About the Library
Jobs @ the Library
Youth Services LibrarianHuman Resources Administrative Assistant
SERVICE PHILOSOPHY
Customers are the Library’s first priority.
THE COMMUNITY
Sacramento, the “City of Trees” and the capital of California, has been an important and integral part of California’s history since the discovery of gold in 1848. Today, Sacramento and the surrounding area remain one of the fastest growing, ethnically diverse regions in the country. Although many factors have contributed to the economic prosperity and growth of the region, quality of life, location, and the variety of cultural, recreational and lifestyle activities are among the most important. The City of Sacramento, also known as the River City because of its location at the confluence of two rivers, offers a wide variety of options to explore: from historic Old Sacramento dating back to 1848; eclectic restaurants, shops and clubs; the Art Walk every second Saturday; theatre, dance, music, a variety of museums and many public parks. There are also several colleges and universities in the area offering a diverse variety of educational opportunities. Sacramento is conveniently situated between the San Francisco Bay Area, and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
THE ORGANIZATION
The Sacramento Public Library Authority is the fifth largest library system in California serving the public in the City and County of Sacramento as well as the cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Galt, Isleton and Rancho Cordova. The Sacramento Public Library operates 27 libraries, which includes a Central Library in downtown Sacramento, has over 340 staff members, a collection of 2M volumes, and a budget of $36M. More than 500,000 residents have a library card and over 5.8M items are circulated annually.
In the last decade, the library jurisdiction experienced significant population growth and has since remodeled and expanded three libraries, replaced four libraries with larger facilities and opened three new facilities. The population growth is expected to continue over the next decade and a 20-year Facility Master Plan has been completed. Elements of the plan, based on extensive community-based processes, identify both traditional and new library services, service models and facility recommendations.
In conjunction with the Facility Master Plan, the library developed a Strategic Services Plan that focuses on three key areas: Reading, Learning, and Community. The Plan was developed with extensive customer input and provides clear future direction for the development of library services and programs. The Library conducts a wide variety of programs every month for toddlers, school age children, college bound students and adults.
THE MISSION
To provide open access to diverse resources and ideas that inspire learning, promote reading and enhance community life.
Benefits
The Sacramento Public Library Authority offers a comprehensive benefits package including a Cafeteria Plan for Medical, Dental and Vision; Basic Life Insurance (amount contingent on the job title); Paid Time Off (accrual rate based on years of service); and 12 Holidays ( 1 is a floating Holiday). The Authority also provides Optional Deferred Compensation, Optional Short Term Disability; Optional Flexible Spending Account; Tuition Reimbursement; Training; and a Defined Benefit retirement plan through the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The Authority contributes 3% of the mandatory 7% to CalPERS; 2% @ 55.
YOUTH SERVICES LIBRARIAN
Monthly Pay Range: $4,219 - $5,653 (DOQ)
The Sacramento Public Library Authority is accepting applications for Youth Services Librarians. These positions specialize in programming for either children, teens/young adults, or a combination of both, depending on the vacancy. The preferred candidates will have a demonstrated interest and/or experience in youth services librarian work.
We have an immediate opening for a children’s librarian at our Belle Cooledge branch. We will also be establishing an eligibility list for future youth services librarian openings that occur in the next 12 months.
The Position:
Performs a variety of professional library work, including reference and readers’ advisory services, youth services, cataloging, selection and collection management, programming, staff and customer training, special projects; and performs other duties as assigned.
