Part Time Reference Librarian Jobs in California

Salary: $37.62 - $48.02 Hourly
Location : City of Anaheim, CA
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 2026-00197
Department: Community Services
Opening Date: 09/04/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
The City of Anaheim Public Library seeks enthusiastic and dynamic Part Time Librarians to provide excellent public service in a team-oriented library system. The Part Time Librarian works under minimal supervision to perform journey level professional library duties in assigned areas, such as adult services, children's services, teen services, and outreach programs. Candidates must possess the equivalent to a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Master of Library Science (MLS), or Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) degree from an accredited college or university; one (1) year of experience as a professional librarian. The ideal candidate will have previous public library experience, strong technical skills, and prior programming experience.
This position is a part-time position averaging 30 hours per week with no minimum number of hours guaranteed. Candidates must have evening and weekend availability. This recruitment will fill vacancies throughout the entire Anaheim Public Library system.
About Anaheim Public Library
The Anaheim Public Library was recognized as the 2021 Library of the Year by Gale and Library Journal. There are ten Library outlets serving the City of Anaheim and surrounding communities. This includes Central Library, six branch libraries, the self-service branch at ARTIC Transportation Center, the Anaheim Heritage Center which houses our local history collections and the Mobile Library that serves the Community Development Block Grant neighborhoods in the city.
Essential Functions
The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Provides assistance to and advises patrons, including children, young adults, adults and senior citizens in the effective use of Library collection, facilities and services; demonstrates the use of library resources, tools, equipment, and electronic reference sources; assists with digital downloads.
• Conducts effective reference interviews to assess and satisfy customer information needs.
• Develops the collection for an assigned area of the library; reviews and analyzes collection use; recommends books, media, and materials for purchase based on community needs and awareness of various cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Answers readers' advisory and general reference questions from telephone, webpage and in person queries by accessing a variety of print and non-print resources, including electronic resources.
• Participates in the selection of part-time staff; schedules, provides technical and functional supervision to part-time Library Clerks, Library Technicians, other support staff, and library volunteers.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates services and programs in a designated area such as adult services, children's services, youth services, and outreach; develops new services and programs that meet community needs.
• Performs bibliographic searches using both print and non-print sources.
• Performs outreach to the community, community organizations, and schools; informs community members and organizations about library services, programs, and collections.
• Organizes, maintains, and catalogs/indexes a variety of print and digital materials.
• May perform original cataloging of print and non-print materials; maintains and updates catalog files.
• Reviews new publications and collection materials and selects materials and resources for acquisition or disposition, as appropriate.
• Develops and implements a variety of library related activities, including story hours, library tours, and instructional classes.
• Performs collection development activities, including materials selection and weeding, and sorting donated materials; selects books and materials with attention to the budget dedicated to this purpose.
• Oversees periodical selection and management.
• Responds to suggestions, requests, or concerns from library users or community members.
• Participates in meetings, committees, or projects intended to enhance library services or promote consistent policies and procedures across the department.
• Performs special reading and research and participates in professional meetings, workshops, and conferences and continuing education programs, as appropriate to remain abreast of current literature and professional trends.
• Maintains and troubleshoots electronic and online resources.
• Represents the department at professional meetings as required and promotes library services. Compiles and drafts library activity reports and statistics.
• Develops and present special cultural and holiday programs, as well as activities related to the summer reading program.
• When assigned as "Librarian-in-Charge", acts as moderator in difficult patron interactions, applying and implementing library policies and guidelines appropriately, modifying or adjusting these on a case-by-case basis and referring unresolved issues to a Senior or Principal Librarian or management; addresses building malfunction and emergency maintenance issues, makes schedule adjustments for unplanned absences, and opens/closes the facility.
• Plans and directs the work of assigned non-librarian staff or volunteers.
• Writes and administers grants, develops resources, and research grant possibilities.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education and Experience: Equivalent to a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Master of Library Science (MLS), or Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) degree from an accredited college or university; one (1) year of experience as a professional librarian.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of effective grant writing; basic knowledge of budget practices; basic principles of supervision and training; core library operating principles, including confidentiality of customer information, freedom of information, and intellectual freedom; current principles, practices, procedures, techniques, and materials of professional library work, including library reference, collection development, and other professional library services; principles, techniques, and procedures in cataloging, indexing, classifying, and organizing library materials; principles, practices and techniques of public relations, community outreach, and service promotion; principles and techniques used in bibliographic research; general library materials selection standards; library services and available resources; techniques for promoting and publicizing library services, programs, and events; recent technological, professional, and societal developments, current literature, and sources of information related to library services.; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility; record keeping principles and procedures; modern office practices and technology, including personal computer hardware and software applications related to the work; English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations, and the public; techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Ability to: Monitor assigned budget for staff hours/dollars and area of collection development; perform professional library tasks as assigned, including reference, readers advisory, program and service development, collection development, and cataloging; provide supervision and direction to assigned staff and volunteers; demonstrate initiative and sound judgment necessary to make responsible decisions as Librarian-In-Charge or in the absence of the department manager; plan and conduct the activities and operations of a specialized library function; research and write grant applications; use computer and other technology, including software, hardware, and the Internet to be able to assist customers, conduct research, prepare reports, and use email and other communications technologies; react tactfully and diplomatically during interactions with staff, the public, community groups, etc. while appropriately adhering to and enforcing sound library policies, procedures, and practices; maintain a strong service orientation and a demonstrated dedication to quality customer service; research, analyze, and summarize data and prepare accurate and logical written reports; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized library services software applications programs; 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; use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing; make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines; establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Environmental Conditions: Employees typically work in an open, public area of a library building. The environment has 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.
Physical Conditions: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to visit various Library 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 and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator, and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to retrieve and shelve materials. Incumbents must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull items, storage containers, and shelving units weighing an average of 20 pounds, and up to 50 pounds of weight, in order to move materials from one place to another, with the aid of lifting/moving equipment.
Supplemental Information
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION
This position is a part time position, averaging 30 hours per week with no minimum number of hours guaranteed.
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 11:59pm. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.
The selection process may consist of a minimum of skills examination and oral interview.
The eligibility list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill the current and/or additional vacancies throughout the City.
Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening). The City of Anaheim utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Anaheim offers a range of benefit programs to eligible part-time employees and their eligible dependents. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits summary, visit:
https://www.anaheim.net/DocumentCenter/View/36803/Benefits-Summary-Part-Time
For additional information about the City's benefits, visit www.myanaheimbenefits.com then click on Part-Time Employees.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
Part-time eligible employees become members of CalPERS as either Classic or New members.
Part-time employees not eligible for CalPERS are required to participate in the City's part-time 457 plan, as a replacement plan for Social Security.
To view the current limits and additional CalPERS information, visit:
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