Library Assistant

City of Ontario; Ontario (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Ontario's Ontario City Library is seeking a Library Assistant to provide paraprofessional support across reference, programming, and library operations.

You'll assist with reference services, plan and deliver programs, manage materials, and help patrons in a busy municipal library. Evening/weekend shifts may be required; prior library experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in reference services or public-library programming preferred.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and present library programs.
• Familiarity with library spaces and makerspaces is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, and presents a variety of library programs and outreach activities.
• Provides reference and reader’s advisory services in assigned sections.
• Assists patrons with makerspaces and related equipment.
• Maintains reports, records, and materials.
• Supports collection development and interlibrary loan processes.
• May supervise staff or volunteers.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Creativity

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

Associate degree

Job description

Library Assistant (Full-Time/Part-Time)

The eligibility list established from this recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies and any vacancies that occur within one year from the established date.

Are you interested in making a positive impact on your community by assisting the Ontario City Library to create and support lifelong reading, learning, and enjoyment? The Ontario City Library is seeking confident, professional, team-oriented individuals interested in gaining valuable experience working in a municipal library. The Library Assistant is responsible for performing paraprofessional library support duties in assigned library service areas, including reference assistance, programming, and related library activities.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Exemplary organizational and time management skills.
• A passion for creativity, collaboration, and teamwork.
• Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to take initiative, remain open-minded, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment and establish and maintain good relationships with other library units, city agencies, school districts, and community members.

Additionally, the successful candidate will embody the qualities of a "Five Tool Player" - Leader, Thinker, Communicator, Operator and Public Servant - and the principles of the City's Customer Service Philosophy - Empathy, Respect, and Problem Solving.

Part-time/temporary Library Assistant positions are scheduled to work on average 19 hours per week, but no more than 29 hours per week and are not eligible to participate in the City's health insurance or retirement plans.

The following procedures will apply:

• The Eligibility List will consist of both internal and external applicants who meet the qualifications and successfully complete any required selection processes.
• The hiring department has the discretion to consider internal applicants on the Eligibility List prior to considering external candidates on the Eligibility List.
• The City of Ontario reserves the right, if necessary, to accept only the first one hundred (100) applications from applicants that meet the qualification guidelines below.
• Completed applications will be reviewed and only qualified applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of the City will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Community Life and Culture Agency & Ontario City Library

The City of Ontario's Community Life & Culture Agency endeavors to meet the Ontario City Council goal to "encourage, provide or support enhanced recreational, educational, cultural and healthy city programs, policies and activities." Community Life & Culture does this through a comprehensive array of programs, activities, services and events available through the Housing Services, Library, Museum, Arts & Culture, and Recreation & Community Services Departments.

The Ontario City Library has been serving the public as a City department since 1894. The Ovitt Family Community Library and Lewis Family Branches of the Library contain over 315,000 items, including books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, audio books, kits and a local history collection. A wide variety of technology is available for the public including internet, several software, eBooks, and state of the art technology through Lightspeed makerspace that offers access to equipment such as 3D printers and a laser cutter. The Library offers a wide variety of programs and services for all ages including early literacy, Veterans Resource Center, adult literacy tutoring, workforce development training, and the Robert E. Ellingwood Model Colony History Room.

The City of Ontario is a dynamic leading community in the Inland Empire with a variety of full-time and part-time employment and volunteer opportunities. Ontario enjoys the reputation of being a progressive City which provides solid leadership to its citizens and to the business community. The City provides a full range of services to the community including, but not limited to: Police, Fire, Management Services, Community Life & Culture, Community Development, Economic Development, Public Works and the Ontario Municipal Utilities Company. The City’s team is staffed with approximately 1,517 full-time equivalent diverse and talented employees who work to support a common goal of providing excellent service to the community.

The City’s vision for the future is very exciting, and we foresee tremendous growth within the years to come. We welcome you to view the City of Ontario’s 2026 State of the City video by clicking on the link below as well as the other links to learn more about the City: State of the City, The Ontario Plan, Smart Ontario, Downtown Ontario.

The essential functions typically performed by the Library Assistant include the following:

• Plans, prepares, coordinates, and presents a variety of library programs, tours, visiting classes, and outreach activities.
• Provides reference and reader’s advisory services in assigned sections of the library.
• Assists patrons in library makerspaces and with related equipment and resources.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of reports, records, and other related materials.
• Monitors funds for assigned programming and collection development activities; maintains related records and documentation.
• Creates promotional materials, including flyers, posters, and brochures; prepares copy for service, program, and event promotion.
• Assists in recommending library materials for purchase.
• Assists with interlibrary loan services, including processing requests and coordinating the receipt and distribution of materials.
• May perform original and copy cataloging of library materials.
• May provide lead direction to assigned staff and volunteers.
• Job responsibilities may require travel.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education

Equivalent to an associate's degree from an accredited college or university in education, humanities, social sciences, mathematics or a related field.

Experience

One (1) year of technical experience in a library.

Licenses

• Valid Class C California driver’s license at time of appointment.
• Acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Desirable

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Customer service experience.
• Collection development experience.Bilingual in English and Spanish, Mandarin, or other related languages commonly used in the community.

Special Requirements

Ability to work various schedules, including evening and weekends shifts.