Library Specialist III, Part-Time at City of Sunnyvale, CA

About the Department

LIBRARY SPECIALIST III (Part-Time)

REGULAR PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

(21 hours per week)

The position opens Friday, October 3, 2025, and the final filing date is Monday, October 20, 2025, at 5:00pm or after receiving 75 qualified applications, whichever is first.

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking to fill the position of Library Specialist III (Part-Time) with a highly motivated individual with great customer service, technical and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will have experience working closely with the public in a fast-paced customer driven environment. They will possess strong communication, multitasking and team work skills, and demonstrate the ability to provide excellent customer service to members of the public and staff alike. The Library Specialist III position provides customer service and clerical support for Library operations by receiving and responding to patron questions regarding accounts and Library operations, assisting the public with the use of PCs, printers, copiers and automated equipment and performing Circulation duties including registering and maintaining patron accounts and sorting returned materials to provide access to the public. There is currently one vacancy in the Circulation Division.

The list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies in the Library and Recreation Services department which includes our Main Library and/or the future opening of Lakewood Branch Library.

Under general supervision of an assigned supervisor, performs a wide variety of clerical tasks of moderate difficulty in support of library operations and programs; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The position of Library Specialist III is the highest level in the series. This classification provides clerical support for Library operations and programs by receiving and responding to patron questions, performing circulation duties, and performing duties related to the opening and closing of the Library. This classification differs from the lower-level classification of Library Specialist II in that the Library Specialist II performs the more routine duties.

Position Duties

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Conducts transactions with the public and employees including the acceptance of payments or fees, registration of new library cards, checking library materials in and out using either manual or automated circulation systems, updating patron records, preparation of requisitions, and receiving reports, distribution of documents, data, or information.
• Provides information about library services, policies, and procedures to the public.
• Performs simple operations for updating or blocking certain fields in a patron's record and performs related work on the online system.
• Trains patrons on use of Library and Library related technology and equipment.
• Uses the online system to search for library materials and patron information.
• Assists in receiving and resolving patron complaints and questions.
• Deletes and discards outdated and damaged library materials from circulation system.
• Types documents and routine correspondence.
• Mends books, media and audiovisual library materials.
• Performs simple maintenance on library equipment and machines.

In addition to the duties above, employees may be assigned to one or more workgroups.

For Circulation Services: 

• Provides first point of contact customer service to patrons in person and on the phone.
• Performs daily start-up operations for the computerized circulation system including logging on computers and restocking the circulation desk.
• Sorts and shelves library materials and ensures correct arrangement of materials; identifies materials in need of mending. 
• Receives materials donated by patrons. 
• Selects and processes materials for resource sharing with other libraries. 
• Selects materials for homebound residents. 
• Delivers library materials to offsite locations.
• May support outreach events to register patrons for library cards and promote Library services. 

For Technical Services: 

• Processes new library materials including newspapers; applies labels and creates packaging; programs RFID tag, enters information into circulation system and organizes onto carts for processing.
• Corrects call number labels and barcodes; reviews and resolves issues related to media playability.
• Receives and processes receiving slips and invoices for payments.
• Maintains work group's processing manual.
• Develops, maintains, and archives a variety of files, filing systems, and records.
• Collects information from various sources and compiles data for reports.
• May support simple technology procedures and projects.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading reports and work related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, books, carts and documents weighing up to 50 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.
 

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

Graduation from high school or tested equivalent; AND,
One year of clerical, customer service or library work experience.

Knowledge of:

• Library circulation principles.
• Modern office equipment and designated specialized computer software and operating programs.
• Cash handling techniques.
• Principles of alphabetical and numerical filing.
• Advanced customer service principles.

Ability to:

• Make simple calculations.
• Carry out routine clerical and library procedures.
• Consistently apply policies and procedures according to available guidelines.
• Handle records accurately.
• File alphabetically and numerically.
• Operate modern office equipment and applicable software.
• Receive, research and resolve customer questions.
• Provide excellent customer service to the public and City employees.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees and the public.
• Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.
• Apply the operations, policy and procedures of the Library.
• Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.

Willingness to:

• Work irregular hours, evenings and weekends as required.

Licenses/Certificates:
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Customer service and/or clerical experience
• Experience in a public library environment
• Ability to speak other languages that represent the demographics of the community.

Other Qualifications

APPLICATION PROCESS  
The application period closes on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 5:00 pm or after receiving 75 qualified applicants, whichever is first (postmarks or faxes are not accepted). Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at https://sunnyvale.ca.gov, and click on 'City jobs'. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025, and/or Friday, November 7, 2025. (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources).

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled on the week of November 17, 2025, in person. Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. 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; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. 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.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION
Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate’s expense. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service. A conditional job offer cannot be made until the education has been evaluated and submitted to the Department of Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Positions in this job classification are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job - YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.

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