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The City of Carpinteria is Accepting Applications for City Librarian

Are you a passionate library professional eager to lead a vibrant community library? Do you believe in the power of literacy, inclusivity, and lifelong learning? Are you excited about the opportunity to work in our close-knit coastal community, expand library programs, engage with diverse community members, and champion innovative library services?

If so, the City of Carpinteria invites you to apply for the City Librarian position!

Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 11:59 pm

Position Purpose:

Under the direction of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Director, performs a wide variety of advanced-level professional librarian duties, including but not limited to: overseeing daily library operations, such as literacy services, collection development, circulation, reference, support, and other service areas; serving as the primary staff liaison to the Library Advisory Commission, providing leadership and guidance; representing the City at various meetings and committees, including the Friends of the Library, County Library Committee, Library Board of Trustees, Black Gold Cooperative Library System, and other associated organizations. Ensures compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and best practices in library operations; assists in the training of lower-level library services positions; performs patron services duties as assigned; and performs related duties as required.

The City Librarian develops and implements programs aligned with City Council goals, ensuring library services support broader community priorities. The position focuses on expanding literacy programs and enhancing access to library services for all residents, including Spanish-speaking and historically underrepresented communities.

About the City:

Carpinteria is a quaint coastal community with small town charm, valued by visitors and residents alike. Beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountain views, and a diverse economy make Carpinteria a wonderful place to live, work, and play!

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead and support staff in delivering exemplary customer service with attentiveness, fairness, and respect while fostering a positive service environment.
• Oversee, motivate, train, and evaluate assigned staff to ensure high performance and continuous development.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and facilitate ongoing training related to library services, technology, and customer service.
• Coordinate acquisition, circulation, distribution, deaccession, and maintenance of library materials.
• Review and participate in the selection of print and non-print materials.
• Develop and implement programs that enrich and connect community members.
• Oversee and maintain collections, including reviewing and de-selecting materials on an ongoing basis.
• Develop and implement library programs, services, special events, and outreach activities in assigned areas.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with organizations, businesses, and other governmental agencies to enhance library effectiveness.
• Stay current on materials, technology, and professional issues related to library services.
• Direct the preparation and management of the library budget, including operating budget, collections, capital outlay, and grants programs.
• Monitor expenditures to align with division goals and service priorities.
• Work with City staff to procure materials and vendor services in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Attend and represent the library at professional and public meetings, organizational events, and community outreach activities.
• Prepare and present reports, correspondence, and other documents to City Council, boards, commissions, and committees.
• Serve at public service desks, assisting patrons with reference questions and the selection of books, periodicals, and other materials.
• Answer complex or technical reference questions involving specialized subject knowledge.
• Oversee youth programs that familiarize young people with library materials and services.
• Present story hours, work with schools and community groups, and prepare promotional materials and publicity as required.
• Review and evaluate service delivery methods, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Recommend policy and procedural changes as needed.
• Promote library services and resources through exhibits, tours, outreach, and media.
• Prepare public informational materials such as newsletters, calendars and flyers.
• Participate in professional group meetings and workshops; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in library science.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Education and/or Experience:

• Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS), preferred
• Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in library science or a related field
• Four (4) or more years of increasingly responsible professional and managerial library experience, including supervisory experience.

License, Certification and Other Requirements:

• Proficiency in English is required
• Bilingual skills in Spanish are preferred
• A valid California Class C driver's license may be required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA's):

The following are a representative sample of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities necessary to perform essential duties of the position:

Knowledge of:

• Theories, principles and practices of modern library management, including current developments in librarianship and in managing the delivery of library services.
• Principles and practices of professional library services including collection development and maintenance, book and materials selection and cataloging procedures.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment. General and specialized reference materials, bibliographic sources, and on-line databases; expert knowledge of library equipment including a computer and applicable software.
• Principles and procedures of complex professional and technical library work including methods, practices and techniques of library classification, cataloging and referencing.
• Computerized cataloging, bibliographical, acquisition and circulation system databases and maintenance.
• Policies, procedures and functions of a library.
• Accounting procedures and techniques.
• Collection development, including print, audio-visual and electronic resources selection and cataloging procedures.
• Strategic planning principles; theories of management and organization; leadership principles.
• Financial planning and budgeting practices; grant administration practice.
• Project management, benchmarking, and program evaluation practices.

Ability/Skill to:

• Analyze and make sound recommendations on complex operational and financial issues related to the operation of a public library.
• Plan, implement, and direct a wide variety of library programs and services.
• Assess patron needs and available resources to develop programs that address those needs.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City officials, management, staff, community groups, media, patrons, and others.
• Manage and oversee the operations of a major program area, such as a branch library.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Operate and evaluate computerized cataloging, bibliographical, acquisition, and circulation data systems; assess and recommend replacement products and systems as needed.
• Assist library patrons in response to both basic and complex reference and directional library questions.
• Prepare written staff reports and present them to City Council and other boards and commissions using a variety of formats, including oral presentations and visual aids such as PowerPoint or similar software.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; prepare and deliver effective public presentations.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

To be Considered Apply by Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 11:59 pm

Applications must be submitted online through GovernmentJobs.com.

Click Here to Apply: City Librarian Opportunity

Application materials must be complete and clearly indicate the candidate meets the minimum qualifications.

Incomplete, late, emailed, and faxed applications are not accepted.

Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required employment application.

Please be sure to review the complete job description:

Click Here: City Librarian Job Description

Certificates, resumes, and/or cover letters must be uploaded with your application through this applicant tracking system.

Statements made on the application, resume, and supplemental materials are subject to verification.

False statements may be cause for immediate disqualification, removal from eligibility list, or discharge from employment.

All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and assessed for each applicant's ability to meet the minimum work experience, training, and education qualifications. Those candidates whose skills and abilities best meet the needs of the department will be invited to move to the next step in the recruitment process.