Librarian III

Contra Costa County; California (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Contra Costa County Library is seeking a Librarian III for the Cataloging workgroup within Library Administration. The role requires Chinese bilingual proficiency and supervision of staff, with duties spanning cataloging, data integrity, and service excellence.

The candidate will edit MARC records, verify access points, and ensure alignment with CCCL policies while supporting patrons across branches and digital systems. Strong collaboration and up-to-date library tech skills are essential.

Qualifications

• MLS or MLIS from an ALA-accredited library school.
• Two years of professional librarian experience.
• Bilingual proficiency in Chinese required; proficiency test before/after appointment.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise an assigned unit or work area.
• Collaborate with staff to provide integrated library services.
• Supervise, review, and evaluate staff performance.

Skills

Bilingual Chinese

Communication

Supervision

Customer Service

Adaptability

Team Collaboration

Strategic Alignment

Education

MLS/MLIS (ALA-accredited)

Tools

MARCEdit

FileZilla

OCLC

ILS/OPAC systems

Job description

Bargaining Unit: Local 1 - Library Unit

Why join the Contra Costa County Library?
Contra Costa County’s Library Department is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a vacancy in the Librarian III classification. The current vacancy is in our Cataloging workgroup within Library Administration, but the eligible list may be used for any other Librarian III vacancies in the system.

The Position

Note: This position requires bilingual proficiency in Chinese. Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak Chinese proficiently and must pass a bilingual proficiency examination before and after appointment. A salary differential of $200 per month will be paid to employees who have passed the proficiency examinations.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Is

• An emotionally intelligent communicator and collaborator able to productively navigate the highs and lows of interpersonal relationships
• Able to employ cultural humility, cultural sensitivity, and adapt behavior appropriately to increase equitable access to programs and services
• Supportive of staff achievements and leads with enthusiasm
• Able to set clear performance expectations and provide coaching to support staff success
• Passionate about aligning their work with the Library's strategic goals
• Unwavering in their commitment to excellent customer service
• Innovative and results-driven
• Supportive of the Library’s efforts to provide equitable service to its patrons
• Able to thrive in an ever-changing environment

What You Will Typically Be Responsible For

• Direct supervision over an assigned unit or work area
• Collaborating with other departmental staff to provide an integrated program of library service
• Supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of assigned staff
• Helping foster and create a pleasant, respectful, and welcoming environment
• Planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating departmentally approved projects and programs for various age groups and technologies
• Giving presentations, conducting story time, and providing reader’s advisory services, instructing patrons on the use of library services
• Working on the public service desk
• Compiling and analyzing statistics and preparing reports of unit activities and operations
• Keeping current with, and providing recommendations on emerging trends and technologies
• Developing and providing solutions for staff training

For Cataloging Workgroup

• Developing, implementing, and evaluating cataloging practices and procedures and ensuring alignment with CCCL policies, values, and strategic focus
• Creating and editing Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) records for library materials. Verifying access points, analyzing content, applying appropriate subject headings, and classifying materials as needed in accordance with applicable standards and software (RDA, MARC21, OCLC).
• Ensuring that bibliographic control activities result in maximum retrieval with minimum user effort
• Verifying, downloading, updating, and exporting data and reports into various library-specific databases, including the integrated library system (ILS), online public access catalog (OPAC), and applicable discovery layers
• Contributing to ILS cleanup and maintenance and assisting with troubleshooting of third‑party APIs as related to cataloging data
• Knowledge of Dewey classification rules, LC subject headings, and LC naming conventions
• Preparing and retrieving data for the cataloging department and related CCCL system statistics and reports
• Familiarity with FileZilla and MarcEdit software

A Few Reasons You Might Love This Job

• You will have continuous learning opportunities and ongoing training
• You will have imaginative opportunities for mentorship
• You will have career growth and upward mobility within the department
• You will work in a supportive and respectful working environment that values work‑life balance

A Few Challenges You Might Face

• You will be faced with evening and shift work according to established or flexible schedules
• You will be required to be available to travel to various branches or outlets throughout the County
• You will be required to adapt to ever‑changing technology

Competencies Required

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high‑quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high‑quality, timely, and cost‑effective results
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Possession of a Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) or a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from a school of librarianship accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).

Experience: Two (2) years of full‑time, or its equivalent, as a professional librarian.

Substitution for Education: Two (2) additional years of full‑time, or its equivalent, experience as a Librarian II with Contra Costa County, or in a related position performing similar duties, AND possession of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for the required Master’s Degree.

Other Requirements: Some positions may require candidates to possess and maintain throughout the duration of employment a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Desirable Qualifications

• A passion for public service
• Knowledge of and experience with general management practices, supervision, public speaking, and training
• Experience with initiatives related to closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices
• A Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or a Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS) is highly desirable

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.