OCERS is hiring: Senior Library Assistant in Santa Ana
OCERS, Santa Ana, CA, United States, 92725
SENIOR LIBRARY ASSISTANT
Salary Information Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate’s qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
Open to the Public
This recruitment is being held to establish an eligible list to fill current and future Senior Library Assistant vacancies within OC Community Resources/OC Public Libraries. The eligible list established may also be used to fill similar and lower-level classifications throughout the County of Orange.
Deadline to Apply
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately, as the recruitment will close on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 11:59 PM (PT).
The County
County of Orange is a regional service provider and planning agency whose core businesses include public safety, public health, environmental protection, regional planning, public assistance, social services and aviation.
OC Community Resources (OCCR)
OC Community Resources is a multi‑faceted department comprised of OC Animal Care, OC Community Services, OC Housing & Community Development, OC Parks, and OC Public Libraries.
OC Public Libraries
OC Public Libraries is a network of community libraries located throughout the County of Orange. It provides safe and easy access to library services, a broad spectrum of materials in multiple formats, and knowledgeable, friendly, experienced staff to support the information needs of the community.
The Opportunity
Under supervision of Librarians and Branch Managers, Sr. Library Assistants perform library tasks and provide service in a branch library, library headquarters, or mobile library and perform other work as required. Sr. Library Assistants are distinguished from Library Assistants by increasingly responsible paraprofessional duties, education, experience, specialized skills, and functional supervision.
Responsibilities
- Assist with and/or create branch programs
- Facilitate branch programs such as book groups and story time
- Assist with materials orders for branch and collection development
- Create branch publicity and use social media effectively
- Direct and manage library volunteers
- Collaborate on system wide workshops, meetings, and committees
- Provide outreach to organizations, schools, and agencies
- Provide excellent customer service using library best practices
- Guide complex research queries for students
- Answer informational questions and Reader’s Advisory questions for patrons; find Reader’s Advisory information in online sources
- Discern accuracy of web‑based information sources
- Create library reading guides and other branch information
- Facilitate the use of e‑devices, troubleshoot and stay current with reading technology and trends; troubleshoot computer and printer problems; understand technology terms and vocabulary
- Use a library ILS to issue library cards, maintain patron records, find library items and place holds, record patron transactions, and assist patrons
- Adhere to cash compliance guidelines while opening, depositing, and reporting monetary transactions and create County‑mandated reports for cash transactions
- Prepare a branch to open and close during business hours
- Manage payroll under the supervision of branch manager
- Order and manage branch supplies
- Perform ILL tasks to ensure patrons receive ILLs in a timely manner
- Work with OCLC and ILL liaisons across the United States
- Place and process vendor library material orders
- Catalog materials in OCLC in various languages
- Work with vendor contracts and County Accounts Payable for processing invoices and resolving problems
- Work in the Sirsi database, performing acquisitions and cataloging functions
- Some positions may require working outside in a mobile library setting
Desirable Qualifications and Core Competencies
The ideal candidate will possess either of the following:
- Two (2) or more years of experience working in a library setting that demonstrates the possession of required knowledge and abilities.
- 60 semester units of credit from an accredited college or university, or an associate’s degree or certificate in library technology or higher, and at least 6 months of experience in a library setting.
- Two (2) or more years of supervisory experience in a customer service industry and completed 60 semester units of credit from an accredited college or university, or an associate’s degree or certificate in library technology or higher.
In addition, the ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge and/or experience in the following core competencies:
Technical Expertise
- Processing monetary transactions and utilizing a cash register and credit card reader
- Working knowledge of the Sirsi database, Interlibrary Loan programs, Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), or other similar library systems/programs
- Facilitating the use of e‑devices, troubleshooting, and current reading technology and trends; troubleshooting computer and printer problems; understanding technology terms and vocabulary
Customer Service
- Providing excellent customer service using library best practices
- Assisting with and/or creating branch programs and providing outreach
- Facilitating branch programs such as book groups and story time
Oral & Written Communication Skills
- Effectively communicating orally and in writing
- Communicating technical information in a clear and easy to understand manner
- Composing correspondence and reports
Special Note
OC Public Libraries provides services at various locations including the possibility of working outside on a Mobile Library. Incumbents should be prepared to work weekends, evenings, and rotate to various locations. These positions have a set schedule and are not on call. Schedules are subject to change on a case‑by‑case basis.
Minimum Qualifications
Click here for information regarding the minimum qualifications for Senior Library Assistant.
License Required
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, Class C or higher, may be required depending on assignment.
Recruitment Process
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and/or desirable qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the minimum and/or desirable qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Recorded Structured Oral Interview (Weighted 100%)
Candidates whose applications reflect the most job‑related experience will be invited to participate in a Recorded Structured Oral Interview. Only the most successful candidates will be placed onto the eligible list. All candidates will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Click here to review the policy.
Email Notification
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
Questions
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Jamiee Lang at Jamiee.Lang@occr.ocgov.com.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.