Library Specialist II

City of Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Berkeley is hiring Library Specialist IIs to support youth and families across the Central Library Teen Services and North Branch. You will help run the Teen Room, assist with teen programming, and assist with outreach to the community.

Responsibilities include circulation support, reader's advisory, and helping patrons with public computers. Evening and weekend shifts may be required as part of a welcoming, inclusive library team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; three years library experience at Library Assistant or Library Specialist I level.
• Equivalency: up to two years of college coursework may substitute for up to two years of library support experience.
• Possession of valid California driver’s license may be required; willingness to work evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Assist teens and families in the Central Library Teen Services and North Branch; staff Teen Room and provide teen programming.
• Support circulation, reader's advisory, and public computer/printer services for all patrons.
• Lead in the absence of supervisors and help with opening/closing procedures.
• Collaborate with Teen Librarians and other staff to plan programs and outreach to the community.
• Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, safe space for patrons of all ages.

Skills

Customer service

De-escalation

Interpersonal communication

Team collaboration

Cultural competence

Education

High school diploma with 3 years library experience

Tools

Public computers

Printer usage

Reader's advisory software

Job description

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the Library Specialist II position with the Berkeley Public Library! In this role, you will have the opportunity to provide welcoming and empathetic service to the community, support the Library's collections, plan and deliver innovative and engaging programs, build relationships with community members and organizations, increase awareness of the Library within the community through outreach and marketing, and staff our modern and vibrant Teen Room, located near Berkeley High School.

We currently have two full-time Library Specialist II positions open in our Central Library Teen Services and North Branch division.

The Central Library is in downtown Berkeley, one block from Berkeley High School. The Library Specialist II will be providing library services and resources to youth ages 12-18. As part of the Teen Services team, you will help maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for teens in the Teen Room. In collaboration with the Teen Librarians, you will also assist with teen programming and events. Essential skills include strong interpersonal communication, de-escalation skills, cultural competence, and a passion for working with teens.

The North Branch Library is located in a residential neighborhood in North Berkeley. The Library Specialist II at North Branch provides library resources and services to children and families, teens and young adults, and seniors. You will be assisting library users with circulation transactions, reader's advisory services, and the use of public computers and printers. In the absence of supervisors, you will also serve as the lead staff member addressing patron/staff concerns and assisting in opening/closing procedures. Essential skills include cultural competence, strong communication skills, familiarity with a variety of electronic devices and software applications, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team.

This recruitment will create an eligible list that will be used by the department to fill future temporary and/or career positions in the next 12 months. Full-time and part-time positions may be available.

Candidates who are not interested in the current vacancies are still highly encouraged to apply.

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills and abilities for this position is: Equivalent to graduation from high school and three (3) years of library experience performing at the level equivalent to Library Assistant or Library Specialist I with the Berkeley Public Library system. The equivalent of up to two years of full-time college coursework may be substituted for up to two years of full-time library support experience.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Specified positions may require a valid California driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends.

The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:

• Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents (qualifying experience will be calculated based on the application close date
• Review of Supplemental Questionnaire
• Oral Board Exam (December 14 through December 18)

Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem-solving ability; computer and software proficiency; or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment-eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews.

Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to [e-mail] at the time of application.