Library Assistant II (FT & PT vacancies)

Salary : $53,808.00 - $75,696.00 Annually
Location : City of Santa Cruz, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 26-072
Department: Library
Opening Date: 05/21/2026
Closing Date: 6/4/2026 5:00 PM Pacific


The Position
Santa Cruz Public Libraries is seeking customer-focused individuals who are passionate about connecting the community with books, information, resources, and services in the role of Library Assistant II. This key public-facing position helps foster a welcoming and inclusive library environment while also supporting the behind-the-scenes operations that keep our library branches running smoothly and efficiently for all who visit. Under supervision, the Library Assistant II provides a wide variety of basic public, technical, and clerical services including circulation services, information and ready-reference service, reader's advisory, presentation of programs, collection management services, and administrative support.

The current vacancies are for Library Assistant II in for the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, or temporary Library Assistant II vacancies in all branches during the life of the list. The eligible list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.
The Santa Cruz Public Libraries consist of 10 neighborhood library branches, a web-based digital library, a Bookmobile and community-based programs. Click here to read about the Santa Cruz Public Library System including branch locations or
Recruitment #26-072
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 06/04/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:

1. Application - online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online application process.
2. Response to supplemental questions - will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

• Week of 06/15 and 06/22/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 07/02/26.
• Week of 07/13 and/or 07/20/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Basic Function

Under supervision, the Library Assistant II provides a wide variety of basic public, technical, and clerical services including circulation services, information and ready-reference service, reader's advisory, presentation of programs, collection management services, and administrative support.
Distinguishing Characteristics

The Library Assistant II is the next higher-level classification from a Library Assistant I in the library series. The Library Assistant II is distinguished from the Library Assistant I with the former having stronger customer service skills, more complex assignments, and a greater scope of library operational responsibility. The Library Assistant II is distinguished from the next higher classifications of Library Assistant III and Information Specialist in that the latter specializes in one or more direct services to the public requiring advanced paraprofessional knowledge, skills and abilities.

Assignments

Branch Services:

Provide customer service in a variety of settings that generally include extensive contact with the public: assist library customers in using library materials, services and technologies; answer basic information questions, assist customers with the use of public computers, related technologies and computer-related questions; troubleshoot printers and software; administer Internet access process for customers; assist in the general operation of branch library. May assist with onsite or offsite program delivery.

Collection Management Services :

Supports the acquisition, processing, and circulation of library materials and technology, including Inter-Library Loan services. Responsible for a variety of technical procedures, including copy cataloging, catalog maintenance, receiving new library materials, and adding items to the library database.

System Support Services:

Works closely with professional staff to create content for the library's digital and print marketing; provides support services for library programming through direct customer services, database maintenance, program material inventory maintenance, and the creation, or acquisition, of program materials. Assistance and delivery of programs may include coordinating with other library staff and directing the work of assigned volunteers. Programs may include trainings and open labs.
Typical Duties
(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)

• May be responsible for opening and closing the library facility and for securing the facility, its contents, and premises.
• Assists patrons with any routine activity associated with being in or using the library.
• Performs a broad range of tasks in assisting the branch manager in operating the branch such as training staff and handling basic patron, facility and equipment issues.
• May direct the work of Library Aides, Library Assistant I's and volunteers.
• Provides constructive input and feedback within the library system concerning the needs of the public and the effectiveness of services and programs.
• Operates various office equipment, computers, printers, tablets, and audio visual equipment as required.
• Assists the public with locating and using the virtual branch and its services.
• Performs and assists with customer account transactions including borrower registrations, orientation to library services, receiving fines and fees, and the resolution of account disputes.
• Monitors and troubleshoots automated check-out, check-in systems; assist patrons with automated check-out systems; sort and transport library materials.
• Performs all circulation tasks such as checking-out and checking in materials, retrieving holds, shelving, filing, arranging items in order, processing requests and interlibrary loans.
• Assists with development and maintenance of the collection including acquisitions, serials control, interlibrary loan, receiving, copy cataloging, processing and mending.
• Assists in the creation and delivery of library programs; prepares marketing materials and branch displays; -may deliver programs designed by professional staff for the audience of the specialized service.
• Efficiently refers questions to librarians from the public according to guidelines.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Provides basic assistance to patrons utilizing library resources, and related software, through either library owned or patron owned devices.
• Provides basic information to the public through print and electronic collections.
• Tracks payments and prepares invoices for payment, resolves issues with vendor orders, and monitors open orders, funds, and purchase orders.
• Responsible for enforcing the Library's Code of Conduct.
• May be assigned as backup assistance for courier driver.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Requires frequent sitting, walking, standing, reaching, stooping, repetitive use of hands, and pushing in the performance of daily activities. Crouching, grasping and twisting is required in the performance of weekly activities. Occasional climbing, kneeling, working overhead, pushing and pulling, and finger dexterity is required. The position requires near and far vision and normal hearing in the performance of daily activities. The need to lift up to 25 pounds on a daily basis and 35 pounds on an occasional basis is required.
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Minimum Qualifications
The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:
Education and Experience

• High school graduation or tested equivalent; and
• Two (2) years of customer service experience.

