Library Assistant

City of Orange, CA; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Orange seeks a Library Assistant for full-time and part-time positions in the Library Services Department. Responsibilities include assisting library patrons, maintaining records, and contributing to community outreach. Ideal candidates will have library experience or relevant education and a passion for public service.

Qualifications

• Library experience highly desirable.
• Valid California Class C Driver License required.

Responsibilities

• Provides general information and assistance to library patrons.
• Assists with library programming including conducting story times and special events.
• Participates in community events and outreach activities.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Education

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Library Science

Equivalent to the completion of twelfth (12th) grade

Job description

Department : Library Services Department

Opening Date : 06 / 10 / 2025

Closing Date : 6 / 30 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

Important Recruitment Information :

Current vacancies are for one (1) full-time, benefited and one (1) part-time non-benefited Library Assistant positions in the Reference and Local History Services Division. The eligibility list established through this recruitment may be used for future part-time vacancies in Reference & Local History Services.

Under general supervision, performs complex paraprofessional library work; provides general information and assistance to the public; participates in the activities of a specialized library function; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED :

Receives general supervision from a Senior Library Manager or other library management staff. May exercise technical or functional direction over clerical staff and volunteers.

Examples of Duties

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Interprets and applies library policies and procedures for patrons and staff; accesses and retrieves information for library patrons and staff as requested.

Advises and assists library patrons in the use of library services and tools.

Establishes and maintains effective customer service for library patrons and provides customer service training for staff.

Completes or supervises completion of a variety of complex clerical duties including maintaining detailed records, verifying accuracy of information, researching discrepancies and record information.

Assists with the development of library collections, including ordering, withdrawals, and inventory controls.

Prepares library exhibits and displays.

Assists with library programming including conducting story times, book clubs, and special events.

Participates in community events and outreach activities.

Prepares signs, fliers, pathfinders, book lists, and other customer aides.

Assists in the development of a variety of library-related literature-based and educational programs and activities. Participates in meetings, committees, or projects intended to enhance services or promote consistent policies and procedures across the department.

Participates in professional meetings, workshops, and conferences and continuing education programs as appropriate.

May exercise functional and technical supervision over assigned library clerical, part-time, and volunteer personnel.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of :

• Applications of automated library circulation system.
• General principles of public library services and programs.
• Library classification and cataloging, and bibliographic terminology and practices.
• Basic principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Principles, practices and techniques of public relations, community outreach and service promotion.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including administrative policies and procedures.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices and technology, including personal computer hardware and software applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.

Ability to :

• Perform varied library work accurately and under minimal supervision.
• Access, retrieve, enter, and update information using a computer workstation.
• Organize work and manage projects and programs, including story times.
• Learn, interpret, and apply Federal, State, and local, administrative and departmental laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Schedule and coordinate projects; set priorities; adapt to changing priorities.
• Perform routine clerical work, including maintenance of appropriate records, mathematical calculations, and compiling information for reports.
• Operate modern office equipment, including library computer system and equipment, copiers, printers, software programs, and cash register.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience :

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be :

Equivalent to the completion of twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year of library experience. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Library Science or a related field is highly desired. Library experience is highly desirable.

Licenses and Certifications :

Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License with satisfactory driving record and proof of acceptable automobile insurance at the time of appointment and throughout employment in the position is required.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This classification primarily works indoors and requires frequent standing in work areas and walking between work areas. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and shelve materials. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and / or public and private representative in interpreting and enforcing department policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires regular and reliable attendance and the employee's physical presence at the workplace. May be required to work various shifts, including, but not limited to, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All employees of the City of Orange are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be "Disaster Service Workers." In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and / or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.

CITY MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the City's Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties; the city of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses and visitors; As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest-level of service to meet current and future needs of the Community. The City's values include Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence

BENEFITS FOR ORANGE MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION

The City of Orange provides a generous array of benefits to employees in addition to maintaining competitive salaries. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees working from 20 to 35 hours.

The following is a partial list of benefits :

Salary Range. Salary Ranges are composed of six (6) steps, each approximately five percent (5%) apart. Advancements through the steps are generally made yearly and based on performance.

