LIBRARIAN 6152 (D) (REVISED 01-27-2026)

City of Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Los Angeles seeks a Librarian to deliver a broad range of services, including reference and cataloging, outreach, and virtual resources for a diverse community. The role supports lifelong learning and cultural programming across the library system.

Applicants must hold a master's degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program and may need to meet driving and background requirements. The position is part of a structured examination process with an interview component.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• Possession or proof of degree required before appointment.
• Education must be from an ALA-recognized institution.

Responsibilities

• Provide patrons with professional librarian services across outreach, virtual resources, and programs.
• Perform reference, selection, cataloging and maintenance of library materials.

Skills

Reference services

Outreach

Digital resources

Cataloging

Education

Master's degree in Library Science (ALA-accredited)

Tools

Overdrive

Hoopla

RB Digital

Libby

Job description

ANNUAL SALARY

$77,673 to $113,587; $84,584 to $123,672; and $89,345 to $96,924

NOTES

1. Candidates from the eligible list are normally appointed to vacancies in the lower pay grade positions.
2. Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.

A Librarian provides patrons of all ages with a variety of professional librarian services, including outreach and virtual/on-line resources and programs, reader guidance and book reviews, reference, selection, cataloging and maintenance of library materials to meet educational, recreational and informational needs of the community, programming to support lifelong learning, educational, and cultural interests of the community, training in technologies and library resources and services, and implementation of library technologies and virtual services.

A master's degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science from a school accredited by the American Library Association.

PROCESS NOTES

1. Current students who lack 8 semester units or 12 quarter units of the educational requirement may also apply. However, they must meet the full requirement before being appointed.
2. Some positions may require a valid California driver’s license. Candidates may not be eligible for appointment to these positions if their record within the last 36 months reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation (such as a DUI).
3. Applicants must present proof of their master’s degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science prior to appointment.
4. Please note that qualifying education must be from a college or university recognized by the American Library Association. A list of approved institutions can be found at http://www.ala.org/CFApps/lisdir/directory_pdf.cfm.
5. Applicants completing the exam process will be contacted by the Personnel Department to provide required proof of qualifying degree.

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION

In accordance with Charter Section 1010 (b) and Civil Service Rule 5.31, selective certification will be used for some positions that require special skills and/or training in one or more of the following areas. Only persons possessing the following at the time of filing may be considered for appointment to fill such positions.

Some positions may require the ability to speak or write a language other than English.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications will only be accepted on-line on the following dates listed below:

Filing Period 1: From FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026 to THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026

Filing Period 2: From FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2027 to THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2027

The examination may close without prior notice at any time after a sufficient number of applications have been received. Filing periods may change without prior notice or additional dates may be added, as needed, at a later date. For administrative purposes, filing will close periodically and reopen on the dates noted in the "Application Deadline" section of this bulletin.

In accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2, all applicants who apply may not be tested in this examination. To meet anticipated hiring needs, only a limited number of qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the selection process in the following order: 1) Applicants currently employed by the City of Los Angeles who meet the minimum requirements, or are on a reserve list; 2) Remaining applicants who meet the minimum requirements in sufficient numbers to meet hiring needs based on a random sampling of those qualified candidates. Applicants not selected to be tested may re-apply in a subsequent filing period in order to be considered for that period's selection process.

Examination Weights:

Essay - Advisory

Interview - 100%

The examination will consist of an on-line advisory essay and an interview. In the interview, the following competencies may be evaluated: Judgment and Decision Making; Self-Management; Stress Tolerance; Interpersonal Skills; Oral Communication; Written Communication; Computer Proficiency, including knowledge of: Microsoft Office programs; Google Suite programs; internet functions, such as how to navigate search engines, websites, video conferencing and social media platforms; e-media applications including Overdrive, Hoopla, RB Digital, and Libby; Job Knowledge, including knowledge of: public library practices and procedures, such as policies, strategic initiatives, trends, and services; reference materials; standards for selecting resources; outreach practices; and other necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Additional information can be obtained by going to https://per.lacity.org/jobs/job-analyses.cfm and clicking on Competencies under Librarian.

Prior to the interview, candidates will be required to prepare some written material related to the duties and responsibilities of a Librarian. This essay material will not be separately scored, but will be presented to the interview board for review and consideration, which may include discussion, in the overall evaluation of the candidate. Those who do not complete the advisory essay will not be invited to the interview and will be considered to have failed the entire examination. To be considered complete, the advisory essay must include a substantive response for each question or problem included in the advisory essay for which a candidate is required to provide an answer. Please note that candidates must complete the advisory essay and meet the minimum qualifications as stated on this bulletin in order to be considered further in the examination process.

The advisory essay will be administered on-line. Candidates invited to participate in the examination will receive an e-mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the specific steps on how to complete the on-line advisory essay. Candidates who fail to complete the advisory essay as instructed may be disqualified.

For candidates who apply during Filing Period 1, it is anticipated that the on-line advisory essay will be administered between TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2026 and TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026.

For candidates who apply during Filing Period 2, it is anticipated that the on-line advisory essay will be administered between MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2027 and MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2027.

Candidates will be notified later by e-mail of the date, time, and location of the interview, which may be held in Los Angeles or on-line.

For candidates who apply during Filing Period 1, it is anticipated that interviews will begin during the period of MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026 to FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026.

For candidates who apply during Filing Period 2, it is anticipated that interviews will begin during the period of MONDAY, MAY 5, 2027 to FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2027.

NOTES

1. This examination is based on a validation study.
2. As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application. The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at http://per.lacity.org/exams/verify_disability.pdf.
3. Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin.
4. A final average score of 70% is required to be placed on the eligible list.
5. You may take the Librarian examination only once every 24 months under this bulletin. If you have taken the Librarian examination during an open filing period in the Personnel Department within the last 24 months under this bulletin, you may not file for this examination at this time.
6. Your rank on the employment list may change as candidates from other administrations of the examination are merged onto one list.
7. In accordance with Civil Service Rule, Sec. 4.24, review periods may be combined. Candidates in the examination process may file protests as provided in Sec. 4.20, 4.22 and 4.23 as applicable and within the required time frame; however, the Personnel Department may respond to and resolve protests prior to the establishment of the eligible list.

Notice

If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position. All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers.

THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN ONLY ON AN OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS

The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER