SUBSTITUTE LIBRARIAN

City-of-Huntington-Beach,-Ca; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 46,838; Part time

Job summary

City of Huntington Beach is seeking a Part Time, Non Permanent Substitute Librarian to support the Community & Library Services Department. The role may operate at the Central Library or branch locations, delivering reference help, access to resources, and programming assistance.

The position emphasizes customer service, use of library technology, and teamwork, with potential assignments across public services, youth services, and branch operations.

Qualifications

• ALA-accredited master’s degree in library and information science.
• Three years directly related library experience with demonstrated technical skills.
• Valid California Class C driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Assist patrons with access to library collections, services, and digital resources.
• Conduct reference interviews to assess information needs.
• Perform bibliographic searches and help with collections management.
• Outreach to community and schools to promote library services and programs.
• Open/close branches and supervise staff and volunteers where assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Reference interviews

Library technology

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

MLS (Master’s in Library Science)

Tools

SIRSI/Library system

Job description

Position Overview

Part Time, Non Permanent Position for a Substitute Librarian in the City of Huntington Beach.

Provide staff support and customer service to patrons within the Community & Library Services Department, including Administration, Facility Rentals & Maintenance, Outreach & Training Services, Programs & Youth Services, Public & Information Services, and Technology & Collection Management. The opening is within the Public Services Division and may involve work at both the Central Library and branch libraries.

The ideal candidate possesses effective communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, with the ability to relate to a diverse group of people. You must have strong customer service skills, be comfortable using library technology, and be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

This recruitment may close at any time once the hiring manager determines that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Temporary/part‑time employment is restricted to 1,000 hours within a 12‑month period (July 1–June 30) and does not qualify for City benefits, except those required by law. Enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory, requiring a 7½% employee contribution to the Public Agency Retirement System (PARS). Employment may end with or without notice. Further restrictions apply to CalPERS Retired Annuitants.

Core Responsibilities

• Assist patrons of all ages in accessing library collections, facilities, and services; demonstrate use of resources, tools, equipment, and electronic reference sources; facilitate digital downloads.
• Conduct reference interviews to assess and satisfy customer information needs.
• Answer readers’ advisory and general reference questions from telephone, webpage, and in‑person queries using print and non‑print resources, including electronic resources.
• Perform bibliographic searches using both print and non‑print sources.
• Outreach to the community, community organizations, and schools; inform members and organizations about library services, programs, and collections.
• Organize, maintain, and catalog/index print and digital materials.
• Assist with collection development as appropriate.
• Respond to suggestions, requests, or concerns from library users or community members.
• Participate in meetings, committees, or projects to enhance library services or promote consistent policies and procedures across the department.
• Engage in special reading, research, and professional development activities such as workshops, conferences, and continuing education to remain abreast of current literature and professional trends.
• Maintain and troubleshoot electronic and online resources.
• Represent the department at professional meetings as required and promote library services.
• Compile and draft library activity reports and statistics.
• When assigned as Librarian‑in‑Charge, moderate difficult patron interactions, apply and implement library policies and guidelines appropriately, adjust policies on a case‑by‑case basis, refer unresolved issues to a Senior or Principal Librarian or management, address building malfunctions and emergency maintenance issues, schedule adjustments for unplanned absences, and open/close the facility.

Youth Services Specific Tasks

• Assist with special programming.
• Update and maintain book displays.
• Update book lists and youth‑specific flyers, bookmarks, and other promotional material.
• Create youth book bundles.
• Staff the Youth Services reference desk.
• Assist with Beanstack database maintenance.
• Provide research assistance with grant applications.
• Assist with program registrations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Accelerated Reader and Lexile reading levels and assist parents and youth in locating materials within these frameworks.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the summer reading program.

Technology and Support Services Tasks

• Respond to troubleshooting requests for staff and public equipment and digital resources.
• Assist with implementation and maintenance of new and existing library technologies.
• Instruct staff and patrons on software and technologies.
• Collaborate with city information services staff to monitor status of outstanding technology issues.
• Update content on the library web page.

Branch Services Tasks

• Open and close branch locations.
• Supervise volunteers and part‑time clerks.
• Handle cash and balance cash drawer.
• Create displays, flyers, and other promotional material.
• Liaise with building management.
• Perform all borrower services functions.

Note: The preceding functions are examples of work performed by employees in this classification. The City may add, modify, change, or rescind work assignments as needed.

Qualifications

Education: American Library Association accredited master’s degree in library and information science.

Experience: Three (3) years directly related experience with demonstrated technical skills.

Licenses/Certifications: Valid Class C California driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Application and Selection Procedure

• Complete the online job application in its entirety.
• Applications will be reviewed for relevant experience, education, and training.
• Candidates best meeting the City’s needs will be invited to a department interview.
• Upon a conditional offer, a pre‑placement drug screen (for select positions), TB screening, and California Department of Justice Live Scan fingerprinting must be completed with acceptable results.
• Upon hire, the employee is subject to further reporting from DOJ via subsequent arrest notifications.

Special Conditions

Employees regularly assigned/required to drive a city or personal vehicle in the course and scope of work must participate in the DMV Employer Pull Notice program.

Public Employee Disaster Service Worker

All Huntington Beach city employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or disaster, in accordance with Government Code Section 3100.