Library Assistant III - Multiple Positions Job at City of Santa Cruz in Santa Cr

Library Assistant III positions are available within the Santa Cruz Public Libraries system. These full‑time roles (40 hours per week) may serve as assistant branch manager, branch manager, or supervisor for the Bookmobile. The positions are recruiting under Recruitment #26‑034; applications close on Thursday, 11/20/25; therefore the posting is no longer accepting applications.

Current Vacancies

• Capitola – A busy branch with a city‑maintained playground and robust program array. The Library Assistant III supervises LAIIs and Aides, oversees operational needs, and collaborates with the branch librarian to create a welcoming space.
• Garfield Park – A small library housed in a 1915 Carnegie building on the Westside of Santa Cruz. The Library Assistant III coordinates operational requirements and patron programming in a small space with the branch librarian.
• Live Oak – A beautiful branch on the edge of Corcoran Lagoon, popular for Latino cultural programming. The Library Assistant III supervises LAIIs and Aides, oversees operational needs, and works with the branch librarian to create a welcoming space.

Application and Selection Process

• Recruitment closes 11/20/25; applications must be submitted online by 5:00 pm on the closing date. Postmarks are not accepted.
• All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm on the closing date.
• Submit an online application; resumes are not accepted in lieu of a fully completed application form.
• Answer supplemental questions – a primary tool in evaluating qualifications. Any work experience described must also be included in your employment history on the main application.
• Competitive screening of applications will occur on 12/08 and 12/15/25. Candidates will be notified of status by 12/18/25.
• Interviews will be scheduled for top candidates on 01/05, 01/12, and/or 01/19/26. Interviews may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Responsibilities

• Open, close, and secure the library facility; maintain the facility, its contents, and premises.
• Assist patrons with routine activities associated with library use.
• Provide direct service to the public in finding information and using collections, computers, and equipment.
• Schedule staff and handle basic patron, facility, and equipment issues.
• Assist in staff selection, supervise staff, and conduct performance planning and evaluation.
• Ensure excellent internal and external customer service at the branch, Collection Management Systems (CMS), or Bookmobile.
• Lead teamwork at the branch, CMS, or Bookmobile level.
• Monitor activities to ensure compliance with safety, operations standards, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinate with other library staff for services and programs.
• Provide constructive input and feedback within the library system concerning public needs and program effectiveness.
• Operate office machines, computers, and audiovisual equipment as required.
• Assist the public with virtual branch services (online question help, online search help, and search consultation by appointment).
• Perform all circulation tasks (check‑out, check‑in, holds, shelving, filing, interlibrary loans).
• Provide paraprofessional‑level question‑answering and information discovery assistance.
• Provide readers’ advisory and consult with librarians for readers’ advisory assistance.
• Efficiently search online resources to connect users with library resources.
• Retrieve, copy, fax, email, and transmit information as part of the question‑answering process.
• Perform customer account transactions (registration, fines, fee resolution, payment plans).
• Perform targeted needs assessments under the supervision of a professional.
• Direct the work of volunteers and collect prescribed service‑area data.
• Respond to community concerns and analyze service‑area data.
• Coordinate acquisition, receiving, and processing of library materials (CMS).
• Communicate with vendors on library procedures related to acquisitions and processing.
• Drive the Bookmobile and maintain its schedule (Bookmobile).
• Perform duties of Library Assistant II and any related duties reasonably expected as part of this classification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of experience providing basic public, technical, and clerical services (circulation, information, ready‑reference, reader’s advisory, program presentation, collection management).
• Associate’s degree and three (3) years of experience providing basic public, technical, and clerical services (circulation, information, ready‑reference, reader’s advisory, program presentation, collection management).
• High school diploma or tested equivalent and four (4) years of experience providing basic public, technical, and clerical services (circulation, information, ready‑reference, reader’s advisory, program presentation, collection management).
• Master of Library Information Science (MLIS); the department will allow up to six (6) months while in the probationary period to obtain and present the MLIS degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced working knowledge of library routines, procedures, and services.
• Basic computer operations and familiarity with library applications.
• Knowledge of user privacy, confidentiality, and copyright.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with adults and children.
• Ability to apply conflict management and de‑escalation techniques.
• Ability to train users to operate public equipment, access the internet, and use library software from remote locations.
• Basic troubleshooting of technical problems and appropriate referral of issues.
• Multi‑tasking in interacting with the public online, by phone, and in person while using the computer to search for information.
• Work independently, take initiative, and use good judgment in handling difficult situations.

Licenses and Certificates

• Valid California Class C driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish, an Asian language, a sign language, or other language(s).
• Desirable librarian titles: Director of Libraries, Manager System Services and Support, Library Division Manager, Librarian II, Librarian I, Library Specialist, Library Assistant IV, Library Assistant III, Library Information Specialist, Library Assistant II/Bookmobile Library Assistant, Library Assistant I.