Librarian - I

Under general supervision or direction, performs routine to complex professional library work involving the collection and retrieval of information, including evaluation, selection, cataloging, and de-selection of library materials; performs reference, research, and readers’ advisory services; may direct and/or implement a major service area of the Library Services Department, or serves as a manager of a medium sized library; and performs related duties as assigned.

This is the entry-level class in the Librarian series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey-level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under general supervision while learning job tasks.  This class is distinguished from the journey-level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series..

Receives general supervision from supervisory or management staff.
May exercise direct supervision over clerical, technical and para-professional staff.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist in the development and implementation of a variety of library programs, services and outreach to a variety of customers using a systems-thinking approach, and organizes and facilitates community engagement events to meet customer needs.
• Assess patron needs and advise them in making effective use of library resources and services; assist patrons of all ages by answering reference questions and selecting books, audio books, magazines, compact discs, DVDs, electronic resources and other library materials; places holds for customers.
• Supervise assigned library staff; recruits volunteers; trains staff; arranges schedules; monitors workflow; conducts performance evaluations; models expected behaviors.
• Plan, organize, implement, and evaluate a variety of library services, including audio-visual, reference, and technical services; prepare and maintain records and reports related to area of assignment.
• Assist patrons to obtain library materials not in current library collection by use of inter-library loan, searching online catalogs of nearby libraries and other methods as those become available.
• Develop collection by reading, reviewing, and recommending materials; review collection to determine additional materials needed and select materials for repair or discard; perform selection duties as assigned.
• Monitor usage of library budget in area of responsibility.
• Perform highly responsible library services in specific area(s) of expertise, which may include children’s services, youth services, adult services, technical services, etc.
• May manage the operations of a medium library, which involves, planning, organizing, managing and directing the day-to-day operations; assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures.
• Identify various users and community needs, and recommend, plan, and present appropriate programs.
• Instruct customers in the use of library tools, including catalogs, computer databases, bibliographic resources, CD-ROM resources, the internet, and indexes.
• May prepare publicity and marketing materials, coordinate the publication of brochures, and coordinate the dissemination of library program publicity.
• Participate in community outreach programs and special library programs.
• May lead or assist in the preparation of grant proposals and/or the development and management of required documentation for grant funded programs.
• Respond to difficult complaints and requests for information from customers.
• Attend professional workshops, seminars, and conferences; represent the library on outside committees.
• Operate various library-related equipment, information systems, and general office equipment.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Adhere to safety policies and procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

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

Experience: No professional experience is required.

Training: Master's degree in Library Science.

License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

NOTE:  Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

Knowledge of:

• General principles and procedures of professional library work in a public library setting.
• Principles and practices of supervision, employee training, and leadership.
• Principles of professional library work, including familiarity of current trends in library services; methods, and techniques of library classification, bibliographies, cataloging, and library programming.
• Patron advisory methods and practices.
• Reference sources and search techniques.
• A wide variety of books, authors, and collection development resources.
• Computer applications in a library environment.
• Collection development, including materials selection and cataloging procedures.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, and County staff.
• Safety policies and procedures. 

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, supervise, review, and evaluate library activities and programs.
• Carryout specific functions of the County Library system.
• Supervise, train and evaluate para-professional, technical and clerical personnel.
• Develop and implement library services.
• Assess and meet community needs in the area of library services. Assess library patron needs and provide accurate reference information by utilizing appropriate search techniques.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and efficient manner.
• Obtain information through interview; work fairly and courteously with the public; and work effectively with interruption.
• Apply general departmental policies, procedures, and practices and collection development principles. Use a library-automated systems and standard office equipment.
• Maintain confidentiality of customer records.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Work weekend and evening shifts as assigned.
• Work in a standard office environment, using standard office equipment and computer systems and attend off-site meetings.  Sit at desk and/or stand for long periods of time. Intermittently bend, twist, reach, grasp, kneel or squat while shelving, opening boxes or moving equipment; see and read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen; write and use keyboard to communicate and to enter circulation and collection data; communicate in person and by telephone; file, lift and carry weight up to 50 pounds; push handcart up to 50 pounds.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph) and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications, and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view benefits for Professional bargaining unit

Week of 2/11/19    Minimum Qualifications Screening

                              Training and Experience Rating

Week of 2/18/19    Establish Eligible List