County of Santa Clara

Senior Library Clerk

County of Santa Clara$73K — $89K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
  • Two years of full-time experience as a library clerk or similar role.
  • Knowledge of library principles, practices, and procedures.
  • Familiarity with automated circulation systems and online catalogs.
  • Strong public relations and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead, train, and coordinate the circulation staff and volunteers.
  • Assist patrons with complex overdue and billing issues.
  • Generate and compile statistical reports from library data.
  • Interpret and address inquiries about circulation policies.
  • Open and close circulation duties as needed.
  • Handle cash transactions for library fees and donations.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits with no deductibles or co-pays.
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and 13 holidays.
  • Robust retirement plans, including a CalPERS pension and 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan.
  • Education reimbursement for professional development and training.
  • Wellness programs promoting employee health and mental well-being.
Full Job Description
Salary : $73,944.00 - $89,331.84 Annually
Location : Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-E39-A
Department: County Library
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 02

Description

Under general supervision, to provide lead direction and assignment coordination for circulation staff in a community library, and to perform a variety of clerical circulation duties of moderate difficulty.

The County Library is currently recruiting for one (1) full-time Senior Library Clerk position at the Los Altos Library branch.

The list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other vacancies at other library locations as they occur.
Typical Tasks

  • Promotes the library's programs and services in contacts with patrons, fosters good public/customer relations, and promotes a positive image of the library by providing accurate patron assistance;
  • Assists patrons with difficult overdue problems, determines patron liability for damaged materials, and resolves difficult billing problems, which may include waiving fees;
  • Gathers and compiles data and generates computerized statistical reports;
  • Acts as a resource person on computer problems and resolves hardware or software problems;
  • Leads, schedules, trains, and directs the circulation staff, volunteers, and operations;
  • Participates in interviewing and testing of candidates, makes hiring recommendations, and processes new hire paperwork;
  • Interprets and resolves questions regarding library circulation policies, answers day-to-day procedural and work-related questions, and assigns, distributes, and adjusts short-term workloads;
  • Interprets circulation policies and procedures to the public and handles the more difficult patron contacts, policy interpretation, and billing problems referred by Library Clerks;
  • May write procedures and make recommendations specific to circulation and assist in the implementation of library policies and procedures as directed by the Library Circulation Supervisor;
  • Counts cash in cash register and donation box;
  • May be responsible for opening and closing circulation duties;
  • Checks materials in and out, registers patrons, and issues library cards; maintains patron confidentiality;
  • May assist patrons in the use of library equipment;
  • May contact outside vendors to resolve library equipment problems.
When assigned to passport services:
  • Accepts, reviews, and processes applications for passports by examining for accuracy and compliance to form;
  • Verifies proof of citizenship and identity;
  • Administers oath;
  • Executes certification;
  • Collects appropriate fees and submits funds and/or documents to Federal agencies for final processing.
  • May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
  • Performs other related work as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are attained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school,

and

Two (2) years of full-time work experience comparable to a Library Clerk in the County of Santa Clara.

Special requirements when assigned to passport functions, must:
  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national;
  • Not be on parole or probation related to any Federal, State, or local felony or misdemeanor related to breach of trust or moral turpitude (i.e., embezzlement, document fraud, drug offense, or dishonesty carrying out a responsibility involving public trust);
  • Not be presently under indictment for any Federal, State, or local felony or misdemeanor related to breach of trust or moral turpitude;
  • Be free of any Federal, State, or local felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions related to breach of trust or moral turpitude;
  • Some positions may require LiveScan screening as part of the background check process.

Knowledge of:
  • Library principles, practices, procedures, and terminology;
  • Filing and shelving of materials, use of online catalogues and other computerized library files and the Dewey Decimal Classification System;
  • Basic library services, including development and practices of an automated circulation system similar to that of the County of Santa Clara;
  • Principles and methods of leadership and training;
  • Principles of good public relations;
  • Filing and record keeping;
  • Common computer applications, including word processing and spreadsheet;
  • Some positions require knowledge of passport functions and statutes.

