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Library Work Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Principles of professional and technical library work including methods, practices and techniques of library classification, cataloging and referencing. Computerized cataloging, bibliographical ...

Librarian

Calabasas, CA ยท On-site

$30/hr

Principles of professional and technical library work including methods, practices and techniques of library classification, cataloging and referencing. * Computerized cataloging, bibliographical ...

Librarian

Carlsbad, CA

$35.23 - $42.84/hr

The Library is currently seeking multiple librarian positions in various work areas-Public Services which includes Adult & Teen Services, Children's Services and Genealogy & Carlsbad History. Library ...

$65K - $134K/yr

Supervise the daily operations of the Lower School Library when students read, play games, and work with reading buddies. * Work closely with the Lower School Head to design programming that ...

Supervise the daily operations of the Lower School Library when students read, play games, and work with reading buddies. * Work closely with the Lower School Head to design programming that ...

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Library Work information

What are some common challenges faced in library work and how can they be addressed?

Library work often involves balancing multiple responsibilities, such as assisting patrons, managing resources, and handling administrative tasks. A common challenge is adapting to evolving technology and digital resources, which requires ongoing learning and flexibility. Additionally, libraries can experience periods of high patron demand, making time management and customer service skills essential. Addressing these challenges involves staying current with professional development opportunities, collaborating closely with team members, and leveraging available training resources to continuously improve service delivery.

Can you work at a library without being a librarian?

Yes, many library positions such as library assistants, clerks, or technicians do not require a librarian certification and typically involve tasks like shelving, customer service, and administrative support. These roles often require basic skills, a high school diploma, and sometimes training on library systems or tools, but not a master's degree in library science.

What positions can you work at a library?

Library work includes positions such as librarian, library assistant, library technician, circulation clerk, and archivist. These roles involve tasks like managing collections, assisting patrons, cataloging materials, and maintaining library operations, often requiring relevant skills and sometimes certifications or degrees.

Is it hard to get hired as a librarian?

Getting hired as a librarian can be competitive, often requiring a master's degree in library science and relevant experience. Strong organizational skills, familiarity with library management systems, and certification can improve job prospects, but openings may be limited depending on the region and institution size.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in library work, and why are they important?

To thrive in library work, you typically need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in library science or information management, often supported by a degree or certification such as an MLIS. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), cataloging software, and digital resource management tools is essential. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills help you assist patrons and collaborate with colleagues effectively. These abilities ensure efficient library operations, positive user experiences, and the accurate management of resources in a dynamic information environment.

What is library work?

Library work involves a variety of tasks related to managing and organizing library resources, assisting patrons, and maintaining the daily operations of a library. This can include cataloging books and materials, helping visitors locate information, planning programs, and ensuring that the library remains a welcoming and efficient space. People in library work may be librarians, library assistants, or technicians, and they often use technology to support research and information retrieval. The job requires strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

What is the difference between Library Work vs Library Assistant?

AspectLibrary WorkLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a degree in library scienceHigh school diploma; on-the-job training often provided
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special libraries; involves customer service and organizational tasksSimilar environments; focuses on assisting patrons and managing materials
Employer & Industry UsageLibraries, educational institutions, government agenciesLibraries, schools, community centers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsEntry-level position details, duties, and training

Library Work encompasses a range of roles within libraries, often requiring specific credentials and involving organizational, customer service, and administrative tasks. Library Assistants typically perform similar duties but usually with less formal education requirements and on-the-job training. Both roles are vital in library operations, serving the community and supporting library functions.

What qualifications do I need for a librarian?

Librarians typically need a master's degree in library science (MLS) or library and information studies (MLIS) from an American Library Association-accredited program. Relevant skills include organization, research, and familiarity with library management software; some positions may require specialized knowledge or certifications depending on the library type. A background in information science or related fields can also be beneficial.
What are popular job titles related to Library Work jobs in California? For Library Work jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Work jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Library Work jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Library Work jobs? Cities in California with the most Library Work job openings:
Library Assistant I (19 hours/week, 11 months/year)

Library Assistant I (19 hours/week, 11 months/year)

