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  • Library Assistant - San Jose Public Library

    San Jose, California United States CITY OF SAN JOSE Full Time $84,542.64 - $102,757.20 Annually Aug 04, 2025
    City of San Jose Employer:

    CITY OF SAN JOSE

    SanJoseCA.gov is the City of San José’s public website, offering information for our community 24/7. The City of San José is a large organization offering a wide variety of services and programs, and the website is intended to make it easier to find information about these services online.The purpose of the City website is to provide information of the City's choosing to the public in order to conduct the City’s business and promote the City's goals as guided by the City Council. The City’s website and the selection of sites to which any of them may be linked are not intended to serve as a forum for free discussion. Ample facilities for free expression are available both on the Internet and in the physical world. Instead, the City’s website is intended to serve the City’s need to make useful and practical information available to residents, businesses, and visitors which facilitates provision of a City service or furthers another specifically articulated purpose of the City.You can search our website by City services, department directory, or by topic. If you are looking for information on City policies and ordinances, try searching the City Council meetings, agendas and minutes database, the City Policy Manual or the Municipal Code. The Mayor’s Office, the City Council, Boards and Commissions, and most City departments and offices are represented on SanJoseCA.gov. You can also find certain City departments and programs via separate websites for Mineta San José International Airport, Police Department, Public Library and Happy Hollow Park & Zoo.You can find more information about City programs, services, and events through CivicCenterTV (Cable Channel 26), by subscribing to City News and Information, and by following us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.    

    Job Description

    Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

    The City of San José 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 San José 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 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY) , or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov .

    About the Department

    The award-winning San José Public Library (SJPL) consists of more than 600 employees, a 2 3 % bilingual workforce, and has 24 branch libraries across San José, in addition to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, which is the city’s main library jointly operated through a unique partnership with San José State University. SJPL serves a diverse community of roughly one-million residents and currently has nearly 700,000 library members. It annually attracts over 6 million visitors (pre-pandemic) and circulates more than 8 million items per year.

    Over the past few years, SJPL has cultivated a 21st century library experience dedicated to public service and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion at the core. In addition to providing library services to the community, SJPL proudly leads two citywide initiatives - the Education and Digital Literacy Strategy and the SJ Access digital equity initiative, which has become the number one provider of free public access to Wi-Fi connectivity, tech device lending, and multi-lingual digital literacy programs and support. SJPL is led by Jill Bourne, City Librarian, who was nationally recognized in 2017 as Library Journal’s “Librarian of the Year.”

    SJPL enriches lives by fostering lifelong learning and ensuring that every member of the community has access to a vast array of ideas and information. The library department is a place where people do great work and make a difference in our community. To see examples of SJPL’s work and learn more about its impact, visit www.sjpl.org. Join us to make a difference!

    Position Duties

    The salary range for Library Assistant is approximately $84,543 - $102,757 annually. This amount includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

    Library Assistants are part of a Branch Leadership Team that supervises clerical operations and clerical staff at a branch library or a major unit within the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. Currently there is one vacancy.

    The position is responsible for training and supervising clerical staff in the performance of a range of duties; providing direct customer service; organizing, assigning, and reviewing the workflow and processes; creating daily and weekly work schedules; interpreting policies and procedures; resolving customer and computer related issues related to circulation activities; serving as the branch or unit resource for computer technology operations and troubleshooting equipment problems; developing clerical unit procedures and objectives; tracking and monitoring budgets and balancing fund accounts; verifying revenue collected; developing and implementing employee training; tracking and follow up on facility maintenance problems; compiling statistical reports; and serving on system-wide committees. Schedule will include some evenings, Monday and Saturday rotations, and occasional Sunday shifts. Bilingual skills preferred.

    This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this or other departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the ap plicants from this recruitment.

    Minimum Qualifications

    Education: Completion of two (2) years of undergraduate course work from an accredited college or university in library technical courses or related fields.

    Experience: T wo (2) years of full-time experience (2080 hours = 1 year of full-time experience) performing increasingly responsible library clerical work at the level of Library Clerk.

    Acceptable Substitution: Experience as a Library Clerk ( customer service, library materials handling, basic scheduling, and directing the work of volunteers) can be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis up to two (2) years.

    Other Qualifications

    • Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.


    • Customer Service - Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.


    • Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.


    • Problem Solving - approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem(s);collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.


    • Supervision - Sets effective long and short-term goals based on a good understanding of management practices; establishes realistic priorities within available resources; provides motivational support; empowers others; assigns decision-making and work functions to others in an appropriate manner to maximize organizational and individual effectiveness.


    • Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.


    • Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.


    Selection Process

    The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Job Specific Questions. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews, one of which may include a practical/writing exercise.

    You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration.

    The application deadline is Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM. Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DONOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.

    Additional Information:

    Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

    You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process.

    Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

    This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. 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.

    Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.

    The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's benefits pagefor detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.

    For information on the City’s Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.

    In additional to the benefits above, there is an additional perks siteto explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.

    Closing Date/Time: 8/13/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

LATEST JOBS

Top Library Jobs: Explore Roles, Skills, and Growth Paths

Top Library Jobs: Explore Roles, Skills, and Growth Paths
 

Introduction

Library jobs offer career opportunities for individuals passionate about information, education, and serving communities. Whether you’re looking for entry-level positions or aspiring to take on leadership roles, the library field provides a dynamic and evolving career path.

