Library Clerk (Multiple Positions)

Palo Alto Networks; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical stipend

Sick leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

The City of Palo Alto Library seeks dependable Library Clerks – Hourly to join the Downtown and Rinconada branches. You will welcome customers, assist with questions, fines, and library services while contributing to a welcoming and organized environment.

This role offers front-desk experience, opportunities to grow library skills, and the chance to work with a collaborative team in a community-focused setting. Weekend shifts may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service or libraries preferred.
• Reliable and service-oriented with ability to work flexible shifts.

Responsibilities

• Welcome customers and assist them with questions, accounts, fines, and library services.
• Help customers use library computers and other technology.
• Shelve and organize library materials so customers can find what they need.
• Maintain accurate information in the library’s computer system.
• Support daily branch operations and help maintain an organized, accessible, and welcoming environment.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to provide responsive and reliable public service.

Skills

Customer service

Front-desk

Communication

Patience

Professionalism

Attention to detail

Technology skills

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Library computer system

Job description

The City of Palo Alto Library is looking for dependable, service-oriented individuals to join our team as Library Clerks – Hourly at the Downtown and Rinconada libraries plus additional positions.

This is an excellent opportunity for people with library or customer-service experience who are ready to take the next step in their careers. You’ll expand your responsibilities, gain valuable front-desk experience, and help create a welcoming and positive library experience for every customer.

If you’re passionate about public libraries, enjoy helping people, and are ready to grow your skills in a community-centered environment, we encourage you to apply.

Multiple Library Clerk – Hourly positions will be filled through this recruitment.

Available Schedules

Downtown Library

• Friday: 12:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:15 a.m.–6:15 p.m.
• Preference is for both days all day as budget allows

Rinconada Library

• Friday: 2:15 p.m.– 6:15 p.m.
• Sunday: 9:15 a.m.–6:15 p.m.
• Preference is for both days all day as budget allows

At least one additional position in Support Services or Public Service is expected to become available.

Public service positions require a regularly scheduled weekend day and may include evening hours based on operational needs.

The Opportunity

Library Clerks are an important part of the customer experience and daily operations at each library branch.

As a Library Clerk, You Will

• Welcome customers and assist them with questions, accounts, fines, and library services.
• Help customers use library computers and other technology.
• Shelve and organize library materials so customers can find what they need.
• Maintain accurate information in the library’s computer system.
• Support daily branch operations and help maintain an organized, accessible, and welcoming environment.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to provide responsive and reliable public service.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking individuals who are excited to grow their library experience and take on greater customer-service responsibilities.

The ideal candidate enjoys helping people, communicates clearly, and brings patience and professionalism to every interaction. They are dependable, attentive to detail, comfortable learning new technology, and able to balance independent responsibilities with the needs of a collaborative team.

Previous library or customer-service experience will help you thrive in this role.

Why the City of Palo Alto Library?

The City of Palo Alto Library is recognized for its innovative approach to public service and its commitment to creating welcoming spaces where people can discover, learn, and connect.

Our five libraries serve a community that values lifelong learning, intellectual curiosity, and equitable access to information. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to build your skills while working alongside talented colleagues who are passionate about exceptional library service.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Build valuable customer-service and front-desk experience.
• Expand your knowledge of library services and branch operations.
• Strengthen your communication, technology, and problem-solving skills.
• Take on increased responsibility within a supportive and collaborative team.
• Help create welcoming spaces where community members can learn, discover, and connect.
• Gain experience that can help prepare you for future opportunities in libraries and public service.

Essential Duties

• May answer customers' questions.
• Checks in/out items; performs standard, holds, special handling and sorts; issues library cards.
• Works at the Accounts Desk; handles customer accounts and fines; provides computer assistance; performs shelving.
• May assist customers with library technology.
• Maintains computer files for library materials; adds, deletes and updates information.
• Data entry of bibliographic data into the online library system.
• Communicates with vendors to request approved items or to ask questions; refers further communications to the supervisor.
• Accepts and unpacks deliveries and shipments of library materials; checks for accuracy; returns incorrect or damaged materials to vendors.
• Receives and invoices materials into the library's computer system.
• Performs RFID tagging Performs shelf reading.
• Assists in the setup of programs; performs program cleanup.
• Processes LINK+ items and locates items listed on hold for the library branch or on reserve for LINK+.
• Assists with special projects and programs.
• May perform mail delivery.
• Provides basic assistance to customers.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 6 months experience working in a library

City of Palo Alto offers the following benefits to those in a SEIU Hourly position:

• Medical Stipend: $3.80 effective the pay period including July 1, 2024.
• Sick Leave: Earn .03 hour of sick leave for each hour worked.
• Retirement: City of Palo Alto PST (Part-time, Seasonal & Temporary Employees) Retirement Plan
• Please note: The City does not participate in CA State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Social Security.