Librarian I

Description

The Palos Verdes Library District is a public library system that operates three unique libraries serving the 68,000 residents of the four cities on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula. The District collaborates with the community to create inclusive, welcoming environments that support access to information, lifelong learning, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging. Through a commitment to organizational excellence, community engagement, and equitable access to resources, PVLD serves as the community’s center for discovery, personal enrichment, and shared cultural history. The District’s work is strengthened by a robust network of community partners and support organizations. As an Independent Special District, PVLD operates with an annual budget of approximately $14 million, funded primarily through a dedicated allocation of local property taxes, and is governed by a publicly elected Board of Library Trustees.

The Position

The Palos Verdes Library District (PVLD) is recruiting applicants for On-Call Librarians for our Adult Services/Young Readers Departments. On-Call Librarians primarily focus on reference and customer service. They can be assigned to Adult, Teen, Young Readers or special projects as needed. There will be no guarantee of weekly hours. This position functions on an on-call, as-needed basis.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides a high level of customer service.
• Performs professional responsibilities independently and with minimal supervision.
• Advises and assists library customers; demonstrates the use of library resources.
• Provides reference and readers advisory services to customers of all ages.
• Performs bibliographic searches using both print and non-print sources.
• Responds to suggestions, requests, or concerns from library users or community members.
• Identifies and anticipates changing community needs and changes in technology or library best practices.
• May develop plans, services, and programs to address these needs and changes.
• Remains knowledgeable about technological advances and societal trends that impact library services.
• Makes presentations and provides training to library staff and the community.
• Participates in meetings, committees, or projects intended to enhance services or promote consistent policies and procedures across the District.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

• A Master’s degree, or are within 6 months of graduating, from an American Library Association accredited college or university with major coursework in library science or substantially equivalent education and experience.
• To be capable of carrying out the full range of duties of a professional librarian.
• To be able to provide educational verification in the form of an official transcript of his or her highest degree.
• To be able to receive the transcript directly from the institution.

Desired Qualifications

• Exceptional customer service skills and enthusiasm for working with the public.
• Ability to effectively conduct reference interviews.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and respond to data and statistics.
• Strong writing skills in various forms of communication.
• Prowess in problem solving and identifying opportunities for growth and change.
• Proven ability to use technology and software such as Microsoft Office, integrated library systems, digital reference tools, and databases.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively, verbally and in writing.
• Strong understanding or willingness to learn various digital platforms to provide patron assistance.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to maintain and foster cooperative and courteous working relationships.
• Adaptability and flexibility.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer.
• Must possess the ability to retrieve, process, and store library materials as well as enter and retrieve data using a computer.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach, as well as push and pull heavy book carts.
• Must be able to lift and carry library materials that typically weigh less than 50 pounds.

Environmental Elements

• Work in an open floor office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Occasionally, incumbents may have to visit other branch libraries or perform job duties outdoors and may be exposed to inclement weather conditions and hot and cold temperatures.
• Interact with upset staff and/or patrons in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

• Required to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• This position is designed as an on-call position and is not intended to work a set schedule although may have one depending on the needs of the District.

Supplemental Information

• Selection Process: This posting will close at 5:00 pm on July 22, 2026. Applications will only be accepted online through our Applicant Tracking System. Please submit your resume with your application and answer all supplemental questions.
• Note: AI generated answers may impact consideration for this position. Any further questions can be directed to PVLD’s Human Resources at (310) 377-9584 ext. 248.
• The Palos Verdes Library District is an equal opportunity employer.
• The District offers an excellent benefits package to full-time employees that includes: health, dental, and vision insurance; long-term disability insurance; life insurance; participation in the CalPERS retirement plan (formula dependent on date of enrollment); social security; employee-funded deferred compensation plans; 10 paid holidays per year, plus 7 floating personal holidays; 10 to 20 vacations days per year depending on years of service; tuition reimbursement program.
• Part-time employees receive sick and personal holiday time, social security and employee-funded deferred compensation plans.

Required Questions

• 01 Define what excellent customer service means to you and from your experience, the best ways to maintain and/or achieve it.
• Describe an experience where you provided excellent customer service.
• 02 Describe your experience utilizing library technology and reference resources for adults, teens, and children.
• 03 Why is diversity, equity and inclusion important in public libraries?
• 04 This position requires flexibility in the hours that you work, varying from week to week. Please indicate your availability each day, Sunday through Saturday, for the library’s hours (Sunday 12:30-5, Monday 10-8, Tuesday 10-8, Wednesday 10-8, Thursday 10-8, Friday 2-6, Saturday 10-5). Please describe your availability for each day/time listed.