Job Details

Job Posting: Librarian II

San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.

This is a citywide exam + application opening: October 27, 2025. Application deadline: This job ad will close no sooner than November 7, 2025.

Under general supervision, performs advanced professional librarian work; supervises the operations of a branch library or a department of the main library; supervises activities of subordinate personnel; may supervise the operations of a special library in another City and County department; and performs related duties as required. Requires responsibility for: Interpreting, enforcing and carrying out assigned duties within the framework of established methods and procedures; making regular contacts with the general public, outside organizations and library personnel in connection with library activities and operations; and maintaining a continued awareness of current reading trends and literature.

Librarian II differs from Librarian I in that this class supervises the operation of a small or medium-sized branch, a department of the main library, a bookmobile, or a library in other City and County departments and has responsibility for selecting books for the operation supervised. This class is expected to perform the more difficult and extensive reference work; plan and conduct library programs to meet community needs; and may be assigned responsibility for a special project related to library work. Supervision exercised: Supervises activities of subordinate personnel; may supervise the operations of a special library in another City and County department.

Examples of important and essential duties:

1. Supervises the operation of a small or medium-sized branch library, bookmobile, or department of the main library; assists in supervising the operation of a large branch library or department of the main library; may supervise the operation of libraries in the City Attorney's office or Public Utilities Commission.
2. Supervises and reviews the activities of subordinate personnel; assists subordinate personnel in resolving questions and problems related to library activities; may interview applicants for supportive positions.
3. Assists patrons in locating and using library facilities and materials, in selecting materials, and in answering a wide variety of questions.
4. Keeps collection, or part of the collection, current and useful by recommending or coordinating staff recommendations regarding library materials to be purchased, repaired or discarded; develops collection through personal knowledge of materials available; and recommends which materials shall be non-circulating.
5. Performs reference work, including that of a difficult nature and requiring extensive searching and analyzing; performs research; and prepares detailed bibliographies, book lists and other information.
6. Plans and conducts children's, young adults' and adults' programs; meets with school principals; visits and works with various adult and community groups to promote the use of and interest in the library; and may plan and carry out adult and community programs to meet community needs.
7. Catalogs and classifies library materials; determines and assigns main entry, subject heading and cross references; adapts Library of Congress cards for the library; supervises subordinate personnel; and participates in determining cataloging policy.
8. Orders library materials; writes correspondence regarding these orders; and assists in determining the best sources of supply.
9. Plans and sets up displays and exhibits; maintains a pleasant and orderly atmosphere in the branch or departments.
10. Writes reports; supervises the maintenance and/or preparation of various files and records; may submit budget requests; and may work on special projects.

Please note that incumbents in this classification may be required to perform duties as listed in the class specification, which can be found on DHR's website:

Note: Some positions in this class are subject to irregular work schedules and may require evening and/or weekend work; and require constant public contact. Positions in this classification may be required to work at various locations within the Library system.

Important and essential knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge of: Modern library methods, procedures and techniques; library materials; knowledge of the role of a special library and/or public library in the community.

Ability and skill to: Work courteously and effectively with library patrons and outside organizations; evaluate a wide variety of library materials; educate, advise, and instruct others in the use of library facilities and materials; plan library programs and book selection to meet the needs of the community; prepare reports; and the ability to organize, supervise and delegate.

Education: Possession of a Master's Degree in library and information sciences (e.g. MLS/MLIS) from a college, university, or program accredited by the American Library Association.

Experience: Two (2) years of experience as a professional librarian. Experience must be equivalent to the duties and responsibilities of class 3630 Librarian I. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

Special Conditions:

• Fluency in a variety of languages depending upon the department's bilingual needs. Eligibles who pass the bilingual proficiency test will be considered for bilingual positions. Applicants must indicate on the application form the language(s) in which they claim proficiency.
• Twelve (12) months (2,000 hours) of verifiable experience performing the duties of a Children's, Youth or Teen Services Librarian.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver's License.
• Twelve (12) months (2,000 hours) of verifiable cataloging experience using AACR2R and MARC format.
• Twelve (12) months (2,000 hours) of verifiable experience working with at risk youth/adolescents and must be able to maintain Background Jail Clearance throughout the duration of appointment to the position.

Verification of Education and Experience:

Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications. Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at

Note: Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

Selection Procedures:

After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:

1. Librarian II CORE Examination (Weight: 60%): Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a computer based multiple-choice exam to measure knowledge, skills, and abilities in job related areas which may include but are not limited to: knowledge of integrated library systems; information/reference resources; functional areas within the library; and the ability to plan, conduct and evaluate library programs and services; direct and conduct reference and readers advisory; direct and evaluate staff and library services; conduct presentations; supervision ability; human relations ability; oral communication ability; written communication ability; technological ability and other related areas.
2. Supervisory Test Battery (Weight: 40%): Candidates will be invited to participate in a computer-based examination designed to measure competencies in job-related areas which may include but not be limited to: Problem Solving; Leadership; Decision Making; Interpersonal skill; Human Resources Management; Team Building; Communication & Conflict Management.

For more information about this Supervisory Test (and a suggested reading list) please select this link. A passing score must be achieved on the Supervisory Test Battery to continue in the selection process. This is a standardized examination, and, therefore, test questions and answers are not available for public inspection or review. Scores attained on both Librarian II CORE Multiple Choice and the Supervisory Test Battery will be valid and 'banked' for three years, starting from the date of the examination. This means that, during this three-year time period, you will not be required to take the Librarian II CORE Multiple Choice and Supervisory Test Battery. The Librarian II CORE Multiple Choice and/or Supervisory Test Battery may be used for many other classes; therefore, your test score may be applied to one or more of these classes if you choose to apply to future recruitments. If the selection process for the future announcement is held within one year of the date of the examination and it includes the Librarian II CORE Multiple Choice and Supervisory Test Battery