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Librarian (School Resource Services Liaison)

City of Alameda
Full-time
On-site
Alameda, California, United States
$66,885 - $94,087.50 USD yearly

Nature of Position

The Position

Under direction, the Librarian performs professional library work involved in modern public library operations including reference, branch, children or adult services; performs other related work as required.  The current vacancy exists in School Resources Services; however, the list that is established may be used to fill positions throughout the Library. This is the entry level class in the professional librarian series.

School Resource Services is run through the Children's Department and works directly with Alameda elementary and middle schools to augment the schools' collections and bring library services into the classroom. A work week is 37.5 hours long and sample work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with occasional evening and weekends.

Ideal Candidate
In addition to meeting the established guidelines for the position, the ideal candidate will be a technical professional in the field of library sciences or have a valid teaching credential, will have prior experience working in a public library, elementary or middle school, or similar environment, is familiar with developing programming for diverse communities, is familiar with developing, planning, and implementing curriculum, lesson plans, and educational programs for students in elementary and middle school, and is comfortable using various forms of social media to create content for the Library.

Alameda Free Library
The Alameda Free Library is an inviting and comfortable place where people of all ages develop and enjoy a love of learning and reading, connect to the online world, and find the information they need for daily living.  We serve those who live, work, play, and learn in Alameda by providing materials, services, and programs to advance their recreational, educational, and professional goals. The Library offers a wide range of services to support community priorities, including answering reference questions, staging storytimes, providing summer reading programs, hosting class visits, and offering free public programs and displays for all ages and interests.

The Library is also part of the Bay Area Library and Information System, a cooperative of ten Bay Area library systems and the Pacific Library Partnership, a consolidation of four library systems in the greater Bay Area of Northern California. The Library also enjoys the support of an active Friends of the Library organization.

Distinguishing Features

Benefits of Employment

For a comprehensive listing of benefits, see the Benefit Matrix here. 
  • 37.5 hour work week 
  • CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 formula, 8.868% contribution; New Members 2% @ 62 formula, 8.75% contribution.
  • Medical: The City contracts with CalPERS to provide comprehensive health coverage to employees. Multiple HMO and PPO plans available, with a generous City contribution
  • Dental: Comprehensive dental coverage provided to employees and their eligible dependents.
  • Vacation: Starting with 75 hours annually and increasing with years of service. Holidays: 11 City Holidays and 5.5 floating Holidays.
  • Sick Leave: 90 hours per year; unused sick leave is converted to service credit at retirement.

Examples of Duties

The following list of duties is intended only to describe the various types of work that may be performed and the level of technical complexity of the assignment(s) and is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties. The omission of a specific duty statement does not exclude it from the position if the work is consistent with the concept of the classification or is similar or closely related to another duty statement.  

  1. Provides reference and  readers' guidance; assists and advises readers in making effective use of library facilities; maintains order and discipline in the observance of Library rules and regulations.
  2. Promotes reader interest and full use of library resources.
  3. Administers library services including access of information via electronic information retrieval systems and online catalogs, such as Internet.
  4. Assists in the development, implementation and evaluation of library programs and services.
  5. Selects, orders, classifies and catalogs books, pamphlets and other materials.
  6. Organizes, maintains and indexes a variety of reference materials; makes bibliographic searches; maintains and updates catalog files.
  7. Prepares and maintains statistical records; prepares various reports.
  8. Reads and writes book reviews.          
  9. May supervise, train and evaluate or provide lead direction and training to technical and clerical personnel and volunteers.

Employment Standards

Possession of the employment standards does not assure advancement to the Examination or placement on the Eligible List.  This is a competitive examination where a candidate’s performance in the Examination will be judged in comparison with the core competencies required of the job.  To be considered, applicants should possess the combination of education and experience necessary to provide the required knowledge and abilities for the position.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
 
Education/Experience
Any combination equivalent to education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: 
Graduation from an American Library Association accredited college or university with a Master of Library Science or Master of Library and Information Science Degree or a valid teaching credential.

Experience: 
No experience required, however, one year of professional library experience or one year of classroom teaching experience is desirable.

