ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Library Temporary Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Santa Cruz

Temporary Library Aide

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$18.70 - $22.73/hr

Under supervision, Temporary Library Aides complete routine library tasks and provide clerical support. Work shifts may be assigned to any library branch. The Santa Cruz Public Library System ...

Rishabh RPO

Library Project Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

The Technical Library Project Specialist is a temporary contract position working under the supervision of the Information Resources Manager at office headquarters in San Francisco, California. This ...

City of Escondido

Ranger Specialist (Library)

Escondido, CA · On-site

$23.42 - $31.39/hr

Summary RANGER SPECIALIST (Library) (Part-Time, Temporary Position, 1500 hour, PERS Eligible) Position will start at $23.42 If you want to join a hard-working team that shares a commitment to provide ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLibrary Temporary JobsLibrary Temporary Jobs in California

Library Temporary information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Library Temporary, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Temporary, you typically need attention to detail, organizational skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library cataloging systems, integrated library systems (ILS), and basic office software is often required. Strong customer service, adaptability, and communication skills help you assist patrons and work effectively with staff. These skills ensure smooth daily operations and a positive experience for library users.

What are some common challenges faced by Library Temporary staff, and how can they be addressed?

Library Temporary staff often need to quickly adapt to new systems, workflows, and teams, which can be challenging given the short duration of their assignments. They may encounter a steep learning curve when familiarizing themselves with cataloging software, library policies, or customer service protocols. Proactively asking questions, seeking guidance from permanent staff, and taking advantage of orientation materials can help ease the transition. Staying organized and open to feedback enables temporary staff to contribute effectively and build valuable experience for future roles.

What are Library Temporary positions?

Library Temporary positions are short-term roles within a library, often filled to cover staff absences, special projects, or seasonal increases in workload. These positions can include a variety of duties such as shelving books, assisting patrons, checking materials in and out, and helping with library programs. Temporary staff may work part-time or full-time, depending on the library's needs, and typically do not receive the same benefits as permanent employees. These roles are a great way to gain experience in a library setting and learn about library operations.

What is the difference between Library Temporary vs Library Assistant?

AspectLibrary TemporaryLibrary Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require library courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer library or customer service experience
Work EnvironmentShort-term assignments in various libraries, often with flexible hoursFull-time or part-time roles within library settings, regular hours
Employer & Industry UsageTemporary staffing agencies, libraries hiring for short-term needsPublic, academic, or special libraries as a regular staff member

Library Temporary roles are short-term, often through staffing agencies, focusing on filling immediate library needs. Library Assistants are regular staff members with ongoing responsibilities. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in duration and employment type.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in California? The most popular types of Library jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Library Temporary jobs? Cities in California with the most Library Temporary job openings:
Library Temporary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Temporary job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Full Time, 71% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.
Temporary Library Aide

Temporary Library Aide

City of Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz, CA • On-site

$18.70 - $22.73/hr

Temporary

Medical, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Salary: $18.70 - $22.73 Hourly
Location : City of Santa Cruz, CA
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 26-077
Department: Library
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/18/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
The Position
The Santa Cruz Public Libraries is seeking Temporary Library Aides, welcoming a wide range of applicants of all ages and backgrounds including students, part-time workers, and retirees, who are interested in learning about library work and supporting daily library operations. Under supervision, Temporary Library Aides complete routine library tasks and provide clerical support. Work shifts may be assigned to any library branch.
The Santa Cruz Public Library System consists of 10 library branches and a Bookmobile. For more information on the Library including branch locations and hours, please visit
This temporary position is represented by the SEIU bargaining unit. Temporary positions are limited to a total of 999 hours per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30).
APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply, submit:
  1. A completed online City application. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the application process.
  2. Response to the supplemental questions. Failure to answer the supplemental questions will result in disqualification.