Retirement Benefits. Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), including the City's contribution toward the Fourth Level Survivor's Benefit.

Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired non-safety employees who are " New " CalPERS Members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at age 62 defined benefit plan with three year final compensation in accordance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). New Members shall contribute half of normal cost of retirement as determined by CalPERS from their pensionable compensation, on a pre-tax basis, as set forth in California Government Code Section 7522.30.

An employee who is a " Classic " Member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired by the City of Orange on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% @ age 55 benefit formula with one year final compensation. Employees contribute 8.00% of pension reportable salary on a pre-tax basis for this retirement benefit.

Social Security & Medicare. Employees do not pay into Social Security, however, do contribute 1.45% of salary towards Medicare.

Cafeteria Benefits Plan. The City pays up to $2,095 per month (Family) which can be applied towards CalPERS medical, dental, vision, health care reimbursement, and / or dependent care reimbursement. Under certain criteria, employees may elect to opt out of the City's medical plan altogether and receive $400 per month.

Life Insurance. The City provides a term life insurance policy of $50,000 .

Vacation. Employees earn 80 hours of vacation during the first year of service, and an increasing accrual up to 200 hours per year after 24 years of service. The City also provides an annual unused vacation payout plan.

Holidays. The City observes 10 paid holidays and provides 1 paid 9 hour floating holiday annually.

Sick Leave. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year. Employees are eligible to convert unused sick leave to vacation on an annual basis. A partial payment (up to 50%) for accumulated unused sick leave is available to City employees who retire from the City.

Other Benefits. Most employees work a "9 / 80" alternate work schedule with City Hall closures every other Friday. Long Term Disability, an Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement (up to $1,500 / fiscal year), Trip Reduction Program incentives, optional Deferred Compensation programs and Credit Union membership are a few of the additional benefits provided and / or available to employees.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

A Medical Examination , Police Records Check, and thorough Background Investigation are required of all prospective employees.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986 (IRCA ), all job offers made by the City of Orange are contingent upon establishing proof of your legal right to work in the United States.

All benefited employees shall be subject to a twelve (12) month probationary period as a condition of employment.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Orange.

For more information, please click for the Orange Municipal Employees' Association Memorandum of Understanding.

The City of Orange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Do you have the education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade?

Do you possess a current / valid California Class C drivers license with a satisfactory driving record and proof of acceptable automobile insurance?

Are you a current City of Orange employee?

Indicate your interest in the current vacant positions.

• Full-Time
• Part-Time
• Full-Time or Part-Time

Employees may be required to work a varied schedule, which may include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays. Please indicate all shifts you are available to work.

• Weekday Mornings - 9 : 00 a.m. to 12 : 00 p.m.
• Weekday Afternoons - 12 : 00 p.m. to 5 : 00 p.m.
• Weekday Evenings - 5 : 00 p.m. to 8 : 00 p.m.
• Saturday Mornings - 9 : 00 a.m. to 1 : 00 p.m.
• Saturday Afternoons - 1 : 00 p.m. to 6 : 00 p.m.
• Available to work holidays
• Available to work ANY shift
• Not available to work any of the above-mentioned shifts

Do you have library experience? (For part-time work, please use the full-time equivalency of 2,080 hours equal to one (1) year.)

• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 year of experience
• More than 1 year of experience

This position supports our Lending Services Division. Please describe your experience with clerical tasks in the workplace. If no experience, please indicate "N / A" below.

Describe your concept of high quality customer service and provide an example of how you have successfully applied these attributes to a library environment.

Describe any experience you have had interacting with community members, such as outreach and volunteerism. If no experience, please indicate "N / A" below.

This position may support our Local History Librarian. Please describe any experience you may have with archives, special collections, or local history. If no experience, please indicate "N / A" below.

Describe a concrete example from your experience that exhibits your approach to public service conflict resolution. Share what you did to resolve the difficulties encountered.

I certify that all the information I provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that I understand purposely providing false information may be grounds for disqualification from the process.