Desirable:
One year of professional library experience or classroom teaching experience; knowledge of computer based information resources and applications in a public library; understanding of the Dewey Decimal System. Knowledge of Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese is welcomed.

Knowledge
Knowledge of modern public library organization, objectives, services and their application; principles, laws, policies, methods, and practices of public library administration; modern library equipment operation, including electronic information retrieval systems and online catalogs; library classification, circulation, and cataloging; reference techniques and practices; collection development; and library materials.
 
Ability
Ability to effectively perform professional library work; promote interest in library services; assist in developing and implementing library programs and services which meet community needs; perform technical library tasks and operate computerized and other library equipment with speed and accuracy; interpret, apply and explain established policies and procedures; establish and maintain accurate records; plan, administer and evaluate work programs and schedules; interpret and analyze information; clearly define problems and develop solutions; prepare reports; set priorities, meet deadlines and make sound decisions; maintain level of knowledge required for satisfactory job performance; communicate effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public and supervise, train and evaluate assigned clerical staff.
 
Other Requirements
Possession of a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record at the time of appointment is required as a condition of initial and continued employment only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than the employee’s ability to get to/from various work locations in a timely manner, is necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. 
 
Special Requirements
Ability to work rotating and/or irregular shifts, including nights, weekends and to adjust work schedules as needed.

SELECTION PROCESS: 
After reviewing applications, candidates advancing in the examination process will receive supplemental questions (SQs) by email from GovernmentJobs.com. To be considered for the Eligibility List, you must submit the SQs by the stated deadline for review and scoring. Ensure both your application and questionnaire are completed thoroughly and accurately. Please check your SPAM folder and adjust your email settings to accept messages from GovernmentJobs.com.

The examination process may include an application and supplemental questionnaire evaluation, a written exam, a performance exam, and/or an oral interview. The examination process may test for, but is not limited to, the essential knowledge and abilities listed in the job specification and announcement and will be designed to provide a comprehensive review of each candidate's technical knowledge and overall suitability for the position.  Qualified applicants will be notified of the exact date, time, and location of examinations approximately two weeks in advance. If applicants have not received written notice at least one week prior to the tentative test date listed in the flyer, they should contact the City of Alameda Human Resources Department at (510) 747-4900.  

Candidates passing all components of the examination process will be placed on an Eligible List. A list of names is certified to the department(s) having vacancies based on the type of examination conducted pursuant to the provision of the City's Civil Service Rules. Final selection will be made from the Eligible List by the Department Head subject to approval by the City Manager. The Department Head may utilize additional selection procedures to make a final hiring decision. Placement on an Eligible List does not guarantee employment.  Prior to appointment, a thorough reference check will be conducted which may include a credit check and background. The selection process may be evaluated and revised based on the number of qualified applicants. Federal law requires that prior to employment, you must furnish proof of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States, as required the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

E-VERIFY: The City of Alameda utilizes the Federal government’s E-Verify program and new employees must provide documentation to establish identity and work authorization, which includes showing a valid United States Social Security card at the time of hire (photocopies not accepted).

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE CREDIT: A job applicant qualifies as a veteran if honorably discharged from active military, reservist, or National Guard duty of at least 18 consecutive months within the past five (5) years of the date of application. In case of discharge attributable to service-connected injuries or illnesses, the 18 months active duty requirement need not be fulfilled. An applicant claiming veteran's preference credit must attach to their application, a legible copy of their DD-214 verifying the type of discharge and date(s) of active service. NO OTHER DOCUMENTATION WILL BE ACCEPTED.
 
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Alameda encourages minorities, women and the disabled to apply. It is the City's policy that all aspects of employment and promotion shall be without regard to sex, marital status or disability (except where dictated by requirements of the position), race, sexual orientation, political affiliation, religious creed, color, national origin or age. Qualified disabled persons must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. No individual may pose a direct threat to the health or safety of himself/herself or other individuals in the workplace. Barring undue hardship, reasonable accommodations can be made in the application and examination process for disabled individuals or for religious reasons. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be made in advance to the Human Resources Department. Hearing Impaired TDD (510) 522-7538.
 
The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.