Library Assistant III

Job Summary

Online applications will be accepted by the Human Resources Department on one day only, Thursday , February 5th, 2026 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

(The link to apply online will appear at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 5th)

DEFINITION :

Performs a wide variety of paraprofessional library duties relative to the full scope of operations and customer service at the Main Library and Branch Libraries. Assists patrons and processes Library material. Recruits, trains and schedules work of subordinate staff.

SUPERVISION

Works under the administrative supervision of a Librarian and/or designee, who outlines work, monitors work in progress and reviews completed work. Leads and coordinates permanent and temporary clerical, or as-needed employees, assigning and reviewing work, as assigned.

Representative Duties

(Note: Duties may vary dependent upon assignment.)

Performs assignments and duties in a lead capacity and acts as a lead for daily operations.

Oversees and/or coordinates the work of clerical and as-needed employees, including preparing work schedules and assignments, and training employees to provide excellent customer service to Library customers and staff. Participates in hiring, provides input on performance, and performs other personnel-related job duties, as assigned.

Assists and advises Library users in making effective use of the library facilities, materials and library regulations and procedures.

Responds to and resolves complex inquiries and escalated complaints, processes funds and payments, and interprets and enforces policies and procedures. Composes routine responses to information requests.

Provides instruction in the use of library materials including the online catalog, databases, electronic and Web resources, and other computer software programs.

Assist s librarians with the operation of a Branch Library or a division of the Main Library. Assumes responsibility for a branch library or section of the main Library in the absence of a librarian or supervisor, as assigned.

Prepares library material orders and related forms; maintains order files; receives, checks, and processes new library materials.

Performs copy-cataloging and classification of library materials in accordance with internationally established guidelines.

Assists in the development of rules and procedures for materials acquisition, processing and access.

Maintains statistical records and prepares reports. Performs basic accounting and routine mathematical computations.

Manages and coordinates the ordering of unit supplies and tracks expenditures, as assigned.

Prepares and processes forms and records. Performs a variety of clerical tasks which includes; preparing reports; filing and maintaining records; ordering supplies and tracking expenditures; operating a variety of computer and office equipment.

Reviews updates, inputs and retrieves data in City-wide and national library computer systems to obtain information and status of various materials. Utilizes other national and local computerized databases, as needed.

Contacts individuals and/or outside agencies to gather information and/or request data , place orders and resolve problems.

Evaluates books, equipment, media and other materials for damage, general condition and cleanliness.

Inventories and evaluates, recommends and refers library users to print and non-print materials, electronic resources and other related materials, as needed.

Assists with promotion of the library, including program and/or outreach development and implementation.

Develops and/or maintains databases, indexes and web content.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

Knowledge of:

Effective customer service techniques

Principles, practices, and terminology of public library operations, including circulation, technical services, and public service

Principles of leading and training staff

Library classification systems (e.g., Dewey Decimal), subject headings, and bibliographic formats (e.g., MARC)

Library equipment and technology, including integrated library systems (ILS), and online databases

Basic mathematics and techniques for cash handling, credit card, and online payment processing

English, spelling, punctuation, grammar and composition

Ability to:

Provide effective customer service and resolve complex issues and situations

Lead, train and coordinate the work of subordinate staff

Organize and maintain files and records

Operate and provide in-depth instruction on computers, library software, and online resources

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees, vendors and the general public

Maintain confidentiality of patron and employee information

Work effectively with people from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds as

well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches

Skill in:

Using personal computers, tablets, and other electronic databases; and applicable software including the Microsoft Windows/Office suite and integrated library systems

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from high school or the equivalent.

Experience: Three years of recent, paid work experience for either or a combination of the following: 1) Library Assistant II with the City of Santa Monica; 2) Position in another library system or jurisdiction that performs duties equivalent to a Library Assistant II with the City of Santa Monica; or 3) Position that performs customer service in other high-volume public-facing environments (e.g. retail) and/or technical duties equivalent to a Library Assistant II. Possession of an Associate’s degree or completion of 60 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. At least one year of the required recent, paid work experience must have included leading and coordinating the work of others or successful completion of a City-sponsored leadership or development program. Recent, paid experience utilizing library related computer software systems is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates :

Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid Class C driver license may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

Work is regularly performed indoors in an office and/or public service environment with diverse individuals. Work requires heavy public contact in-person, online and over the telephone. 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, pushing book carts containing up to 100 lbs. of materials is required. Incumbents are required to work nights and weekends and report to off-site assignments. Work frequently involve meeting deadlines.

Supplemental Information

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: 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:

Written Exam

Oral Exam

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: 2/5/2026 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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