Librarian I

About the Alameda Free Library

The Alameda Free Library is more than a place to borrow books, it's a welcoming community hub where people of all ages can learn, connect, and thrive. Guided by its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, the Library is committed to fostering individual and community enrichment, resourcefulness, and meaningful connections through exceptional customer service, accessible collections, inclusive spaces, and innovative programs that meet the evolving needs of the Alameda community. 

With locations serving neighborhoods throughout Alameda, the Library offers lifelong learning opportunities, literacy programs, cultural events, technology resources, and welcoming spaces that inspire curiosity and belonging. Employees play an important role in creating an inclusive environment where every visitor feels valued and empowered to explore, discover, and connect.

About 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.

• 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

This is the entry level class in the professional librarian series.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

1. Everything listed in the Library Assistant job description.
2. Answers in-depth reference questions and readers’ advisory inquires. 
3. Promotes reader interest and full use of library resources.
4. Curates collections for completeness and condition; selects, orders, and weeds collections in compliance with collection development policy. 
5. Trains and provides lead direction to library assistant. 
6. Research grant opportunities and writes grant proposals.
7. Assists in the planning and evaluation of programs and services and collaborates on organization-wide programs and services.
8. 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

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:



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.

E-Verify: The City of Alameda utilizes the Federal government's E-Verify program and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization, which includes showing a valid United States Social Security card at the time of hire (photocopies not accepted).

Veteran's Preference Credit: A job applicant qualifies as a veteran if honorably discharged from active military, reservist, or National Guard duty of at least 18 consecutive months within the past five (5) years of the date of application. In case of discharge attributable to service-connected injuries or illnesses, the 18 months active-duty requirement need not be fulfilled. An applicant claiming veteran's preference credit must attach to their application, a legible copy of their DD-214 verifying the type of discharge and date(s) of active service. NO OTHER DOCUMENTATION WILL BE ACCEPTED.

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Alameda is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. In compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations, the City of Alameda will employ and promote qualified individuals without regard to disability. The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must do so no later than the final filing date for receipt of applications, otherwise it may not be possible to arrange accommodations for the selection process. Such requests should be addressed to the Human Resources Department | 1-510-747-4900 | [email protected]| 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Rm. 290, Alameda, 94501. Requests can be made via email, phone, or in writing via U.S. mail.