Library Assistant II

Job Summary

Applications will be accepted by the Human Resources Department on one day only,
Thursday, May 14, 2026 between 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(The link to apply online will appear at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 14th)

Performs a wide variety of specialized functions associated with Library customer service, check-out and check-in of materials, processing of materials, creating and updating customer accounts, attendant tasks, and providing technology support.

SUPERVISION:
Works under the supervision of a professional, supervisory, management staff and/or designee, who makes detailed work assignments, periodically reviews work in progress and carefully reviews completed work.

NOTE : The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill permanent full-time (40 hours per week) positions; and As-Needed (without benefits) positions throughout the Libraries.

Representative Duties

(Note: duties may vary depending upon assignment)

Provides high quality customer service by courteously assisting customers in person, by phone and on-line.

Works as a member of the Library team to provide services and support to customers and colleagues, using devices, software systems and technology that include Library card account management, lending of Library materials and collection of fines and fees.

Responds to basic inquiries about Library services, collections, programs, policies and procedures. Assists customers in managing Library card accounts and by providing basic instruction in the use of the on-line catalog, information resources, public computers, printers, copiers and self-service checkout systems and other equipment that support Library functions and services. Responds to inquiries regarding rental of Library meeting rooms. Provides limited reference and reader’s advisory service and makes referrals to appropriate sources.

Enters, modifies and retrieves data from the integrated Library system. Retrieves items for customer holds and interlibrary loans to other Library systems. Prepares materials for delivery to branches or shelving areas.

Assists customers in resolving basic problems and/or refers complaints to the appropriate supervisor or resource.

Assists Librarians and paraprofessional staff in the operation of a section of the Library or Branch Library. Assists in training of Library subordinates and peers.

Collects payment of fines and fees using a cash register and/or credit card processing computer software. Performs mathematical calculations. Handles and reconciles cash receipts and prepares for deposit with City Finance Department. Reconciles funds collected for Big Blue Bus.

Places orders for book and other library materials orders using an automated acquisition system and other on-line tools.

Receives and processes new Library materials; searches databases for bibliographic records; reviews or modifies on-line cataloging records for the Library. Creates and maintains items and bibliographic records including title, author, publishing information, bibliographic description and call number for less complex Library materials following local, national and international cataloging standards.

Inventories and orders unit office and processing supplies; processes mail.

Performs basic equipment and Library materials maintenance. Evaluates damaged materials and reports status to collections staff.

Performs inventories of Library materials collections.

Access, prints and distributes Library notices and reports.

May participate in ad hoc committees to facilitate implementation of goals and plans established by Library management.

Co llects, calculates and records monthly statistics.

Coordinates and monitors work of Library Page staff.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills :
Knowledge of:

Effective customer service techniques.
Library equipment and technology, especially an integrated Library system.
Business English, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Basic mathematics.
Cash handling, credit card and on-line payment processing techniques

Ability to:

Provide effective customer service.
Respond to public inquiries, complaints and requests for service in a tactful manner.
Follow written and oral instructions.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Operate a variety of office equipment.
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public.
Perform basic mathematical computations.
Maintain confidentiality.
Learn required software applications.
Provide basic instruction in required software applications.

Skill in:

Performing data entry.
Working with electronic devices such as personal computers, tablets and applicable software, including the Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Office.
Reading, writing messages and documents at an appropriate level.
Working effectively with persons from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds.

Education, Training, and Experience:

Graduation from high school or equivalent. Two years of recent, paid work experience performing customer service duties with high volume public contact. An Associate's degree or completion of sixty college units or the equivalent of college level coursework from an accredited college or university can be substituted for one year of the required work experience. Library experience is desirable.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is mostly performed indoors in an office and/or public service environment with diverse individuals. Requires heavy public contact in-person, over the telephone and online. Work is regularly performed within the environment of the Library and requires frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, squatting and or stooping for prolonged periods of time. Reaching for, lifting, climbing, twisting, and carrying of books and other Library materials and pushing book carts containing medium to heavy weight materials is required. Performing duties requiring grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination; lifting, dragging and pushing/pulling books and materials light to medium weight. Incumbents are required to work evening and weekend hours and/or report to off-site assignments. Work frequently involves meeting deadlines.

Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is mostly performed indoors in an office and/or public service environment with diverse individuals. Requires heavy public contact in-person, over the telephone and online. Work is regularly performed within the environment of the Library and requires frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, squatting and or stooping for prolonged periods of time. Reaching for, lifting, climbing, twisting, and carrying of books and other Library materials and pushing book carts containing medium to heavy weight materials is required. Performing duties requiring grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination; lifting, dragging and pushing/pulling books and materials light to medium weight. Incumbents are required to work evening and weekend hours and/or report to off-site assignments. Work frequently involves meeting deadlines.

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position. Please note , applications may be rejected if incomplete. Résumés, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of your college diploma/transcript with your application. Applicants who indicated receipt of degree from a foreign institution must provide United States degree and credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcript. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified. You must upload and attach a scanned copy of your transcripts or diploma to your on-line application.

SELECTION PROCESS : All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding their qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing may consist of the following:

Practical Test: Qualifying (Microsoft Windows 10 Operating Systems)
Written Examination: 100%

NOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS :
Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation. The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 5/14/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• City of Santa Monica

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