Librarian I

How to use this kit

Ground every answer in facts on this page and the original listing. We never invent Glassdoor-style reviews or salaries that are not in our data.

Interview prep

• Walk through how you handle a multi-step reference question using catalogs and the open web.
• Describe selecting materials with reviews, holdings, and community need in mind.
• Give an example of teaching a novice patron basic computer or database skills.
• Explain how you correct cataloging errors and keep circulation records clean.

Fit summary

Strong fit if you like frontline public service in a dense city library system and can balance reference, instruction, and collection work for a municipal employer. Less fit if you need remote work or purely back-office cataloging with little patron contact.

Day in the role

As Librarian I for the City and County of San Francisco, a typical day centers on public service: checking materials in and out, answering reference questions with print and online sources, teaching patrons basic database and computer skills, selecting and ordering resources, and keeping circulation and catalog records accurate for city library users.

Skills to emphasize

Build strength in reference interviewing, cataloging accuracy, collection evaluation, and teaching database search skills. Stay current with electronic resources and inventory workflows. No certification resources or costs are listed in the provided data.

FAQ from this listing

Is this Librarian I role remote?

No. The listing is for San Francisco, California, with remote set to off-site not available.

Who is the employer?

The City and County of San Francisco (sf.gov), the consolidated local government for the city.

What does a librarian do day to day?

O*NET-aligned tasks include checkout, reference, collection selection, computer skill instruction, and accurate circulation and catalog records.

Occupation tasks (O*NET)

Public-domain labor data — prepare examples for 2–3 of these.

• Check books in and out of the library.
• Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
• Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
• Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
• Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
• Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.
• Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.

O*NET source

Company facts (cached)

Website: sf.gov

San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the fourth-most populous city in California and the 17th-most populous in the United States, with a population of 826,079 in 2025. Among U.S. cities with a population of 200,000 or more, San Francisco is ranked first by per capita income, third by population density, and sixth by aggregate income as of 2024. Some 4.6 million residents live in the city's metropolitan statistical area, which is the 13th-largest in the United States. Around 9.2 million live in the San Jose–San Francisco–Oakland combined sta…

Public cache only — not an employee review.

Role overview (listing rewrite)

3630-Librarian I at City and County of San Francisco, San Francisco, California About This Position The 3630 Librarian I position is a full-time role with the City and County of San Francisco. Under supervision, this role involves performing beginning level professional librarian work. Essential functions include assisting patrons in locating and using library facilities, equipment, technology, and materials; selecting materials for patron use; and answering a wide variety of questions. Key Responsibilities Assist patrons in finding and utilizing library resources, including facilities, equipment, technology, and materials Select appropriate materials for the collection based on patron needs and interests Answer a wide range of reference questions from patrons seeking information or assistance Recommend materials to be purchased for the library's collection Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Library Science or related field (Master’s preferred) Valid California Public Librarian Credential or ability to obtain within one year of hire Experience working with diverse populations and communities Strong communication and interpersonal skills Familiarity with library systems, resources, and technologies Why Join City and County of San Francisco The City and County of San Francisco offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a vibrant community that values education, inclusivity, and innovation. As a librarian, you will be part of an organization dedicated to providing excellent public services and resources. Next Steps To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there. Please ensure all required documents are included with your application for full consideration. To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.

Full job on Get A Job.AI

Questions to ask them

• What does success look like in the first 90 days for this role?
• How is the team structured, and who would I work with most?
• What tools and systems does this role use daily?
• Is the work primarily based in San Francisco, California, hybrid, or fully remote?