Casual Librarian I

Job Description

Description

The final filing date is Wednesday, November 11, 2026 by 5:00 pm or after receiving 50 qualified applications, whichever is first.


(*Up to 20 hours per week)

Note: Casual non-benefited employees are limited to working no more than twenty-five (25) hours per week and no more than 900 hours in a fiscal year (July 1-June 30). *Seasonal non-benefited employees are limited to working no more than six (6) consecutive months and no more than 900 hours in a fiscal year (July 1-June 30).

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking to fill the position of Temporary Librarian. An energetic and highly motivated individual who possesses excellent customer service, technical and interpersonal skills is needed.

The ideal candidate will have experience working closely with people of all ages in a fast-paced full-service library environment. Key responsibilities include staffing the information desk, presenting story times, creating new and innovative programs for the public, using state-of-the-art technology to develop library content, and selecting interesting and relevant titles for the collection. Special projects may include working on plans for a new branch library and community center in north Sunnyvale and expanding the Library's community engagement and outreach activities.

The candidate will be required to work the information desk for both Adult Services and Youth Services, and may be required to work evenings and weekends.

Librarians work under the direction of the Supervising Librarians of Adult Services or Children and Teen Services and other management staff in a team-oriented and forward-thinking environment.

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Provides information, reference and reader's advisory services for children, teens, and adults.
• Interprets and implements library policies, procedures and resources.
• Assists patrons in locating, selecting and using materials, and in answering a wide variety of questions.
• Participates in collection development activities, including selection, evaluation, merchandising and de-selection that meet the needs of the community.
• Participates in professional meetings, organizations, committees and workshops as resources permit.
• Participates in assigned library projects.
• Trains and directs the work of other library personnel.
• Seeks, writes and administers grant programs and other special projects.
• Maintains library materials and information on various databases.

Adult or Children's/Teen Services:

• Plans and conducts programs on topics that include but are not limited to: computer applications, literature, book discussions, science, business and other topics of interest to the community.
• Organizes and carries out programs such as: storytelling, story times, book discussions, and school visits, recommendations of reading materials for children, teens, and parents.
• Speaks before community organizations and leads tours of the library.
• Plans and implements promotional activities for library events and services.
• Conducts database searches; adapts new technologies for improved library services.
• May maintain and develop the library's intranet and internet services, including the library website, mobile site, social networks, library catalog and other online resources.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience:
The minimum qualification for education and experience can be met in the following way:

A Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an American Library Association accredited program.

Knowledge of:

• Current practices, procedures and technologies used in professional library work.
• On-line data searching and other automated technologies used to access information.
• Book and non-book materials, reference resources, cataloging and classification plans and bibliographic utilities.
  Some assignments may need a basic understanding or familiarity with:
• Basic personal computer hardware and peripherals.
• Third party vendor online resources, web site development and associated computer applications, database maintenance and support of an integrated library system.
• Online social networking applications.
• Contemporary computer languages and application programming interfaces.

Ability to:

• Carry out specific functions of the library system.
• Convey technical and resource information; advise and instruct library patrons in the use of library services and materials.
• Remain current and be aware of potential future technologies applicable to library services.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly, accurately, and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Plan and present material to diverse groups.
• Read and interpret complex technical documents and instructions.
• Develop innovative approaches to diverse library issues.
• Direct the activities of subordinate staff.
• Maintain accurate and orderly records.
• Work effectively as part of a group.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with the public and other City employees.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.

Willingness to:
Work shifts, nights, weekends and holidays.

License/Certificates:
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record or the ability to supply alternative transportation as approved by the hiring authority.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to speak other languages that represent the demographics of the community.

Application and Selection Process

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & PROCESS

The application submitted must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description in order to move forward in the recruitment process with the City of Sunnyvale. The information provided in the Work Experience, Education, and Certificates/Licenses sections of the application will be used to determine if the application meets the minimum qualifications. A resume, employment history provided elsewhere in the application, or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.

Note: The minimum qualifications for experience are based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Experience included in the Work Experience section of the application is calculated to the full-time equivalent (hours are pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Volunteer experience is not considered qualifying experience.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources by Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 5:00pm or after receiving 50 qualified and complete applications, whichever is first.

Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, qualified candidate applications will be forwarded to the hiring department for review. Application materials will be evaluated for job-related skills, experience and education. Individuals with the best match to the position will be invited to participate in an interview.

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and information regarding next steps in the recruitment process will be sent via email. Please check your email regularly for status updates. You may contact Faye Brand, HR Technician at: fbrand@sunnyvale.ca.gov or 408-730-3015 for recruitment updates.

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City-selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION

Any candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of their education (i.e., copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). If the candidate earned a degree from a college or university outside the United States, they must have their education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. To find agencies that provide this service, you can search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online. A conditional job offer will not be made until the education has been evaluated and the evaluation results submitted.
Documents may be attached to the online application or emailed to fbrand@sunnyvale.ca.gov.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more information regarding this position, please contact Rene Huerta, Supervising Librarian at (408) 730-7381 or email cdunklee@sunnyvale.ca.gov. For information relating to the application process contact Faye Brand, Human Resources Technician at (408) 730-3015 or email: fbrand@sunnyvale.ca.gov.

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job- YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 730-7490 or recruitments@sunnyvale.ca.gov .

Summary of Sunnyvale's Employees Association (For Full Time Positions) SEA Benefits

Summary of Service Employees International Union, Local 521 (For Part Time Positions)SEIU Benefits

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

Closing Date/Time: Continuous