Librarian I

Job Summary

Online applications will be accepted by the Human Resources Department on one day only, Thursday , November 13th, 2025 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

(The link to apply online will appear at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 13)

DEFINITION:
Provides professional library services for library customers. Participates in one or more of the following areas: reference, referral and reader's advisory services, youth services, programming, collection development, acquisitions and invoicing; cataloging, materials circulation, information technology or coordinating a specialized service or program.

A Librarian I may be assigned to one or more of the following service areas within the Library:

• Youth and Family Services - Provides services, resources, and programs that support early literacy, education, and family engagement.
• Teen Services - Plans and supports services, resources, and programs that meet the educational and recreational needs of teens.
• Adult and Neighborhood Services - Assists with the development and delivery of adult learning opportunities, community outreach, and neighborhood-based services.
• Branch and Neighborhood Services - Supports the delivery of library services, programs, and community access at the City’s neighborhood branch libraries.
• Collections, Technology, and Patron Services - Contributes to the development and maintenance of library collections and cataloging, public service desk operations, circulation functions, and the implementation of library technology initiatives.

SUPERVISION:

Works under the general supervision of a Principal Librarian, Librarian III, or Librarian II. Instructions are regularly provided and work is periodically reviewed. May exercise general supervision over paraprofessional, clerical and as needed employees, as assigned.

NOTE: The eligibility list established for this recruitment will be used to fill permanent full-time (40 hours per week); and (As-Needed) (without benefits) positions as vacancies occur. (Bilingual skills may be required).

NOTE: The position will be required to work evenings and weekends.

Representative Duties

Note:Duties may vary dependent upon assignment

Assists internal and external customers in person, by telephone and online by providing reference, referral and reader's advisory services; and selecting, recommending and locating library materials andresources appropriate to their needs.

Provides instruction in the use of library materials including the online catalog, databases, electronic and Web resources and other computer hardware and software programs.

Coordinates activities related to the lending and return of library materials and monitors procedures for the collection of fines and fees.

Responds to reference and readers' advisory questions and assists adults, teens and children in the use of the library.

Prepares exhibits, displays, bibliographies, reading lists and other library promotional materials using computer software, web page authoring and social media tools.

Classifies and catalogs a wide variety of library material including books, periodicals, media, government documents and other such materials in accordance with international standards and local practice.

Evaluates and recommends materials for binding, mending or discarding from collections, as appropriate.

Reviews, selects, develops, maintains, and promotes library collections.

Develops and/or maintains databases, indexes and web content.

Hires, schedules, trains, reviews and evaluates work of assigned staff.

Coordinates, implements and/or oversees special library projects or programs such as author programs, children's story times, after school and summer reading programs, volunteer and community outreach programs, classes in the use of library resources or special collections/services such as local history resources.

Prepares grant requests and implements grants related to library services including monitoring fund expenditures and preparing reports.

Monitors funds available for new acquisitions and prepares orders for new library materials.

Maintains a variety of library records.Communicates orally and in writing with the public, staff and vendors.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices and procedures of public librarianship.

Current classification and cataloging principles, systems and practices.

Automated library systems, computer systems, bibliographic utilities, on?line services, database management and maintenance, MARC formats, RDA, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and Dewey Decimal Classification.

Computer applications and online databases.

Effective supervisory techniques.

Effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:

Catalog, classify and assign subject headings.

Evaluate library materials and authors.

Monitor budget allocations and expenditures.

Conduct reference interviews and perform reader's advisory to recommend appropriate resources or materials.

Promote interest in library services.

Plan, organize and participate in functional activities of a library.

Prepare studies and reports and maintain records.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Use and provide instructions for the use of computers and online databases.

Use social media tools to promote the library and interact with patrons.

Develop and maintain website content.

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with customers, coworkers, City employees and the public.

Select, train and evaluate employees.

Provide effective customer service.

Skill in:

The use of computers and library related computer technologies.

Working effectively with persons from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds.

Education, Training and Experience:

Master's degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited college or university in Library Science.

Licenses and Certificates :

Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California driver license may be required for some positions.

Bilingual skills are desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is regularly performed within the environment of the library and requires frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, lifting and carrying of books and other library materials routinely weighing up to 15 pounds. Incumbents are required to work nights and weekends and may be required to work irregular hours and/or report to off-site assignments.

Supplemental Information

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position. Please note , applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of your college diploma/transcript with your application. Applicants who indicated receipt of degree from a foreign institution must provide United States degree and credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcript. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified. You must upload and attach a scanned copy of your transcripts or diploma to your on-line application.

SELECTION PROCESS : All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding their qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing may consist of the following:

Oral Exam

NOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS :
Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation. The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 11/13/2025 5:30 PM Pacific

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

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• City of Santa Monica

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