Introduction

Ignite your passion for learning and community engagement as a Library Associate!

Join our team as a Library Associate and be a vital part of creating an engaging and accessible library experience for our community! This role offers an exciting opportunity to support library operations, assist patrons in discovering valuable resources, and contribute to innovative programs for all ages. Whether you’re helping with research, organizing collections, or implementing new technology, you’ll play an essential role in making the library a welcoming and resourceful space. If you have a passion for books, technology, and community engagement, this is the perfect opportunity to turn your enthusiasm into a rewarding career!

The annual salary for this classification can reach as high as $86,927.67 at the top of the range. Additionally, City-paid benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, holidays, administrative leave days, sick time, CalPERS retirement contribution, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, annual professional development reimbursement, four weeks of paid parental leave, and more!

Position Description and Duties

The Library Associate is a paraprofessional and experienced class in which incumbents are expected to perform completely a full range of technical and complex duties. All positions are characterized by the presence of guidelines from which to make decisions and the availability of supervision in non-routine circumstances.

The ideal candidate will possess:

A strong passion for libraries, literacy, and community engagement.
Proficiency in using library software, online databases, and digital tools.
Excellent customer service skills with the ability to assist diverse patrons.

The City of Richmond is the City of Pride and Purpose, and we value these traits in our employees!

The intent of this job specification is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Provides excellent customer service; performs limited reference including assisting patrons with locating library materials and information; performs limited circulation tasks as required.
Assists with or oversees the operation of a branch library, a unit of the library, or the delivery of a specialized program or service.
Assists in the preparation of information and marketing materials such as signage, brochures, flyers, social media content, and pamphlets for library services, resources, and programs.
Assists in gathering data for and preparing reports and schedules.
Assists with service effectiveness and program outcome measurement, and makes recommendations for improvements.
Assists with planning library events.
Performs outreach at community meetings and events.
Assists librarians in the maintenance of library collections.
Advises patrons on the use of technological tools such as the library online catalog, patron accounts, electronic databases, and other available digital resources.
Responds to and answers patron questions, inquiries, and complaints.
Assists in preparation of the budget.
Orders library materials including books, DVDs, and audiobooks from designated vendors.
Contacts vendors regarding materials ordered or faulty billings of materials.
Participates in the rotation of reference service desk staffing to include Adult, Children, and branch assignments.
May operate fleet for mobile library services such as the bookmobile.
May provide recommendations of library materials to librarians.
Orients and trains Senior Library Assistants, Library Assistants I/II and Library Aides.
May provide direction and work review for Library Assistants I/II and Library Aides.
Assists patrons on the use of technology pertaining to public internet access, electronic databases, and other digital resources at the Library.
Performs related work as required.

To view the complete job description, click here.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED equivalent. Some college coursework in library technical support or library science is desirable.
Three (3) to five (5) years of library support experience, including one year of technical experience
Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities

Required Licenses or Certifications

California driver’s license is an ongoing requirement

Additional Requirements

Must be willing to work evenings and weekends

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

It is the City’s policy that all persons hired on or after October 18, 2021, must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including the booster. New employees will be required to provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation before employment may commence. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact Human Resources.

Desirable Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree or college-level coursework in library technical support or library science
Experience working in an urban environment
Knowledge of social media and emerging technologies.

REQUIRED KSA FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

Modern office practices and equipment, including applicable software
Library circulation software
Customer service
Databases and online and print resources
City purchasing procedures and guidelines

Skill in:

Organization and time management
Customer service

Ability to:

Read and interpret library data
Assists in the selection of library materials that are reflective of the community served
Assist library users on the public computers
Safely operate library vehicles, and communicate with administration about mechanical issues
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Establish and maintain effective working relationships
Multi-task and prioritize work

Additional Information

Application and Selection Process

To Apply: Interested individuals must apply onlineby fully completing the City of Richmond Employment Application, including answers to supplemental questions, by 11:59 p.m. PST on the final filing date. Incomplete applications or those lacking in sufficiently detailed information will be rejected. Resumes or prior applications will not be accepted in lieu of a thoroughly completed application. All communication regarding this recruitment will be via email. Each applicant must apply with a monitored email address.

Qualifying Phase: All completedapplications will be evaluated based on job-related qualifications criteria, which could include desirable qualifications and the specific needs of the hiring department(s). Candidates may be screened for better qualified.

Examination Phase: A limited number of the most qualified candidates, determined by their application materials, will be assessed and scored based on job-related qualifications and their answers to the supplemental questions in the application. This assessment will use a structured rating matrix. An Employment List will be created, and your placement on this list will be based solely (100%) on the information provided in your Employment Application and your responses to the Supplemental Questions. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass.

Employment Eligibility List: A ranking of "A" (Best Qualified), "B" (Well Qualified), or "C" (Qualified) is required to achieve a position on the Employment Eligibility List. This List will be in effect for a maximum of two (2) years; however, the list may be canceled without notice after six (6) months.

After establishing the Employment List, candidates will be referred to the hiring department for final interview(s).

Background Check and Tuberculosis Testing: Candidates applying to the Recreation Department must successfully complete a DOJ and FBI background check, as well as Tuberculosis testing, as a condition of employment.

About the City of Richmond

The City of Richmond lies on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, five miles north of Berkeley and seven miles northeast across the Bay from downtown San Francisco. A hub of multimodal transportation, many of our residents and businesses are located in Richmond because of its central location and easy access to the Amtrak/Capitol Corridor, BART, AC Transit, the ferry, and two freeways (I-80 & I-580). Residents, visitors, and employees enjoy Richmond’s numerous recreational opportunities, which include 32 miles of shoreline and over 3,000 acres of shoreline parks, more segments of the Bay Trail completed than any other city, several recreational boat harbors and yacht clubs, and thousands of acres of contiguous inland regional parks and open space. The City has substantial economic resources but is still affordable compared to other Bay Area cities. Our community is welcoming, diverse, and actively engaged.

Richmond is truly the City of Pride and Purpose!

Immigration Reform Control Act

In compliance with the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986, individuals offered employment by the City of Richmond will be required to show documentation of eligibility to work in the United State as a condition of employment.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The City of Richmond is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, and prohibits discrimination against any applicant on the basis of race, religion, citizenship, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability or medical condition, genetic information, marital status, reproductive health decision-making, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), sexual orientation, or military or veteran status or any other basis protected by law.

Disaster Service Workers

California Government Code Title I, Sections 3100 - 3109, declare all public employees to be Disaster Service Workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

EEO/ADA/DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

WEBSITE: www.ci.richmond.ca.us

Analyst: N. Williams
03/2025

This position is covered by the SEIU Local 1021 General Employees Bargaining Unit.

City of Richmond, CA

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Library Associate