Librarian

Position Description

RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW - Inspire the Next Generation: Join Us as our Youth Services Librarian

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for transforming young lives through literacy, technology, and play? We are seeking a dynamic Librarian to take the lead in our Youth Services department. This is a journey-level role designed for a professional who wants to bridge the gap between traditional library resources and the evolving needs of today’s youth.

Why This Role?

As our Youth Services Librarian, you won't just manage books—you’ll be the architect of a "buzzing learning zone". You will have the creative freedom to:

• Design High-Impact Programs: From STEAM-powered workshops (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and coding clubs to bilingual Storytime’s and teen-led podcasts.
• Build a Culture of Empowerment: Use "connected learning" principles to mentor teens, giving them a voice in creating the programs they want to see.
• Advocate for Youth: Act as a dedicated liaison to local schools, the Boys & Girls Club, and other community partners to bring the library directly to where young people are.
• Lead with Impact: Supervise a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, manage a fixed annual budget, and apply for specialized grants to fund your most ambitious projects.

What We’re Looking For

We're in search of a relatable, tech-savvy advocate who is as comfortable managing a budget as they are leading a room full of energetic young learners.

• Expertise: Deep knowledge of youth developmental needs and current trends in YA services.
• Creativity: A "maker" mindset ready to implement everything from craft-based service projects to high-tech 3D modeling programs.
• Leadership: Experience training staff and volunteers to provide a high level of customer service specifically for families and young patrons.

Ready to open the next chapter of your career?

You will act as a community cornerstone, planning innovative programs, supervising dedicated staff and volunteers, and ensuring our library remains a welcoming, cutting-edge resource for our youth.

Tulare Public Library (TPL) is a modern, 30,000 square-foot community hub that serves as a vital center for education, technology, and local engagement. Our mission is to support the personal, educational, and professional needs of the diverse community we serve by providing access to a wide variety of resources and a commitment to excellent customer service.

Key Features & Amenities:

• Diverse Collections: The library houses an extensive collection of books, eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and video games.
• Technology Access: Patrons can use a computer lab with 20 public terminals, specialized computers for kids and teens, and AWE educational stations for preschoolers. Wireless printing, scanning, faxing, and laptop checkouts are also available.
• Dedicated Spaces: The facility includes a thoughtfully designed Children’s Space, private study rooms (accommodating up to 5 people), and the Olympic Room for community programs.
• Specialized Resources: TPL offers a Genealogy and Local History Room, a Veteran Resource Center, and assistance with U.S. Passports by appointment.
• Network: TPL is a member of the San Joaquin Valley Library System (SJVLS), allowing cardholders to access resources across multiple counties using the ValleyCat app.

Community Programs: The library hosts a wide range of recurring and special events:

• Youth & Family: Bilingual and preschool Storytime’s, the "Builders’ Zone" (LEGO/STEM challenges), and family movie days.
• Adults & Seniors: Monthly book clubs (including the Saturday and Thursday clubs), "Writer Chat" sessions, yarn craft clubs, and paint nights.
• Support Services: Free legal presentations on topics like tenants' rights and foreclosure prevention through Central California Legal Services.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To be considered for this position qualified applicants must submit an application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work History, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills. In addition to submitting a detailed application, applicants are required to respond to the supplemental questions associated with the application and attach the required certificates. Responses to the supplemental questions will be used to evaluate applicants' qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application.

RECRUITMENT TIMELINE:

The dates associated with the recruitment process are outlined in this job posting. Please be sure to make note of the dates and plan now to participate in the recruitment process. Confirmation of your eligibility to participate in the interview phase will be sent to you via email as soon as our screening process is complete.

Interview Panel:

Applicants that meet the minimum requirements for the position will be invited to participate in the panel interview process on: TUESDAY, APRIL 28th.

Department Interview:

The top five applicants based on their panel interview score will be invited to interview with members of our Community Services Department and Library Manager on: TUESDAY, MAY 5th.

ABOUT THE CITY OF TULARE

Tulare is a full-service Charter City with approximately 400 full-time employees. The City of Tulare is a supportive organization where people take pride in their work and in the community they serve. Tulare is also a place where people can grow professionally, a place that values innovation and a place where people can make a positive and lasting change in the community.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under general supervision, performs a variety of professional duties involved in planning, coordinating, and implementing library services and programs; provides complex professional and technical library services to the community; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Library Manager. Exercises general and direct supervision over assigned library clerical, part-time, or volunteer staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey-level in the Librarian class series. Responsibilities include planning, coordinating, and implementing library services and programs to patrons, assisting and participating in the evaluation, selection, acquisition, retention, and special handling of various library materials. May train and assist other employees and volunteers, and manage a fixed annual budget. This class is distinguished from the Library Manager in that the latter assumes the greatest degree of decision-making responsibilities and exercises technical and functional supervision over lower-level classifications and other library services.