Kern Community College District

Bakersfield, CA โ€ข On-site

$15K - $22K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Salary : $15,861.72 - $22,060.80 Annually
Location : Bakersfield College -- Panorama Campus, CA
Job Type: Classified
Job Number: FY25-2600320
College: Bakersfield College
Department: Library
Opening Date: 04/10/2026
Salary Range/Class: 33.0
Hours Per Week: 19
Months Per Year: 11
Assured Consideration Date: 04/24/2026
Internal Posting Information: None
Below is our job description for this position. Please also review the Important Instructions & Additional Information section below, which contains valuable information about our application process.
Basic Function
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform general clerical work in support of the various sections of the library; check materials in and out of the library; provide general and technical assistance to library patrons.
Representative Duties
Perform general clerical work such as typing, duplicating, entering information into computer, processing incoming mail and maintaining various files and records; answer telephones and direct callers to appropriate personnel; take and relay messages as appropriate; record and maintain various statistics on library usage.
Check out books and other library materials; receive and process returned materials; inspect condition of materials returned; sort incoming books and prepare book carts; renew materials by phone.
Assist in the processing of library materials; evaluate and maintain orderliness of shelved materials; pull and route materials in need of mending, binding, repairing or discarding; clean and repair materials as directed; glue, re-label or tape books as needed.
Issue library use cards; explain the policy for the library card; contact patrons with overdue library materials; receive and receipt overdue fines; count and record cash received.
Provide general and technical assistance to library patrons; instruct and aid patrons in the use of various library equipment; assist patrons in the use of computer indexes; answer reference and directional questions.
Maintain records of periodical subscriptions; check in new periodicals and prepare for display or introduction to the library collection; route specific periodicals to designated personnel and departments.
Operate a variety of equipment including a copier, microfilm reader, intercom system, television and library security system.
Train and provide work direction to student assistants; assist other library personnel as directed. Assist with inventory of library book collection and supplies as assigned.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and one year of general clerical experience.
Knowledge & Abilities
KNOWLEDGE OF
Telephone techniques and etiquette.
Operation of standard office equipment including a computer and data entry techniques.
Basic record-keeping techniques. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Oral and written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Basic math.
ABILITY TO
Perform a variety of routine clerical duties.
Answer phones and greet the public courteously.
Make routine math calculations.
Operate a computer terminal and enter data.
Maintain routine records.
Complete work with many interruptions.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Learn basic library methods, procedures and terminology.
Learn to operate a variety of equipment including a intercom system, library security system and a microfilm reader.
Learn library classification system.
Learn the location of materials in the library.
Work cooperatively with others.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Important Instructions & Additional Information
Complete applications received by the "assured consideration date" above are guaranteed to be reviewed by Human Resources. If you apply after this date, there is no guarantee that your application will be reviewed. However, we still recommend that you apply because recruitments remain open until filled. The District and/or College reserves the right to extend time limits and/or repost or restart recruitments at any point.
Completed applications must include the following.
  • Completed online application for employment
  • Current resume
  • Letter of interest (cover letter)
  • List of 5 (five) professional references (entered in online application)
  • Copy of legible transcripts (if required for the position)

It is your responsibility to redact or remove any personally identifiable information from all documents prior to uploading, including Social Security numbers, date of birth, photos, etc.
Equivalency for Minimum Qualifications
Applicants for faculty and educational administrator positions in California Community Colleges are required to meet certain minimum qualifications as provided by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office and detailed in the If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you may still be eligible by completing the KernCCD Application for Equivalence process. Please see our for more information.
International or Foreign Degrees
Applicants with international or foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, INC. (ACEI). A copy of the evaluation must be submitted with your online application.
Accommodations
Applicants who require reasonable accommodation to participate in the selection process should contact Human Resources to make the necessary arrangements. (For more information, see our )
Discrimination Free Work Environment
Discrimination based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation of any person, military and veteran status, or the perception that a person has one or more of these characteristics is illegal and violates Kern Community College District policy.
The Kern CCD Equal Employment Opportunity Plan guides the development, implementation, and monitoring of the District's efforts to foster equal employment opportunities and workplace diversity.
See our for more information.
Work Authorization
Kern Community College District does not provide sponsorship for authorization to work in the United States. Work authorization should be established at the time of application submission.
E-Verify
The Kern Community College District participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, please visit
Helpful Links
Full-time permanent employees (20+ hours per month) are eligible for health benefits:
  • Health
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term Disability

In addition to the above benefits, the District also offers a robust voluntary benefits selection:
  • Flex 125
  • Additional products and services through American Fidelity
  • Supplemental Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Tax Shelter Annuities

The District participates in CalPERS Retirement System and Social Security benefits for Classified and Management employees. Employees covered under the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), are vested 100% after five years of full-time service credit.
The District participates in the State Teacher's Retirement System (STRS) for faculty. Employees covered under the State Teacher's Retirement System (STRS), are vested 100% after five years of full-time service credit.
All coverages begin on the first of the following month after the hire date.
The following classifications are eligible for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health benefits at the employee expense offered through SISC:
  • Permanent Employees (19 hours or less)
  • Adjuncts
  • Temporary Hourly
  • Professional Experts

For additional information, please visit our

Kern Community College District logo

About Kern Community College District

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kern Community College District (KCCD) is a reputable organization in the educational sector based in Bakersfield, California, United States. Their industry consists of higher education services focused on providing quality and diverse learning experiences to meet the educational and workforce development needs. Dating back to its establishment in 1968, KCCD has grown substantially, managing three accredited colleges: Bakersfield College, Cerro Coso Community College, and Porterville College. The mission of KCCD is to provide outstanding educational programs and services that are responsive to the diverse needs of the students, communities, and economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Bakersfield, CA, US

Year founded

1961