Library Assistant

ABOUT THE POSITION

Library Assistant positions support activities in Adult Services, Children’s Services, Shelving and Circulation, Technical Services, and Programming & Marketing. An ideal Library Assistant should have experience working in public libraries and should also be comfortable working with people of all ages and backgrounds.

This is the entry level class in the library para professional series. The selected candidate for this recruitment will work under the supervision of the Children’s Librarian in the Children’s Department of the Library.

Working Hours: The Library is currently open Monday through Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 5pm and closed on Sunday and Holidays.

The required schedule for this position will be Tuesdays 9am to 6pm, Wednesdays 11am to 8pm, Thursdays 9am to 6pm, Fridays 8am to 5pm and Saturdays from 8am to 5pm, for a total of 40 hours per week.

An Eligible List of qualified applicants will be established from this recruitment ; however, the Eligible List may be utilized to fill other full and part-time vacancies as needed. Generally, a valid Eligible List is in effect for up to one year, unless the List expires sooner.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists the public in the use of book catalogs, periodical indexes and other catalogs.
• Answers reference questions and gives readers advisory services.
• Performs simple and/or difficult bibliographic searches using a library computer system.
• Assists in catalogs and processing of books, serials and non-print materials.
• Processes Interlibrary Loan requests.
• Provides clerical support for Adult Literacy, Friends programs and other library activities.
• Assists in the compilation of order lists for books and other library materials prior to selection.
• Provides administrative backup for professional and para-professional service.
• Assists other para-professional and professional staff in the various age-level program activities and events.
• Assists with and/or develops a unit age-level program activity, under the general direction of a Librarian.
• Provides direction over the work of subordinates in routine and clerical matters.
• Performs administrative tasks associated with circulation, processing, cataloging and all other patron services.
• Operates library equipment.
• Assists patrons in use of library equipment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: High school graduate or equivalent.

Completion of college level course work from an accredited college or university is desirable.

Experience: One (1) year of experience involving public contact and/or computer training, preferably in a library.

Experience supervising staff and/or marketing and social media experience is desirable .

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; training/instructional techniques; of alphabetical, numerical and library filing systems; principles, practices and techniques of business relationship management and customer service; time management and organizational skills; library procedures, policies, and techniques.

Ability to: Work in a detail-oriented, fast-paced environment and demonstrates exceptional teamwork, self-initiative, time-management and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; communicate with a variety of people in various situations, interact effectively with vendors of public access equipment, using diplomacy, persuasion, patience, courtesy, and tact; interpret and apply policies and procedures; understand and follow oral and written instructions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; ability to relay instructions or information to others; possess proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word, plus Internet Explorer.

Bilingual skill in Spanish/English desired.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LICENSE: Position requires access to reliable and efficient method of transportation as travel may be required by duties.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in an office setting/library environment and requires sitting and/or standing for prolonged periods of time, and the use of a personal computer, including keyboard and screen. An incumbent interfaces with the public in person. An incumbent may push a book cart, twist, squat, bend, stoop, walk, climb a ladder or step stool, reach, lift, and move library materials and other related items weighing up to 30 pounds.

SELECTION/TESTING PROCESS: All applications and supplemental information will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of filing to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" or attaching a resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of the following components:

An appraisal examination weighted 100%. The appraisal examination may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.

To view the benefit summary for this positionplease click HERE.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.Our values includeIntegrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.

Closing Date/Time: 11/3/2025 5:30 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Downey

• 562-904-7292

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