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

Library Assistant III - Multiple Positions

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The Position

There are currently multiple full‑time positions for Library Assistant III at the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. These roles may be utilized as assistant branch manager, branch manager, or supervisor for the Bookmobile. Please read under "Current Vacancies" for the positions being recruited for at this time. The eligibility list established from this recruitment will be used to fill other Library Assistant III vacancies during the life of the list in all branch locations. The list remains valid for up to one year unless extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

Current Vacancies

• Capitola: A busy branch for all ages with a city‑maintained playground and robust programs. The Library Assistant III supervises LAIIs and Aides, oversees operational needs, and works with branch librarians to create a welcoming and vibrant space.
• Garfield Park: Located in a 1915 Carnegie building on the Westside of Santa Cruz, this small library has a big impact on the neighboring community. The role supervises LAIIs and Aides, coordinates operational requirements and patron programming, and works with the branch librarian.
• Live Oak: A beautiful branch on the edge of Corcoran Lagoon popular for Latino cultural programming. The position supervises LAIIs and Aides, oversees operational needs, and collaborates with branch librarians to create a welcoming space.

Visit the Santa Cruz Public Libraries website (santacruzpl.org) for more information on the system and branch locations.

Responsibilities

• Opening and closing the library facility and securing the premises and contents.
• Assisting patrons with routine activities and providing direct service in finding information and using library collections, computers, and equipment.
• Scheduling staff, handling basic patron issues, and supervising staff performance.
• Ensuring excellent internal and external customer service at the branch, CMS, or Bookmobile.
• Coordinating library services and programs with other staff.
• Providing feedback on public needs and the effectiveness of services and programs.
• Operating office machines, computers, and audio‑visual equipment.
• Assisting the public with virtual branch services, including online question help and search consultation.
• Performing all circulation tasks (checkout, return, holds, shelving, interlibrary loans).
• Providing paraprofessional‑level information discovery assistance and readers’ advisory.
• Managing customer accounts, including registrations, fines, disputes, and payment plans.
• Conducting targeted needs assessments under supervision.
• Directing volunteer work and collecting prescribed service‑area data.
• Responding to community concerns and analyzing service‑area data for recommendations.
• Coordinating acquisitions, receiving, and processing of library materials when assigned to CMS.
• Communicating with vendors to resolve acquisition and processing issues.
• Driving the Bookmobile and ensuring its maintenance schedule if assigned.
• Performing any duties of the Library Assistant II.
• Performing other related duties reasonably expected of this classification.

Working Conditions

The position requires frequent sitting, walking, standing, reaching, stooping, and repetitive use of hands. Occasional climbing, overhead work, pushing, pulling, and finger dexterity are required. The role requires near and far vision and normal hearing. The position may require lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally. Accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals who request them.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and two (2) years of experience providing basic public, technical, or clerical services (circulation, information, reader’s advisory, programs, or collection management).
• Associate’s degree or equivalent and three (3) years of experience providing the same services.
• High school diploma or tested equivalent and four (4) years of experience providing the same services.
• Master of Library Information Science (MLIS) degree. Candidates may complete the degree within six (6) months during the probationary period.

Knowledge

• Advanced working knowledge of library routines, procedures, and services.
• Basic computer operations for library applications and productivity tools.
• Concepts and issues regarding technology use by different user groups.
• Practiced knowledge of the library system’s information resources.
• Basic legal issues, including privacy, confidentiality, and copyright.

Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Google Docs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with adults and children.

Abilities

• Transfer training and knowledge to the workplace.
• Work effectively with patrons and team members of diverse backgrounds.
• Apply conflict management and de‑escalation techniques.
• Train users to operate public equipment and access library services remotely.
• Instruct users in basic research procedures and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Use assistive technologies to ensure equitable access.
• Multi‑task while interacting with patrons online, by phone, and in person.
• Make evaluative decisions and use referral procedures appropriately.
• Use good judgment in challenging situations.
• Work independently and take initiative.

Licenses and Certificates

• Valid California Class C driver’s license, maintained continuously.

Desirable Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish, an Asian language, or sign language.

Career Ladder

• 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

Application Information

• Recruitment closes on Thursday, 11/20/25 at 5:00 pm.
• Submit an online application only; resumes are not accepted as replacements.
• Answer supplemental questions; include all relevant work experience.
• Applications will be screened on the weeks of 12/08 and 12/15/25. Candidates will be notified by 12/18/25.
• Interviews for top candidates will occur in the week of 01/05, 01/12, or 01/19/26 and may include interviews and written/performance exercises.