Placer County

Library Specialist (#15402)

$31.25-$39.02 Hourly / $5,416.67-$6,763.47 Monthly / $65,000.00-$81,161.60 Yearly

DEFINITION

To perform a variety of specialized and technical paraprofessional library work in support of the County library system and provide various library services to professional library staff and the public; to assist with meeting customers’ information needs for library materials, which include identifying and locating materials and information by researching and interpreting print, online and other sources; and to provide support and assistance with information technology and collection development activities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a full journey paraprofessional level classification. Employees at this level may perform specialized and technical duties related to information technology specific to the library; implement and facilitate public programs for children; or provide technical library support to professional staff and the public. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the scope of duties and the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from management or professional staff.

May exercise direct supervision over clerical staff and volunteers.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, train, schedule, and review the work of clerical library staff and volunteers; participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed.
  • Recommend and assist in the implementation of unit goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for library circulation; implement policies and procedures.
  • Evaluate operations and activities for assigned responsibilities; investigate complaints and recommend improvements and modifications; prepare and submit a variety of reports.
  • Use reference interviews to assess library customers’ needs and assist them in understanding and effectively utilizing library services and resources, including digital resources.
  • Research and interpret print, online and other sources as needed; place holds as requested.
  • Assist customers with technical computer questions and troubleshooting and perform help desk support; evaluate user needs and create user profiles; develop and present training to customers on basic computer functions and use, including applications, internet use, and e-mail.
  • Assist staff with technical computer questions; provide instruction and train staff in various software programs and applications; test possible future software systems and programs.
  • Create presentations, flyers, and handouts using various software and online tools.
  • Support selection duties related to reading, researching, and providing recommendations for purchase throughout the County library system; assist with collection development, including weeding, repairing, and replacing library materials, as well as recommending new library materials, creating book lists, and ordering library materials.
  • Receive, process, catalog, inspect, and prepare new books and other materials for circulation; establish and maintain collection files and records; conduct and oversee inventories of books and other library materials; perform data entry for ordering of new materials as assigned by Librarian; maintain bibliographies and create reading lists.
  • Secure library materials through inter-library loans; search appropriate databases and identify materials; request materials from appropriate sources; process materials for distribution to customers; respond to requests from other libraries for inter-library loans; work with inter-library loan representative to obtain materials.
  • Conduct routine to complex circulation activities, including checking library materials in and out, registering and issuing cards, calculating and collecting fines and fees, shelving, and explaining County library circulation policies and procedures; review shelves for mis-shelved materials.
  • Load, sort, and transport books and other materials for use by Library Mobile Services.
  • Compute, collect, receive, and record monies collected for overdue, lost, or damaged materials, prints and copies, community room rentals, and other library material rentals.
  • Develop, coordinate, and conduct various special programs and community outreach activities such as story time, summer reading programs, and library tours; provide library customers with information about community resources; modify and specialize programming based on system-wide needs.
  • Independently represent Placer County Libraries to the community through the County’s mobile outreach library (i.e., Mobile Services Vehicle); drive the Mobile Services Vehicle for public service and outreach activities; provide service to customers at Mobile Services stops with checking materials in and out, answering questions, making recommendations, and assisting with technology.
  • May schedule periodic servicing, washing and maintenance of vehicles and report any major mechanical malfunctions of the vehicle.
  • Determine appropriate Mobile Services schedules based on community needs, add and remove stops and communicate changes to affected customers.
  • Operate various library-related equipment such as Automated Materials Handling (AMH); use information systems and general office equipment, including computer equipment, software, and applications.
  • Adhere to safety policies and procedures.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in an indoor environment with controlled temperature conditions involving frequent public contact. Additionally, work is occasionally performed in the field, requiring travel to various locations throughout the County in a variety of outdoor weather conditions. Position may require working on weekends, holidays, and overtime.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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: Three (3) years of library experience.
Training: Equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college in a discipline related to the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position.

Required 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: 
  • Standard public library practices, techniques, and terminology; basic services, policies and procedures associated with a public library.
  • Public library collection, including general reference sources, search techniques, and services.
  • General procedures involved in receipt, circulation, and storage of library materials.
  • General library classification and filing systems.
  • Objectives, principles, trends, and standards of library community outreach and engagement.
  • Techniques for advocating for and promoting library services to stakeholders and customers.
  • Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computer software and applications.
  • Basic computer hardware and software configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance. 
  • Principles and practices of work safety.
  • Safe driving techniques. 
  • Collection Development resources.
  • Arithmetic and basic mathematical calculations.  
  • Basic statistical analysis techniques.
  • Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluations.
  • Research and organizational methods and techniques.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and policies and procedures applicable to library programs.
  • 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.
Ability to: 
  • On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; read, observe, analyze, understand, identify, recall, interpret, apply, and explain policies and procedures, pertinent laws, rules, and regulations, work papers, technical reports, and numerical information; analyze situations and determine proper course of action; work under time pressure and complete a high volume of tasks with frequent interruptions; focus on a single task for long periods of time; manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and quickly switch between tasks.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at a desk, counter, or vehicle for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, twist, squat, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, push, pull, climb, crawl, and reach; perform simple and power grasping and fine manipulation; speak, use a telephone, write and use a keyboard to communicate and/or enter data; see and hear with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; lift moderate weight.
  • Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff and volunteers.
  • Intermittently review documents related to library operations; observe, identify and problem solve library operations and procedures. Perform specialized clerical and paraprofessional library work.
  • Use a library automated system, library databases, and the internet. 
  • Develop and implement technology plans and training materials. 
  • Administer smart library solutions such as RFID- based self-check and Automated Materials Handling (AMH).
  • Perform social media functions, website design, development, and maintenance.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve users’ computer issues.
  • Maintain confidentiality of customer records.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner; work fairly and courteously with the public.
  • Professionally represent the Placer County Library at community events.
  • Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
  • Conduct effective reference interviews to ascertain library customer needs and link them to appropriate resources.
  • Learn and assist with public relations and report writing.
  • Independently provide technical and reference assistance to subordinate library personnel and library customers. 
  • Independently perform specialized circulation, collection, and reference duties. 
  • Make persuasive presentations to groups and individuals regarding all aspects of assigned program(s).
  • Prepare clear, concise, and complete reports, correspondence, instructional materials, and other written material.
  • Work in close proximity to others.
  • Work weekend and evening shifts as assigned.
  • Safely operate motor vehicles.
  • Develop and implement Library Mobile Services under supervision.
  • Plan, organize, and conduct programs and training sessions.
  • Understand and carry out a variety of both verbal and written instructions.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Length of Probation:
All permanent appointments to this classification shall serve a probationary period of twelve (12) calendar months or two thousand eighty (2,080) hours, whichever is more.

Bargaining Unit:
General

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
CLASS: 15402; EST: 9/2/1995; REV: 1/22/2026; REVWD: 1/22/2026;