Skills:

• Competent in computer, tablet, smartphone operations and programs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with adults and children.
• Read and speak English fluently.
• Basic numeracy with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Oral communication skills to convey information clearly, succinctly, and accurately.
• A reader and user of information technology and the Internet.
• Computers and standard computer software including Microsoft Office programs.

Abilities:

• Work independently and take initiative.
• Interact with the public, coworkers, and supervisors with courtesy and respect.
• Represent the library in a positive and meaningful way.
• Work effectively in teams with coworkers, managers, and volunteers as assigned.
• Communicate a cordial and welcoming attitude and spirit of service.
• Maintain accurate filing and record systems.
• Process detailed paperwork in strict accordance with specific procedures and policies.
• Proofread for spelling and typographic errors.
• Make evaluative decisions when referrals are necessary and use appropriate referral procedures.
• Adapt to changes in technology.
• Use good judgment in handling difficult situations.
• Transport oneself throughout the county-wide library system.
• Willingness and flexibility to work the library system's schedule of days and hours.

Licenses and Certificates

• N/A

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluency in Spanish, an Asian language or sign language.
• Library work experience

Career Ladder

• Director of Libraries
• Assistant Director of Libraries
• Librarian III
• Librarian II
• Librarian I
• Library Specialist
• Library Assistant IV
• Library Assistant III /Library Information Specialist
• Library Assistant II /Bookmobile Library Assistant
• Library Assistant I

SALARY - This classification belongs to the Service bargaining unit. The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website. See the on the City website for details on pay rates and practices.
UNION REPRESENTATION - This classification belongs to the Service Employees' bargaining unit. All employees within this unit are represented by the Service Employees' International Union.
APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted, to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period (unless specified as 12-month by Service Employees MOU) which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.


LEAVE

Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.

Sick - 12 days/year

Holidays - up to 11 days/year
Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time
INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)

Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage (pro-rated for part-time).
Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage (pro-rated for part-time). Plus an additional $29.50 per pay period.

Life - City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.

Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.
RETIREMENT

All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 9.75% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Accident Protection Insurance

Bilingual Pay if required by position

Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

Direct Deposit

Discount Bus Pass Program

Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care

Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)

In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month (if not participating in City offered Medical Plan)

Shift Differential

Supplemental Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement


The information included in this listing is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Leaves and most Insurance contributions are pro-rated for part-time benefited employees.
01


PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."

• I acknowledge that I have read and understood these instructions

02


Do you possess a high school diploma or tested equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03


The Santa Cruz Public Library operates seven days a week, therefore this position may be required to work occasional weekends. I understand accept this requirement. (NOTE: A "no" response to this question will eliminate your application from consideration.)

• Yes
• No

04


This position requires 2 years customer service experience at a full-time capacity. (For example, if you work a job for one year at 20 hours a week, you will receive credit for 6 months.) Considering all of your jobs that might qualify, how much full-time customer service experience do you have?

• No customer service experience.
• Less than 1 year of full-time customer service.
• At least 1 year but less than 2 years of full-time customer service experience
• At least 2 years but less than 3 years of full-time customer service
• At least 3 years but less than 4 years of full-time customer service experience.
• At least 4 years but less than 5 years of full-time customer service experience.
• More than 5 years of full-time customer service.

05


Describe your customer service experience. Please be specific, stating your employer, job title, job duties, and duration of each experience. The employers described here must also be in the Work History section of the application in order to receive credit. If you do not have any customer service experience, please write "None."
06


The Library Assistant II job duties requires competency in computer, tablet, and smartphone operations and programs. Describe how you've used any of these technologies. Personal usage examples will be considered, but experience using technology at your current or prior jobs may score higher during the competitive ranking process.
07


Please select the Library Assistant II position you are interested in (you may select as many as you like):

• Part-time positions - these positions receive pro-rated benefits
• Full-time positions only - these positions receive full benefits
• Either part-time or full-time positions
• Temporary positions (limited to 999 hours in a fiscal year and do not receive the same benefits as regular employees)

08


Desirable Qualifications: Fluency in Spanish, an Asian Language, or sign language. Select the bilingual ability or abilities that you possess:

• Fluency in Spanish
• Fluency in an Asian Language
• Fluency in Sign Language
• I do not possess any of the above bilingual fluencies listed above.

09


Desirable Qualification: Describe any library work experience you have. To receive credit, the name of the employer where you received this experience must be listed in the work experience section of your application. If you don't have any library work experience, please write "None" in the space below. This experience is desired, but is not required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.
Required Question