maintain courteous and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work effectively, either independently or as part of a team to achieve common goals.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public in a tactful, courteous and effective way.
• Work in a team based environment and achieve common goals.
• Walk or stand for extended periods of time.
• Lift and carry library materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Bend, crawl, climb, stoop, reach, walk up and down stairs, and stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or [email protected].