Ability to:
  • Apply judgement, discretion, and initiative in performing moderately complex clerical and computerized circulation system work, in interpreting library rules, and in resolving policy/procedure/billing disputes;
  • Communicate effectively and tactfully with patrons and library staff, both orally and in writing;
  • Maintain effective, harmonious working relationships; promote good customer relations;
  • Prioritize and schedule workloads, lead and direct clerical and circulation functions;
  • Promote the library's programs and services in contacts with patrons and staff;
  • Handle cash rapidly and accurately.

Physical Requirements

  • Lift and carry up to 30 pounds;
  • Perform physically demanding work; stoop, bend, push and stand for long periods of time;
  • Willingness to work nights and weekends, as required.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01

(REQUIRED) Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer Name
b) Job Title
c) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employment
d) Total Hours Worked per Week
e) Detailed Description of Job Duties
Do you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?
  • Yes
  • No

02

What is the highest level of education you have completed?
  • High School or GED equivalent
  • College (1 to 29 semester units / 1 to 44 quarter units)
  • College (30 to 59 semester units / 45 to 89 quarter units)
  • College (60 to 89 semester units / 90 to 134 quarter units)
  • College (90 to 119 semester units / 135 to 179 quarter units)
  • College (120 or more semester units / 180 or more quarter units)
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctoral Degree
  • None of the above

03

How many years of work experience do you have that is comparable to a Library Clerk in the County of Santa Clara? For additional information, please click on this link to view the Library Clerk job specification.
  • None
  • One to less than two years
  • Two to less than three years
  • Three to less than four years
  • Four to less than five years
  • Five or more years

04

Describe your work experience comparable to a Library Clerk in the County of Santa Clara. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format:a) Employer name(s)b) Job title(s)c) Start/end dates of employmentd) Total hours worked per weeke) Description of task(s) performed
05

Describe your lead duties overseeing library circulation staff. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format:a) Employer name(s)b) Job title(s)c) Start/end dates of employmentd) Total hours worked per weeke) Description of task(s) performed
06

Please complete this survey carefully. Your indicated responses will determine whether or not you will be referred for a specific position (i.e., geographical location). Please place a mark next to the location(s) in which you would be willing to work.
  • Bookmobile
  • Campbell Library
  • Cupertino Library
  • Gilroy Library
  • Los Altos Library
  • Milpitas Library
  • Morgan Hill Library
  • Saratoga Library
  • Woodland Library in Los Altos
  • Library Services and Support Center in Campbell

07

How did you find out/hear about this job?
  • In Person Job Fair
  • Contacted by County Recruiter
  • Email Newsletter
  • Virtual Event
  • Community Event
  • Social Media: Facebook or Instagram
  • County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
  • Student Career Center
  • Handshake
  • Professional Association
  • Contacted by an External Staffing Firm
  • Hospital Website
  • Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
  • Governmentjobs.com
  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
  • Employee Referral: Friends, Families and Coworkers
  • County of Santa Clara Career Website
  • Other (Specify in the next question)

08

How did you find out about this job? If "Other" is selected: Please describe how you heard about this job.
Required Question

About County of Santa Clara

The County of Santa Clara is located at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay and encompasses 1,312 square miles. It has one of the highest median family incomes in the country, and a wide diversity of cultures, backgrounds and talents. The County of Santa Clara continues to attract people from all over the world. With more than 70 agencies/departments and 22,000 employees, the County of Santa Clara plans for the needs of a dynamic community, provides quality services, and promotes a healthy, safe and prosperous community for all. The County provides essential services including public health protection, environmental protection, medical services through Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC), child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and scores of other services, particularly for those members of our community in the greatest need. The County's population of nearly 1.9 million is one of the largest in the state, and the largest of the nine Bay Area counties. Its population constitutes about one fourth of the Bay Area's total population. There are 15 cities including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and Sunnyvale ranging from Palo Alto to the north, to Gilroy in the south. San Jose is the largest city in the County, with a population of 1.035 million, and is the administrative site of County Government. A significant portion of the county's land area is unincorporated ranch and farmland. Nearly 92% of the population lives in cities. The County of Santa Clara operates 27 parks covering more than 50,000 acres including scenic lakes, streams, and miles of hiking and biking trails.
Learn more about County of Santa Clara

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