SELECTION PROCESS:
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 Santa Cruz in an equal opportunity employer.
  • Applications will be screened based on the minimum qualifications for the Temporary Library Aide classification.
  • Library staff will review qualified applications when a vacancy occurs and will contact only those applicants being offered an interview. No other notification will be made. Applications are kept on file until the next open recruitment.
  • Prior to appointment, a pre-employment process must be successfully completed. The pre-employment process includes, but is not limited to, successfully completing a Department of Justice fingerprint check, filling out new hire paperwork, and attending a Human Resources appointment. New hires who are under the age of 18 at time of hire will be required to complete an "Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit" in accordance with the State of California Department of Education.

Temporary Library Aides must be available to work at all of the following locations:
Aptos Branch
7695 Soquel Drive
Aptos
Boulder Creek Branch
13390 West Park Avenue
Boulder Creek
Branciforte Branch
230 Gault Street
Santa Cruz
Capitola Branch
2005 Wharf Road
Capitola
Downtown Branch
224 Church Street
Santa Cruz
Felton Branch
6121 Gushee Street
Felton
Garfield Park Branch
705 Woodrow Avenue
Santa Cruz
La Selva Beach Branch
316 Estrella Avenue
La Selva Beach
Live Oak Branch
2380 Portola Drive
Santa Cruz
Scotts Valley Branch
251 Kings Village Road
Scotts Valley
Typical Duties
(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)
  • Sorts, shelves, relocates, and searches for library materials.
  • Prepares and packages books for shipment to other libraries.
  • Reads shelves for accuracy or order, re-shelving materials as needed.
  • Straightens and dusts library shelves daily or weekly as needed.
  • Provides simple directional information to patrons.
  • Performs simple circulation desk duties - e.g. checking in library materials.
  • Provides patrons with basic guidance in using Santa Cruz Public Library (SCPL) website, catalog, and multi-function printers.
  • May assist patrons with basic technology needs.
  • Assists with setup/take down of meeting rooms or program spaces for library programming.
  • May assist with programming on or off-site.
  • Assists with light housekeeping such as picking up books, basic tidying and straightening up.
  • May help staff open and close library branches.
  • Acts as reporting agents with respect to the Library's Code of Conduct and other safety matters.
  • Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position requires frequent sitting, walking, standing, reaching, stooping, repetitive use of hands, and pushing in the performance of daily activities. Crouching, working overhead, grasping and twisting is required in the performance of weekly activities. Occasional climbing, kneeling, 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 35 pounds on a daily basis is required and with the need to lift up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
  • Completion of two years of high school. High school diploma or tested equivalent is not required.

Skills:
  • Competent in communication and interpersonal skills with adults and children
  • Read and speak English fluently
  • Basic numeracy with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
  • Computers and standard computer software including Microsoft Office programs
  • Familiarity with mobile devices

Abilities:
  • Discern when questions should be referred to the person in charge or the online librarian
  • Follow written and verbal instructions
  • Alphabetize and arrange books and other materials in an orderly fashion using standard library organizing structures
  • Interact in a respectful manner with the public and library staff

Other Requirements:
  • Depending on job assignment may be required to be age 18.

Licenses and Certificates
  • None required.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience using libraries
  • Experience using technology (computers, smart phones, social networking)
  • Experience working with the public
  • Basic knowledge of the Dewey decimal system
  • Fluency in Spanish, an Asian language or Sign language.

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
  • Library Aide

The City of Santa Cruz offer benefits to temporary employees such as reimbursement up to $100 per quarter for a portion of health care costs (employee must work more than 220 hours in defined quarter) and discount bus pass program. Temporary service employees are eligible to participate in the CalPERS long term care insurance program.
Upon completion of 600 hours worked, employees receive 19 hours in-lieu time, and for every 200 hours of work thereafter, employees receive 9 hours of in-lieu time. In-Lieu time can be used for paid leave or paid in cash. The terms of listed benefits are subject to change, depending upon current MOU and future negotiations.
See
01
This position requires the completion of two years of high school. I meet this requirement:
  • Yes
  • No

02
Depending on job assignment, the candidate may be required to be at least 18 years old.
  • I am under the age of 18.
  • I am at least 18 years old.

03
I am available to work at all Branches (as listed on the job flyer and at https://www.santacruzpl.org/branches/) Note: A "No" response will eliminate your application from consideration.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Apply