Library Technician - Youth Services

ABOUT US

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive.Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here. 

The Santa Barbara Public Library is dedicated to supporting education for all ages through classes and events, building a community of readers, empowering individuals with free access to information, and connecting people to community resources. Read more about the Library Department here.

THE POSITION
The City of Santa Barbara Library Department is seeking a motivated and dynamic Library Technician specializing in Youth Services.  Library Technicians help create a welcoming and engaging environment for all Library visitors. They actively support the promotion of library services and resources and contribute to a positive user experience.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing excellent customer service to patrons of all ages and backgrounds from any service post in the Library or Library Outreach Van.
• Preparing content for informational handouts, flyers, and social media posts for public distribution both in print and online.
• Creating and maintaining eye-catching book displays and book lists to promote Library materials and programs.
• Assisting in the planning and implementation of a wide range of innovative Library programs and community education events, including Early Literacy programming, STEAM activities, teen programs, the all-ages Summer Reading Program, and cultural performances.
• Supporting the circulation, organization, and maintenance of materials within the library collection.
• Training and mentoring Library volunteers.
• Monitoring, ordering, and receiving Library supplies; maintaining inventory records and files for equipment and supplies.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the full journey level class within the Library Technician series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Library Assistant series by the performance of the full range of duties assigned including assisting in the acquisition and cataloging of library materials. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Library Technician in that the latter plans, directs and leads a unit or department within the library.

BENEFITS: 
To view our benefits page click here.

Knowledge of:

• Library services and functions.
• Library terminology.
• Practices and techniques of library material classification and cataloging.
• Computerized cataloging, bibliographical and circulation system databases.
• Library equipment and tools including personal computers, Internet, CD readers, indices, microfilm/fiche readers and printers.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of journey level technical and clerical library work. 
•  Operate computerized cataloging, bibliographical and circulation system databases.
• Keyboarding speed necessary for successful job performance. 
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions. 
• Work independently in the absence of supervision. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 
• Supervise the work of volunteers and employees. 
• Perform routine reference searches. 
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities:
  • Sitting or standing for long durations 
  • Operating assigned equipment

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
Two years of technical and clerical library experience including the acquisition, cataloging, and circulation of a variety of library materials.

Education and/or Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License, Certificate and/or Other Requirements:
May require possession of a California driver's license.
Bookmobile assignment requires possession of a Class B California driver's license.

It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as “See application”, “Extensive Experience”, or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.  

The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.

There is currently one (1) vacancy within the Library Department. 

The eligibility list from this recruitment may be used to fill future Library Technician vacancies.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application.  Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.

CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON THURSDAY, July 23, 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered. 

Disaster Services Assignments

As public employees, we play an enhanced role in the event of a disaster or other emergency in our community.  You will be registered as a disaster services worker, and you will be issued a disaster services identification card. In the event of a disaster or other emergency, make sure that your family is safe and secure first, then report to your assigned emergency location. Hourly employees generally do not receive disaster services assignments.