Library Clerk

Description

Under general supervision, to serve library patrons, assist the public, and perform a variety of routine manual and moderately difficult clerical circulation duties involving library books, materials, and equipment in a Community Library.

NOTE: Candidates who meet the employment standards will be invited to take the online written examination tentatively scheduled for the week of April 27, 2026.

Typical Tasks

• Promotes a positive image of the library in the community by providing prompt, accurate, and courteous patron assistance;
  
• Assists library patrons by checking books and other materials in and out by using a library computer application to enter, query, and retrieve information;
  
• Registers library patrons, issues library cards, and maintains patron records while exercising confidentiality;
  
• Promotes the library's programs and services in contacts with patrons;
  
• Searches for patron account exceptions and delinquencies and locates and resolves computerized circulation problems related to these functions, which include partial returns, claims returns, damaged items, and may include waiving fees;
  
• Answers routine questions and assists patrons in the use of library facilities, including on-line services;
  
• Interprets circulation policies and procedures to the public;
  
• Searches shelves for reserved, "claims returned," or lost books;
  
• Notifies patrons of overdue materials, resolves disputes on accounts, accepts and accounts for payment of overdue fines, adjusts accounts when warranted, and operates cash register;
  
• Handles routine patron problems and may refer complex problems to a higher-level Senior Library Clerk or supervisor if necessary;
  
• Computes proper fees, accepts payments, and issues receipts; maintains cash accountability procedures and balances cash drawer;
  
• May run computerized reports;
  
• Processes intra-system and inter-library loans and in-house reserves by searching shelves, filling reserves, organizing and routing materials to appropriate destination, and tracing items not found;
  
• May be assigned specialized projects; e.g., periodical processing, delinquent accounts, materials shipment and processing, discards, in-house cataloguing for corrections, addition of materials into the library system, and ordering and inventorying supplies;
  
• May be responsible for opening and closing circulation duties;
  
• May have "in charge" responsibility related to the library circulation duties, in the absence of senior personnel;
  
• May assist in training pages, volunteers, and other staff when needed on a shift or in the absence of a Senior Library Clerk or supervisor;

• Accepts, reviews, and processes applications for passports by examining for accuracy and compliance to form;
  
• Verifies proof of citizenship and identity;
  
• Administers oath;
  
• Executes certification;
  
• Collects appropriate fees and submits funds and/or documents to Federal agencies for final processing.
  
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
  
• Performs other related duties as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are attained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school,

• Be at least 18 years of age;
  
• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national;
  
• Not be on parole or probation related to any Federal, State, or local felony or misdemeanor related to breach of trust or moral turpitude (i.e., embezzlement, document fraud, drug offense, or dishonesty carrying out a responsibility involving public trust);
  
• Not be presently under indictment for any Federal, State, or local felony or misdemeanor related to breach of trust or moral turpitude;
  
• Be free of any Federal, State, or local felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions related to break of trust or moral turpitude;
  
• Some positions may require LiveScan screening as part of the background check process.

• Filing and shelving materials, use of on-line catalogues and other computerized library files, and basic familiarity with the Dewey Decimal Classification System;
  
• Development and practices of an automated library circulation system similar to that of the County of Santa Clara;
  
• Library procedures, practices, and terminology;
  
• Library accounting procedures;
  
• Library circulation processes and public services;
  
• Modern clerical office procedures, equipment, and recordkeeping practices;
  
• Basic mathematics to perform simple calculations;
  
• Correct usage of oral and written English, alphabetical and numerical filing systems, indexing and filing methods;
  
• Basic computer use;
  
• Best practices in customer service;
  
• Some positions require knowledge of passport functions and statutes.

• Handle cash rapidly and accurately;
  
• Locate and resolve computerized circulation problems within established guidelines;
  
• Handle routine patron issues;
  
• Generate computerized statistical reports and assure reports are resolved properly;
  
• Store, retrieve, and purge information inmanual and computerized environments;
  
• Assist and guide library pages, volunteers, and other staff with routine library procedures;
  
• Exercise independent and sound judgment when assisting the publicand handle sensitive issues with discretion;
  
• Calculate fees, receive payment, input into computer system, and perform preliminary reconciliation of cash and checks to receipts;
  
• Serve the public tactfully and courteously, interact with a wide range of culturally diverse patrons, maintain effective and harmonious patron/public relations, and promote library services and programs;
  
• Promote a positive image of the library to the community and foster good public relations;
  
• Understand library clerical and circulation procedures, practices, and policies, including the use of computers and library circulation system and spreadsheets;
  
• Read, understand and follow a variety of written and oral directions and perform routine clerical work with frequent changes in schedules and priorities;
  
• Demonstrate an interest in library materials and an aptitude for library work;
  
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with public and staff, and explain instructions, directives, policies, and procedures;
  
• Compile, check, and verify data for accuracy and completeness;
  
• Operate office and library equipment, including telephone system;
  
• Perform general clerical and simple accounting tasks;
  
• Take initiative, work independently, and multi-task within established guidelines.

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry up to 30 pounds;
  
• Perform physically demanding work; stoop, bend, push, and stand for long periods of time;
  
• Willingness to work nights and weekends, as required.