Examples of Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Participates in planning, organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of assigned staff and volunteers; assists in the recruitment, selection, and evaluation of staff; ensures the most effective use of staff and materials resources.
• Trains staff and volunteers in work and safety procedures and in library services and activities; implements and evaluates procedures and standards.
• Monitors operations and activities of the library; recommends improvements and modifications and prepares various reports on operations and activities; recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; implements policies and procedures.
• Manages and monitors the budget preparation processes for assigned projects or programs; provides input into budget development, and administers program budgets after adoption.
• Determines and recommends supplies, materials, and staffing needs for programs and projects; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications, as required; maintains a variety of records and prepares reports of work performance and activities.
• Plans, coordinates, and implements library services and programs; coordinates regular and special event programs and services; prepares and distributes publicity items.
• Oversees and participates in circulation desk services; charges and discharges library materials and issues library cards; checks library application information to ensure accurate and complete data entry; collects fines for overdue materials and fees for lost or damaged items.
• Interprets and applies library policies and procedures for customers and staff.
• Accesses and retrieves information for library customers and staff as requested; researches and responds to difficult or technical reference questions; refers questions as appropriate.
• Advises and assists library customers in the use of library services and tools.
• Assists and participates in the evaluation, selection, acquisition, retention, discarding, or special handling of library materials.
• Uses the automated cataloging system to catalog and classify a variety of library materials and ensure staff training in its use.
• Performs a variety of tasks involving computerized systems, including updating library's web page, accessing specialized data bases, and conducting internet searches.
• Participates in the compiling of library activity reports and statistics.
• Acts as a liaison with other librarians in the community; attends professional meetings, workshops, and other conferences; performs special readings and research to remain abreast of current library practices.
• Performs a wide variety of office work including preparing and maintaining of lists, reports, and other documents, compiling statistics and data of library activity, maintaining accurate and detailed records, verifying accuracy of information, researching discrepancies, recording information, and compiling and entering payroll data.
• Oversees the operational support of the automated library system such as system backup, record keeping, generating and distributing notices and reports, and general system maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Prepares grant and special funding applications and reports; monitors and controls grant expenditures.
• Assists in opening and closing facilities, including retrieving all materials from the book drop and check-in, preparing and closing register cash drawer, turning on, logging in, and turning off all computers, and printing out and pulling holds list for shipment to other libraries.
• Monitors and controls patron behavior; monitors patrons to provide security and assistance.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee and volunteer supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles, practices, and service delivery needs related to library services.
• Library services and available resources.
• Principles and practices of professional library work, including methods, practices, and techniques of library reference, technical services and/or children's library services.
• Principles, techniques, and procedures in cataloging, indexing, classifying, and organizing library materials.
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to library program planning and administration.
• Principles and techniques used in bibliographic research.
• General library materials selection standards.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations including administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles, practices, and techniques used in dealing with the public and public relations.
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient library services programs.
• Supervise, train, plan, organize, schedule, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff.
• Coordinate, direct, and implement library services programs suited to the needs of the community.
• Plan and coordinate library programs including preparing publicity and providing direction to staff and volunteers.
• Analyze, interpret, apply, and enforce Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Understand, interpret, and successfully communicate both orally and in writing, pertinent department policies and procedures.
• Identify problems, research, and analyze relevant information, develop and present recommendations, and justification for solution.
• Develop cost estimates for staff, supplies, and materials.
• Effectively conduct meetings and make presentations to various groups.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Qualifications / Requirements

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college. A Master's of Library Science degree is desirable. One (1) year of professional experience in a library setting organizing programs and services pertaining to Library Services.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 30 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.0% at 62) to new PERS members beginning January 1, 2013 with three (3) years final compensation. Existing PERS members with no break in service will receive the 2.5% at 55 formula with single highest year.
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.
• Life insurance - Based on salary.
• Short and long term disability insurance.
• 10 working days vacation per year. Additional days based on years of service.
• 12 days sick leave per year.
• 15 holidays annually: 12 city observed holidays, plus birthday credit and 2 in-lieu holidays.
• Management leave - 64 hours per year.
• Flexible benefit program - IRS Section 125 Plan.
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.
• City sponsored clinic - Opening March 1, 2025. Services to include: general medical care and health and wellness coaching. No deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses.

Closing Date/Time: 4/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Tulare

• 559-684-4204

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