Library Technician

THE AGENCY

The Alameda County Library provides library services from ten libraries in the cities of Albany, Dublin, Fremont, Newark and Union City and the unincorporated communities of Castro Valley and San Lorenzo. Additional services are provided through Mobile and Outreach Services, Education and Literacy Services, and Social Justice Services.

The County Library was established in 1910 and is governed by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. The Alameda County Library Advisory Commission advises County Librarian, Deb Sica, and the Board of Supervisors on library services.

The County Library is funded primarily by local property taxes, with additional revenue from State grants and contracts with cities for additional open hours and services.

The Board of Supervisors allocates a portion of a utility users and business license tax which is collected only in the unincorporated areas of the County to the Library for service to the unincorporated areas. The Alameda County Library Foundation and active Friends of the Library or Library League groups in each community support library programs and services.

To learn more about Alameda County Library, please visit their website at: https://aclibrary.org/

THE POSITION

Under general supervision, a Library Technician performs paraprofessional and technical customer service for the County Library in direct support of library services; and performs related work as required.

The Library Technician is a paraprofessional classification, which performs customer service, information referral, public programming and/or technical duties unique to the Library.

Library Technicians are distinguished from the lower classifications of Library Lead Clerk and Library Clerk in that Library Technicians, in addition to performing library circulation, clerical support, and customer service functions, also perform basic reference, program and outreach roles. Library Technicians are distinguished from the higher classification of Librarian I, in that the latter has more independence and professional responsibility for service, programs, and outreach to a specific population.

For more detailed information about the job classification, visit: Library Technician (#4120)

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is willing to work at any location throughout the Alameda County Library. This includes, but is not limited to the Albany, Castro Valley, Dublin, Fremont Neighborhood (Centerville, Irvington, Niles) - Education or Literacy Services & Mobile and Outreach Services, Newark, San Lorenzo, Hayward, and Union City locations. Since the Alameda County Library provides services 7 days a week, the ideal candidate is willing to work a schedule which may include Saturday and Sunday hours and evening hours.

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications stated below, the ideal candidate will have demonstrated a track record of success in the following areas:

• Delivering high-quality, member-focused, front line customer service.
• Effective problem solving, troubleshooting, planning and organizing work, independently and collaboratively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including proficiency in interpersonal communication and the ability to professionally deliver information to customers and colleagues.
• Working collectively in a diverse team environment.
• Updated on current technology trends as they are applied to library service and advanced internet searching.
• Adapting to new processes and learning new skills appropriate to library services.
• Performing clerical tasks using appropriate organizational library systems and/or computer-based tools and software.
• Knowledge of popular literature in written and digital formats, major authors in various genres (both fiction and nonfiction), integrated library software and library operations (cash handling, public service & policy and procedures).
• Strong technical skills, including the ability to navigate eBook and database searching, online public access catalogs and Windows-based software.

CURRENT VACANCIES

There are immediate vacancies within the Alameda County Library. Incumbents in this position may be required to travel to different service locations throughout Alameda County Library.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

TO QUALIFY FOR THE COMPETITIVE ASSESSMENT PROCESS, YOU MUST MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS BY FULFILLING ONE OF THE PATTERNS LISTED BELOW (I-III).

Either I

Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience in the class of Library Clerk II or an equivalent or higher-level class in the Alameda County Library.

Or II

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in the class of Library Lead Clerk in the Alameda County classified service.

Or III

Education: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (120 semester or 180 quarter units).

Substitution: Two years of customer service experience may be substituted for 60 semester or 90 quarter units of college.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of:

• Popular literature in written form and other formats.
• Authors in various genres; both fiction and non-fiction.
• Library operations.
• Cash handling.
• Record keeping software and specialized search tools, such as Integrated Library Systems (ILS), online library catalogs and Windows software.

Ability to:

• Problem solve, plan and organize work independently and collaboratively.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Write and edit graphic materials, presentations and exhibits.
• Speak effectively about library materials and services to community groups of all ages.
• Learn skills appropriate to library service, including new and existing library procedures.
• Perform general clerical tasks using appropriate digital tools and software.
• Manipulate and use library catalogs, consumer technology, and library-specific equipment.
• Perform public speaking before audiences.
• Effectively and tactfully work with vulnerable populations.
• Exercise interpersonal sensitivity while working effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds.