Library Assistant

Library Assistant

The City of Covina is accepting applications for part-time Library Assistant in the Parks and Recreation and Library Services Department. Experience in cataloging highly desired. Part time positions have a typical work schedule of no more than 20 hours per week. There is no guarantee of hours per week. Applicants must be available to work Tuesday through Saturday.

Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of technical and para-professional library support services; participates in activities of specialized library functions, including reference, acquisitions, literacy programs, and children's services; researches and answers patrons questions in person or by telephone; performs other related duties as required. The Library Assistant is the journey level position in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned library support duties. Incumbents in this position perform duties that require knowledge of library rules, procedures and practices. Receives general supervision from the Library Manager or professional Librarian. Incumbents in this class do not routinely exercise supervision, but may provide technical and functional supervision and scheduling for volunteers.

(Include but are not limited to the following)

• Coordinates and performs a wide variety of technical and para-professional library support services related to acquisitions, reference, children's services, and literacy programs; researches and answers questions received from the public, referring only the most difficult or unusual to a librarian.
• Participates in the acquisition of library materials, including books, and DVD's.
• Assists patrons with questions at the reference desk; plans, prepares and presents children's story hours and special programs; assists professional staff in reviewing and recommending books and materials for the collection; keeps statistical records; types and prepares notices, reports and other documents.
• May provides support for adult and children's literacy programs; recruits, trains and coordinates volunteer tutors; assists tutors and students in selecting appropriate materials; serves as a tutor; maintains literacy program curriculum and orders materials as needed; conducts special programs and events; develops brochures, posters and press releases related to events and workshops.
• Promotes library services, resources and programs through the use of exhibits, presentations, tours, outreach, media, and websites; plans and participates in special events; may train and supervise volunteers in areas of assigned duties; utilizes a variety of automated library systems and internet resources.
• Establishes and maintains a customer service orientation; tactfully responds to in-person and telephone requests for library materials, services and information.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, City management and staff, and the public.

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports and retrieving and entering data using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written and numeric information and materials. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, boxes and book carts weighing in excess of 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.) Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Library Assistant. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess two years of experience in public library support services, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Successful completion of two years of college level coursework in library sciences, business, public administration, or a related field may be substituted for the required experience. The ideal candidate will possess experience with literacy programs, children services, and library events. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.

Knowledge of current library methods, practices, resources, equipment and terminology; library cataloging and classification systems; methods and techniques of providing services and information through appropriate search procedures; public relations and customer service techniques; purchasing principles and practices, including pricing, shipping and billing procedures; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office equipment, including a computer and specialized library software; methods and techniques for record keeping; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to perform a wide variety of technical and para-professional library support services with limited supervision; use reference materials; deal effectively and tactfully with patrons and the public; work effectively with library staff and volunteers; supervise, train and motivate assigned volunteers; apply and explain library policies, procedures and systems; assist in the selection of books and other materials; present public programs for children and literacy program students; work independently and as part of a team; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications, including a variety of specialized library software.

Applications will be accepted until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, or upon receipt of 75 applications, whichever occurs first. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. This recruitment may close at any time without notice when 75 completed applications have been received.

The selection process may consist of, but not limited to application evaluation, skills assessment and/or oral interview. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a complete application. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record and LIVE scan) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening). The City of Covina utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization. Communications regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communication by any other method.

The City of Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Covina provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of Covina complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the City has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. The City of Covina expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the City of Covina's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge. THE CITY OF COVINA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR REVOKE, WITHOUT NOTICE, ANY OR ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN PRIOR TO THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT, AND TO WAIVE ANY NONSUBSTANTIVE JOB REQUIREMENT AND MAKE SUBJECTIVE DECISIONS INTERPRETING AND ASSESSING THE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF ANY CANDIDATE, INCLUDING THE DETERMINATION THAT NONE OF THE CANDIDATES, EVEN THOSE WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THE POSITION.