Job seekers can find roles matching their skills, qualifications, and career aspirations, from public libraries to specialized institutions. This article explores key aspects of library career paths, necessary qualifications, how to search for current job openings and tips for standing out in the competitive library job market.

 

1. Library Career Paths

Libraries are multifaceted institutions that employ professionals across various roles. Each role is critical in maintaining library operations and serving the public.

Types of Jobs

Some of the most common positions include librarians, assistants, and managers. Librarians are responsible for managing collections, assisting patrons with research, and organizing programs that promote literacy. Library assistants support day-to-day operations, helping with book organization, technology use, and customer service. Library managers oversee the facility, handling budgets, staffing, and program development.

Different Library Types

Opportunities exist across different library types, including public, academic, and special libraries. Public libraries are community hubs offering free access to information and resources. Academic libraries, conversely, cater to students, faculty, and researchers, providing access to specialized databases and scholarly materials. Special libraries, such as law firms or corporations, offer niche services requiring subject-specific expertise.

Employers & Opportunities

Library professionals can work for various employers, including public library systems, universities, and county branches. Other employers might include government organizations, schools, or private institutions. Job opportunities can vary depending on location, budget, and the library’s specific needs.

 

2. Key Skills and Qualifications

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A career in the library field requires a mix of technical and interpersonal skills. Beyond just loving books, library professionals need a diverse set of abilities to succeed.

Customer Service Experience

One of the most critical skills in this field is customer service experience. Libraries serve a wide array of patrons, from children to elderly users, and providing excellent service is a key aspect of the job. Communication skills are also essential, as library workers often guide users through research, help with technology, or assist in finding resources.

Qualifications

Qualifications vary depending on the role. Entry-level positions, such as library assistants, typically require a high school diploma. Librarians, on the other hand, usually need a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree. Many roles also require experience with digital tools, including library databases, e-resources, and cataloging systems.

Additional Skills

In addition to formal qualifications, soft skills like organization, multitasking, and problem-solving are valuable. A strong resume highlighting your technology skills and experience with public engagement will set you apart. Many libraries now emphasize the need for digital literacy as technology continues to play a significant role in library services.

3. Job Search and Current Openings

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Finding the right library job involves knowing where to look and how to navigate the job search process.

Job Listings & Platforms

There are several platforms designed explicitly for library job listings. Websites like the American Library Association (ALA) job board, local government websites, and general job platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn are great places to start. Some library systems post openings directly on their websites, where you can find job openings tailored to specific areas or positions.

Part-Time & Full-Time Roles

Libraries often offer a range of work schedules, from full-time positions to part-time and even volunteer opportunities. Full-time roles, such as librarians or library managers, usually come with benefits like health insurance and paid holidays. Part-time positions, including evening or weekend hours, provide flexibility for those with other commitments.

Hiring Process

The hiring process for library jobs typically involves submitting a resume and cover letter through the employer’s application portal. If selected, candidates are invited for interviews, which may include multiple stages depending on the role. During this process, it’s essential to demonstrate your knowledge of the library system, customer service experience, and technology skills.

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4. Career Development and Advancement

A career in the library field offers numerous growth opportunities, from entry-level positions to leadership roles.

Professional Growth

Career planning is essential for advancing in the library profession. For example, starting as a library assistant can lead to more senior roles like librarian or branch manager. Many libraries encourage ongoing education and career planning, with opportunities for workshops, conferences, and certifications that enhance your skill set.

Leadership Roles

For those interested in leadership, positions such as department heads or library directors offer the chance to shape the direction of library services. These roles require experience and advanced qualifications, such as an MLS or additional certifications in library management.

Continued Learning

Professional development is a key aspect of career growth in libraries. The field is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging regularly. Staying up-to-date through continued learning—whether through webinars, conferences, or certifications—will help you stay competitive and advance in your career.

 

5. Library Job Boards and Resources

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Finding and applying for library jobs can be streamlined by using specialized resources.

Job Search Tools

Numerous tools help job seekers find library positions. Library job boards, such as those provided by the ALA, allow candidates to filter jobs by location, type, and qualifications. Local government job boards may also list library job openings for county or municipal positions. To ensure accuracy, verify the details of job postings before applying.

Additional Resources

In addition to job boards, various tools assist with resume building and interview preparation. Online platforms like LinkedIn offer tools to polish your resume and connect with professionals in the field. Other resources include career counseling services and resume-building guides tailored to library professionals.

 

6. Standing Out as a Candidate

The library job market can be competitive, but you can stand out and secure your ideal position with the right approach.

Crafting Strong Applications

A well-written cover letter and resume can set you apart from other candidates. Be sure to tailor each application to the specific job and highlight your relevant experience, especially any customer service roles or library work you’ve completed. Highlighting your digital literacy and familiarity with library systems can also give you an edge.

Gaining Experience

One way to gain valuable experience is through internships, volunteer roles, or part-time positions. These opportunities allow you to develop critical skills while building a professional network. Many libraries welcome volunteers, especially for programs like literacy outreach or book sorting, providing hands-on experience in the field.

Job Perks

Many library jobs offer appealing benefits, such as paid holidays, flexible scheduling, and opportunities to work weekends or evenings. These perks can provide work-life balance and make library jobs attractive to many applicants.

 

Conclusion

Library careers offer a diverse and fulfilling path for those passionate about education, information, and community service. Opportunities abound across every library type, whether you’re just starting or advancing. By keeping an eye on each job listing and considering roles that fit your preferred hour and week, you can find the right fit for your career. Use available resources and continue pursuing your career goals in this rewarding field.

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