Salary : $68,552.64 - $96,445.44 Annually
Location : City of Alameda (Alameda Free Library, Main Library), CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:Department: Library Department
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/10/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: ACEA
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Nature of PositionAbout the Position The Alameda Free Library is seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Librarian I to join our Technical Services team. In this role, you'll shape how patrons discover and access library materials by performing original and copy cataloging for both print and electronic resources, ensuring our collection is accurately represented and easy to navigate. You'll also contribute to collection development for print and electronic materials, helping build a collection that reflects the needs and interests of our community. Beyond behind-the-scenes technical work, you'll bring your expertise to the public service floor by assisting patrons at the reference desk. This position also supports the Library Services Manager with basic Integrated Library System (ILS) administration tasks, playing an important role in keeping library operations running smoothly and efficiently. We're looking for a meticulous, resourceful professional who enjoys the precision of technical services work as much as the connection of public service.
BENEFITS OF EMPLOYMENTFor a comprehensive list of benefits, see the Benefits Matrix
HERE(Download
- 37.5-hour work week
- CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 formula, 8.868% contribution; New Members 2% @ 62 formula, 8.75% contribution
- Medical: The City contracts with CalPERS to provide comprehensive health coverage to employees. Multiple HMO and PPO plans available, with a generous City contribution.
- Dental: Comprehensive dental coverage provided to employees and their eligible dependents
- Vacation: Starting with 75 hours annually and increasing with years of service
- Holidays: 11 City Holidays
- Floating Holidays: 6 days
- Sick Leave: 90 hours per year; any unused sick leave is converted to service credit at retirement
- Deferred Compensation: Up to 1% 457(b) matching City contribution after 1 year of continuous service
Distinguishing Features This is the entry level class in the professional librarian series.
Examples of Duties The following list of duties is intended only to describe the various types of work that may be performed and the level of technical complexity of the assignment(s) and is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties. The omission of a specific duty statement does not exclude it from the position if the work is consistent with the concept of the classification or is similar or closely related to another duty statement.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions
Essential Duties
- Everything listed in the Library Assistant job description.
- Answers in-depth reference questions and readers' advisory inquires.
- Promotes reader interest and full use of library resources.
- Curates collections for completeness and condition; selects, orders, and weeds collections in compliance with collection development policy.
- Trains and provides lead direction to library assistant.
- Research grant opportunities and writes grant proposals.
- Assists in the planning and evaluation of programs and services and collaborates on organization-wide programs and services.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS- Primarily indoor environment in a publicly accessible building.
- Ambient office sounds and noises such as speaking, working office equipment and software.
- Regular loud talking and other noises made by the public.
- Regular work at non-office environments such as parks, schools, day care facilities.
- Travel to City work sites and community locations to conduct library work.
- Frequent evening and weekend shifts.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS- Ability to push, pull, drag, and lift up to fifty pounds.
- Frequent bending or stooping.
- Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and handle library materials.
- Seeing to read a variety of materials.
- Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
- Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations
Employment Standards Education/Experience
Any combination equivalent to education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education: Graduation from an American Library Association accredited college or university with a Master of Library Science or Master of Library and Information Science Degree; or a bachelor's degree in a related field such as education or child development with two years or work experience; or Graduation from high school or equivalent and four years of experience as a Library Assistant or equivalent.
Experience: No experience required, however, one year of professional library experience is desirable.
Knowledge
Knowledge of modern public library organization, objectives, services and their application; principles, laws, policies, methods, and practices of public library administration; modern library equipment operation, including electronic information retrieval systems and online catalogs; library classification, circulation, and cataloging; reference techniques and practices; collection development; and library materials.
Ability
Ability to effectively perform professional library work; promote interest in library services; assist in developing and implementing library programs and services which meet community needs; perform technical library tasks and operate computerized and other library equipment with speed and accuracy; interpret, apply and explain established policies and procedures; establish and maintain accurate records; plan, administer and evaluate work programs and schedules; interpret and analyze information; clearly define problems and develop solutions; prepare reports; set priorities, meet deadlines and make sound decisions; maintain level of knowledge required for satisfactory job performance; communicate effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public and supervise, train and evaluate assigned clerical staff.
Special Requirements
Ability to work rotating and/or irregular shifts, including nights, weekends and to adjust work schedules as needed.
Selection Process: The examination process may include an application and supplemental questionnaire evaluation, a written exam, a performance exam, and/or an oral interview. The examination process may test for, but is not limited to, the essential knowledge and abilities listed in the job specification and announcement and will be designed to provide a comprehensive review of each candidate's technical knowledge and overall suitability for the position. Qualified applicants will be notified of the exact date, time, and location of examinations approximately two weeks in advance. Candidates passing all components of the examination process will be placed on an Eligible List. A list of names is certified to the department(s) having vacancies based on the type of examination conducted pursuant to the provision of the City's Civil Service Rules. Final selection will be made from the Eligible List by the Department Head subject to approval by the City Manager. The Department Head may utilize additional selection procedures to make a final hiring decision. Placement on an Eligible List does not guarantee employment. Prior to appointment, a thorough reference check will be conducted which may include a credit check and background. The selection process may be evaluated and revised based on the number of qualified applicants. Federal law requires that prior to employment, you must furnish proof of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States, as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the experience section of the application. "See Resume" or "N/A" as a response will not be considered sufficient information to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Additionally, by submitting this written work, you affirm that it is your own original creation and that no part of this work has been written or edited by external sources, including but limited to AI tools, professional writing services, or any other individuals.I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses. I affirm that the submitted work is my original creation and confirm that no part of this work has been edited or written by external sources, including but not limited to AI tools, professional writing services, or any other individuals.
02
The regularly scheduled work week for this position includes one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday). Are you able and willing to work a regularly scheduled weekend shift as part of your normal work week?
03
How many years of professional library experience do you have?
- No experience
- Less than 1 year
- 1-2 years
- 3-4 years
- 5-6 years
- 7-10 years
- More than 10 years
04
Do you have experience with original cataloging of non-traditional items (tools, musical instruments, board games, etc.)? If so, please provide examples.
05
Describe your experience in technical services, including your roles, responsibi