Essential Functions:
(Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
- Works in public service area answering information and readers’ advisory questions;
- Identifies and locates library materials and assists customers in locating materials;
- Assists and instructs customers in use of library resources, facilities, and policies;
- Assists customers in performing computer searches and using electronic databases;
- Performs copy and original cataloging and classification of library materials;
- Coordinates selection and acquisitions processes for library materials, including maintaining standing orders and serials databases and files and monitoring holds buy ratios;
- Designs and presents programs and presentations and accompanying materials;
- Assists in training staff newly assigned to work area;
- Keeps records and statistics; prepares reports;
- Keeps abreast of practices and trends in public librarianship by attending workshops and educational programs and reading periodicals and specialized literature; and recommends more efficient practices;
- Attends meetings, trainings and seminars; participates in various committees and team activities;
- Under fills for any subordinate position, as needed;
- Maintains positive relationships with other staff and members of the public;
- Requires regular and punctual employee presence;
- May:
- Select new and replacement materials and perform collection management functions in assigned area;
- Perform outreach activities, including school visits, story time presentations, and contacting community organizations and agencies;
- Carry out or supervise special projects;
- Prepare schedules;
- Supervises shelvers and volunteers;
- Perform circulation functions;
- Be in charge of a department or branch during short term absence of supervisor;
- Perform simple repair and maintenance on computers and other equipment; and
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:
- Advanced knowledge of Sacramento Public Library’s policies and procedures and practices and procedures of assigned department or branch;
- Act as a representative of Sacramento Public Library to the public;
- Advanced knowledge of and ability to use current reference and search tools, including electronic resources, the Internet and bibliographic utilities;
- Master the integrated library system procedures and explain to staff and library customers;
- Thorough knowledge of customer service techniques in a wide variety of situations and towards a diverse customer population;
- Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights;
- Successfully communicate with other staff members, library customers, representatives of community organizations, schools, and agencies, and library vendors and suppliers;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff and work as a team;
- Anticipate the customer’s needs and deliver services by focusing on the customer;
- Respond to customers in a timely, accurate, courteous, respectful and friendly manner;
- Address customer complaints/problems in a timely manner;
- Possess attention to detail and follow through on tasks effectively and efficiently;
- Take ownership for solving problems, regardless of assigned responsibility;
- Build personal accountability;
- Establish priorities and organize workload effectively and efficiently while paying attention to detail and complete assignments under pressure;
- Maintain a pleasant and productive working atmosphere; maintain composure and work effectively even when under pressure;
- Keep all relevant parties informed of all major issues and to recommend changes as appropriate.
- Act on behalf of the branch or department supervisor as necessary;
- Operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software; current audio-visual equipment; and office machines;
Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited university;
- No experience necessary;
Physical and Environmental Conditions:
Work occurs in a normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, and air conditions. Normally seated, standing or walking at will. Frequently required to sit, stand and walk, talk or hear and to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Physical activity requires occasional stooping and bending and daily lifting of library materials, supplies, etc. up to 50 pounds; some positions may require pushing book carts weighing up to 150 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Requires repetitive motion in the operation of a computer.
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, libraries, meeting and training rooms, e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire and building safety regulations. Position may require some travel throughout the library service area. May require working evening and weekend shifts. Interaction with library staff, library customers, other libraries, agencies and organizations, or vendors will be necessary to provide and receive information, present programs, or resolve situations or problems. There may be some exposure to angry or hostile individuals.
A valid Class C California Drivers License may be required for some positions at the time of appointment.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
This position will be required to work evenings or Saturdays/Sundays as needed.
The Selection Process:
The selection process will include a review of the application, resume and cover letter. The most qualified candidates will be invited to attend an oral interview. The examination may include, but is not limited to, the essential knowledge and abilities listed. First round interviews will be conducted vie teleconference for candidates from long distances. The application process is also part of the examination process. All submitted application materials will be reviewed and screened based on the necessary employment standards for the position.
Note: Meeting these qualifications does not necessarily guarantee an interview.
Application Deadlines:
Children’s librarian opening (Belle Cooledge): August 1, 2008
Consideration for the eligibility list: Open and continuous
Interview Date:
Children’s librarian: August 15, 2008
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit: 1) Sacramento Public Library Application, 2) Resume, 3) Cover Letter and 4) Three professional references.
Send completed Applicant packages to:
Sacramento Public Library
828 I Street (4 th floor)
Sacramento, CA 95814
Attention: Youth Services Librarian Recruitment Team
Questions: humanresources@saclibrary.org, or (916) 264-2758.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Human Resources Administrative Assistant
$21.05-$26.87 per hour
The Sacramento Public Library has an immediate opening for an Administrative Assistant in the Human Resource Department. This position requires a high level of administrative tasks with a minimum of 4 years of clerical experience. A background in human resources is preferred. This position demands excellent communication and computer skills especially in MS Office Suite and the Internet as well as the ability to quickly adapt to propriety databases. The incumbent will lead numerous projects and must posses a strong attention to detail along with a professional demeanor, excellent customer service skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting several staff members with the expertise to prioritize and multitask. This is a confidential, unrepresented position.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Service Philosophy: Customers are the library’s first priority. Staff: understand service through the lens of the customer; deliver service with respect; make decisions that support successful customer interactions. Customers: enjoy a seamless and successful library experience as defined by their own expectations; choose their own method of interaction – staff assisted, self-directed or virtual.
Administrative AssistantGrade: 5
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Designation: Positions in this classification may be Represented or Unrepresented Confidential
Department: Various
Date: 11/2007
Job Summary: Performs high level administrative tasks in support of Management staff; and performs other related duties as assigned.
Essential Functions:
(Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
- Answers the phone; routes calls or takes messages;
- Greets visitors; accepts deliveries; provides information about the library or directs/refers those inquiring to the appropriate resource or staff member;
- Performs various administrative tasks including word processing, data entry, copying, faxing, distribution of information or materials;
- Composes, prepares and maintains correspondence;
- Responds to complaints and requests for information from external and internal sources;
- Makes travel arrangements and tracks all related expenses;
- Prepares and maintains expense logs and reports;
- Monitors the manager’s calendar; schedules and coordinates meetings;
- May work with other departments to assemble information for special projects, or to respond to requests by outside agencies;
- Maintains office equipment such as the copier, fax and printer and reports problems to appropriate technician or contracted service;
- Research, compile and analyze data for special projects; collect and assemble data and background materials for a variety of reports;
- Cultivates and maintains positive relationships with other staff and members of the public;
- Requires regular and punctual employee presence;
- Acts as a representative of Sacramento Public Library to the public;
- Keeps abreast of current administrative procedures by attending workshops and educational programs and reading periodicals and specialized literature; and recommends more efficient practices;
- Attends meetings and events; participates in various teams when needed; and
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:
Knowledge of:
- Sacramento Public Library’s policies and procedures;
- General office processes, activities, methods and equipment;
- Proper English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation;;
- Department practices and procedures;
- Microsoft Office Suite, the Internet, e-mailing systems, and other relevant software packages;
- Successfully communicate with other staff members and members of the public;
- Understand the customer’s needs and deliver services by focusing on the customer;
- Take initiative to ensure a positive and successful customer experience by contributing to finding solutions, regardless of assigned responsibility;
- Respond to customers and address customer complaints/problems in a timely, accurate, courteous, respectful and friendly manner;
- Possess attention to detail and follow through on tasks effectively and efficiently;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff and work as a team;
- Establish priorities and organize workload effectively and efficiently while paying attention to detail and complete assignments under pressure;
- Maintain a pleasant and productive working atmosphere; and
- Keep relevant parties informed of all major issues and to recommend changes as appropriate;
- Operating relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, and office machines.
- Four or more years responsible clerical experience including a minimum of 2 years experience performing complex and difficult clerical duties;
- Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience.
Physical and Environmental Conditions:
Work occurs in a normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions. Sitting for extended periods of time viewing a computer monitor and detailed data. Requires repetitive motion in the operation of a computer.
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, libraries, meeting and training rooms, e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire and building safety regulations.
A valid Class C California Drivers License may be required for some positions at the time of appointment.
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
Note: Meeting these qualifications does not necessarily guarantee an interview.
Application Deadlines:
Application Deadline- July 25th
Interview Date:
July 31st
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit: 1) Sacramento Public Library Application, 2) Resume, 3) Cover Letter and 4) Three professional references.
Send completed Applicant packages to:
Sacramento Public Library
828 I Street (4th floor)
Sacramento, CA 95814
Attention: HR Admin Assistant Recruitment Team
Questions: humanresources@saclibrary.org
Equal Opportunity Employer

