Library Assistant I (As-Needed)

Job Summary

Applications will be accepted by the Human Resources Department on one day only, Friday, September 12th, 2025 between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(The link to apply online will appear at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, September 12th)

Only the first 50 qualified applications received will be accepted for further consideration .

DEFINITION

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

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

A Library Assistant I is the entry-level classification in the Library Assistant series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine tasks associated with providing customer service to patrons. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level, but they are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

A Library Assistant II is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Library Assistant series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Library Assistant I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class further distinguished from a Library Assistant I in that it has additional responsibility for cataloging materials, placing orders for books and other materials, and providing limited reference and reader’s advisory services.

A Library Assistant II may provide work direction to Library Pages. A Library Assistant III is the lead classification in the Library Assistant series with responsibility for overseeing and coordinating the work of employees in lower-level clerical support positions. Additionally, this classification is responsible for responding to the most complex complaints as well as interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION

Works under the immediate supervision of a supervisor or manager who provides detailed work assignments, periodically reviews work in progress, and carefully reviews completed work. Work direction may be received from a Library Assistant III. No supervision is exercised.

Representative Duties

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Works as a member of the Library team to provide services and support to customers and colleagues using devices, software systems, and technology that includes Library card account access and fines/ fees information.

Responds to basic inquiries about Library services, collections, programs, policies, procedures, and room usage and rentals.

Assists customers in managing their digital 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.

Assists customers with basic computer applications including Internet access, email, and word processing.

Enters, modifies, and retrieves data from the integrated Library system. Retrieves items for customer holds and interlibrary loans to other Library systems.

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

Assists librarians and support staff in the collection/payments of fines and fees using a cash register and/or credit card processing software

Assists in the orientation and training of lower-level staff and peers.

Prepares meeting rooms for programs by setting up tables, chairs, audiovisual, computers, and related equipment.

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

Performs inventories and shelf reading of Library collections.

Checks-out, receives, processes, sorts, retrieves and re-shelves library materials; cleans, inspects and mends Library materials, including audiovisual materials.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

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

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Experience: One year of recent, paid work experience performing customer service duties with public contact. Experience using computer systems and library work 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 is required as well as lifting, dragging and pushing/pulling books and materials of light to medium weight. Incumbents are required to work evening and weekend hours in multiple library locations and report to off-site assignments when necessary.

Supplemental Information

This is a temporary hourly position without benefits. The City Of Santa Monica provides a deferred compensation (457) retirement plan for its as-needed (temporary) employees who are not eligible for coverage under the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The City and as-needed employee are each required to contribute 3.75% of wages to the deferred compensation plan. As-needed employee contributions will be deducted from paychecks on a pre-tax basis.

SELECTION PROCESS : Application Review: 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.

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. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted.

NOTE : Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental application materials.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS : Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement
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: 9/12/2025 5:00 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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