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Virtual Reference Library Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Technical Services Manager

Salinas, CA · On-site

$7.8K - $10K/mo

... virtual presence) Leads the planning and development of long and short-term Departmental ... library and branch operations including general reference, customer service, responds to citizen ...

Substitute Tutor

San Fernando, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

San Fernando Library (LACL) -- HDT: Tue/Wed 2:30-7:30 PM, Thu 2:00-5:30 PM * Stevenson Ranch ... You can provide three professional references * You have a minimum of sixty units of college ...

$76K - $95K/yr

Develop live and virtual legal research training programs for attorneys and professional staff ... Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLS, MLIS, or equivalent) from an ALA ...

In addition, you will be expected to manage our CMF libraries and help develop our CMF design ... Manage and develop both virtual and physical assets for ARCH CMF process * Manage bespoke client ...

Showing results 21-40

Virtual Reference Library information

What is a virtual reference library?

A Virtual Reference Library is an online collection of reference materials such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, guides, and databases that can be accessed remotely via the internet. It is designed to help users find reliable information quickly without needing to visit a physical library. Virtual Reference Libraries are commonly used by students, researchers, and the general public for research, homework, and general knowledge inquiries. Many libraries and educational institutions subscribe to these services to provide convenient, 24/7 access to authoritative resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a virtual reference librarian?

To thrive as a Virtual Reference Librarian, you need a strong background in information science, research skills, and a library science degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with online databases, digital catalog systems, and virtual communication platforms is essential for providing remote assistance. Excellent interpersonal communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability are key soft skills that enhance user engagement and support. These competencies ensure accurate information delivery and effective user support in a digital environment.

How does a virtual reference librarian typically collaborate with other library staff and departments while working remotely?

As a Virtual Reference Librarian, collaboration with colleagues is essential and primarily takes place through digital platforms such as email, chat, and video conferencing tools. You may regularly coordinate with subject specialists, technical services, and IT staff to resolve patron inquiries, develop instructional materials, or update digital resources. Effective communication and timely information sharing are key to ensuring consistent and high-quality service to patrons. Virtual team meetings and shared project management tools help maintain alignment and foster a supportive remote work environment.

What is the difference between Virtual Reference Library vs Library Technician?

AspectVirtual Reference LibraryLibrary Technician
Required CredentialsMLS or MLIS degree often preferredAssociate's degree in library technology or related field
Work EnvironmentOnline platforms, remote workPhysical library settings, on-site
Employer & Industry UsageLibraries, educational institutions, online info servicesPublic, academic, or special libraries
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in digital info servicesJob responsibilities and qualifications

Virtual Reference Library professionals primarily provide online information assistance, often working remotely, while Library Technicians work in physical library environments assisting with daily operations. Both roles support library services but differ in work setting and required credentials.

What are popular job titles related to Virtual Reference Library jobs in California?

For Virtual Reference Library jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Virtual Reference Library jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Virtual Reference Library jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Virtual Reference Library jobs?

Cities in California with the most Virtual Reference Library job openings:

Infographic showing various Virtual Reference Library job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 38% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 59% Remote job distribution.

Technical Services Manager

Salinas, CA • On-site

City of Salinas
Government Relations and Lobbying Services • 501 - 1,000 employees

$7.8K - $10K/mo

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

The City of Salinas is accepting applications for a Technical Services Manager to lead and oversee technology-related services and program activities as well as collection development and bibliographic services operations for the Library and Community Services Department. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker who is passionate about technology, innovation, and teamwork. This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time.

Apply today. Summary of Duties: Under general direction plans, organizes, coordinates and supervises technology-related services and program activities as well as collection development and bibliographic services operations for the Library and Community Services Department. Proactively ensures that the Department remains current and relevant in their physical and digital collection development and cataloging processes, technology-related programs, services, and systems and remains current on technology trends to identify possibilities for collaboration and partnership on technology-related initiatives both within the Salinas Library and Community Services Department and externally.

Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives immediate direction from the Library and Community Services Director or designee. Exercises direct and/or indirect supervision over assigned professional, technical, and clerical personnel. Essential Job Functions Provides leadership and management of the Department's technology-related programs and services and collection development and bibliographic services operations Tracks trends, investigates new and emerging technologies and collection development practices, and incorporates them appropriately into the Library and Community Services environment Evaluates desktop, network, and server components (including hardware and software) for possible purchase Oversees the management of computer networks including the Department's Digital Labs and Department's inventory of mobile technology, including the configuration, installation, management and support of a multi-segmented local area and wide area networks Oversees the collection development, cataloging and physical processing of library materials that are relevant to the community and promote diversity, inclusivity, and equity Serves as liaison between the library and automation vendors, collection material vendors, sales representatives and City technology staff Coordinates the management of the Department's Internet presence including accuracy of web pages, the library's digital collection, social media communications, and library marketing outreach Researches and addresses barriers to efficient delivery of library collection and technology to support operations, services and programs, including coordinating training to improve skills of Department staff and encourages the integration of technology into the Department's programs (both physical and virtual presence) Leads the planning and development of long and short-term Departmental information technology strategic plans; analyzes operational procedures related to activities of the technology program unit and makes recommendations for improvement Participates in the selection of technology-related, collection development and bibliographic services personnel; schedules, trains, supervises and evaluates assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects and programs and monitors workflow; fosters an environment of teamwork within the division and throughout the Department Promotes department goals, communicates regularly with peers and administration, and identifies areas of need and resolves potential conflict Participates in budget preparation and administration; prepares costs estimates for budget recommendations, submits justifications for budget items; monitors and controls expenditures; and coordinates with other Department staff to plan for the best use of resources; maintains records; prepares reports, computer data, special studies and correspondence as needed Performs other duties in support of library and branch operations including general reference, customer service, responds to citizen complaints and inquiries, and special event programming as needed Serves as a member of the Department's Administrative Team and may be called upon to represent the Department with groups, organizations, committees and at professional meetings and/or workshops Promotes and maintains safety in the workplace Performs related duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of: Technology public access programs, trends, open-source resources, and usage in public institutions and community Concept of local area and wireless networks, system analysis principles and techniques, technology troubleshooting principles and practices, standard operating systems for servers and networks, and their use in public libraries Practices and trends of collection development principles and cataloging processes in a public library, including utilization of integrated library systems, access services technologies, and digital resources Standard database, word processing, spreadsheet and similar public access software skills Public library policies, procedures, and functions Principles and practices of supervision, training, team building, and library management General trends and practices of digital and social media outreach and website development Current trends and innovations in the field of library industry and technology services Administrative and budgetary processes applied to a public library Principles and practices of supervision and training Ability to: Research, analyze and prepare recommendations regarding Library programs, services, equipment, and personnel Coordinate departmental/divisional activities and develop department policies and procedures in area of assignment Prepare budget recommendations and monitor expenditures Interpret, analyze, and compile data for reports and statistics Act as the Department's representative to professional organizations; attend Library Commission and Friends of the Library meetings Take initiative, evaluate, resolve problems and identify methods for improving services or operations Effectively participate in planning, promoting and delivering exceptional services to the community Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, library patrons, and other City employees Work independently and meet deadlines Exercise discretion and independent judgment Train, supervise and evaluate professional, technical and clerical personnel Plan, organize, monitor, and evaluate subordinates' work assignments to accomplish unit objectives Deal courteously and tactfully with the public in responding to complaints and inquiries Communicate effectively in technical and non-technical terms, both verbally and in writing Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible professional library experience working with collection development, bibliographic services, digital resources, and information technology systems in a library, educational or non-profit organization plus one year of supervisory experience.

A Master's degree in Library and Information Science from a school accredited by the American Library Association may be substituted for two years of the required experience. Licenses and Certifications: A valid State of California Driver's License. Supplemental Information Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use new technologies and related equipment; vision sufficient to read printed materials, visual display terminals; hearing sufficient to conduct in person and voice conversations; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in a normal conversational distance and in addressing groups; physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop and reach overhead; physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment, ability to climb and descend stairs: physical strength to lift up to 25 pounds; physical stamina sufficient to sit for prolonged periods of time; mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions.

Meet with public and community individuals and organizations on use of technology programs. Instruct public and staff on technology services and programs. Business office working environment subject to sitting at a desk or standing at a counter for long periods of time, bending, crouching, or kneeling at files, pushing/pulling of file drawers and supplies, reaching in all directions and prolonged periods of time working at a computer or other technology equipment.

Travel for training, meetings, and/or to visit various facilities within the City. May work irregular hours including evenings and weekends. Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required. Our values in action: A- Accountability - Own the outcome: We individually follow through on commitments, make data-informed decisions, and proactively step in to get things done. C- Collaboration - Better together: We unite ideas, resources and efforts with internal and external partners to deliver exceptional services.

T-Trust - Earned through action: We foster strong lasting community partnerships with integrity, transparency, and consistent results. IN- Innovation - Seek, create, explore: We embrace bold ideas and new technology that improve public service, efficiency and effectiveness. Service Excellence- Anticipate, respond, and deliver: We commit to provide high quality effective service to all.

For questions, please contact Darlenne Birrueta, Human Resources Analyst, at (831) 758-7388 or darlenne.birrueta@salinas.gov Veteran's Preference: A veteran is defined in accordance with California Government Code 18540.4. In order to exercise this preference, the veteran must submit the City's Veteran's Preference Application and provide a copy of the DD-214 form at time of application as proof of military status. Failure to submit the required forms will be deemed a waiver of veteran's preference

Military veterans shall be given preference in initial appointment to City service. Further details can be obtained from the Human Resources Department, at 831-758-7254. Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all City of Salinas employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

Selection Process: Applicants' qualifications will be evaluated based on the information provided on the employment application. The exam process may consist of an application appraisal, oral interview, assessment center and/or written exam. The City reserves the right to use alternate testing procedures if deemed necessary.

CITY COMMUNICATION REGARDING THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL BE VIA E-MAIL. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE E-MAIL ON YOUR APPLICATION. Finalist interview/assessment will be held with the City of Salinas.

Oral Board Interview FAQ - Applicants who are invited to the oral board interview or have questions on what to expect during an oral board interview, are encouraged to review the City of Salinas Tips for a Sucessful Oral Board which can be found here. Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Salinas does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. The City of Salinas makes reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability.

Individuals requiring any accommodation in order to participate in the testing process must inform the Human Resources Director in writing no later than the final filing date stated in this job announcement. Requests for accommodation should include an explanation of the type and extent of accommodations needed to participate in the selection process and/or to perform the duties of the job for which they have applied. EEO Utilization Report is available for candidate review upon request.

Salary Steps: The following applies for Full-Time Regular positions only. Appointments are normally made at the first step. Consideration is given for increase to the second step after successful completion of the probationary period.

(Employees appointed at a higher step will be eligible for consideration for the next step after one year, providing they successfully complete a probationary period.)