Library Specialist I (West University Branch Library)

Harris County Public Library (HCPL) - History

The Harris County Public Library (HCPL) system, established in 1921, began as a collection of small libraries located in stores, post offices, and private homes. Over the years, it has grown into a robust network comprising 26 branch libraries, two technology service centers, and two partner locations that provide collection and circulation services. HCPL serves the communities of unincorporated Harris County and cities without independent library systems. In 2024, HCPL received the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor awarded to libraries in the United States. Bestowed annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), this award recognizes institutions that deliver exceptional service to their communities. The library was recognized for innovative initiatives like HCPL Connected, Enhanced+ Library Cards, and its Mobile Outreach Librarian program. HCPL is also recognized as one of the best places to work, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Its dedication to employee well-being, diversity, and community impact makes HCPL more than just a workplace—it’s where individuals can grow, inspire, and contribute to meaningful change.

What you will do at Harris County Public Library:The Library Specialist I provides frontline customer service and entry-level specialized support for daily library operations. The position assists patrons with library card registration, account maintenance, circulation transactions, readers' advisory, basic reference and research, digital resources, and technology or lab activities; processes, sorts, shelves, and maintains library materials; and plans, delivers, and promotes programs for patrons of all ages. The position also supports collection maintenance, community outreach, opening and closing activities, facility readiness, and accurate service records while protecting patron confidentiality. The position contributes to safe, organized, welcoming, and inclusive access to information, technology, and learning resources.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides courteous, responsive, and inclusive frontline customer service to patrons in person, by telephone, and through approved electronic communication channels.
• Greets patrons, identifies their needs, explains available services and resources, and connects them with the appropriate staff member or service when additional assistance is required.
• Performs circulation and patron-account functions using the integrated library system and established procedures.
• Registers patrons for library cards; verifies and updates account information; checks materials in and out; places and processes holds; renews materials; explains notices, fees, and account status; accepts approved payments when assigned; and maintains accurate transaction records.
• Protects the confidentiality of patron registration, account, circulation, reference, technology-use, and other service information in accordance with applicable law and library policy.
• Provides readers' advisory and basic reference and research assistance for patrons of all ages.
• Uses the library catalog, print materials, databases, digital collections, and credible online sources to help patrons locate, evaluate, and use information and refers advanced, sensitive, or specialized requests to professional staff.
• Assists patrons with public computers, printers, scanners, copiers, wireless access, e-books, databases, mobile devices, digital resources, and approved makerspace or lab equipment.
• Provides basic digital-literacy instruction, explains standard technology procedures, troubleshoots routine equipment or access issues, and reports unresolved problems.
• Plans, prepares, delivers, and promotes assigned educational, cultural, literacy, technology, and enrichment programs for children, teens, adults, older adults, families, and other community groups.
• Develops activities within established guidelines; coordinates logistics and promotion; records attendance and feedback; and recommends service improvements.
• Supports community outreach and engagement by promoting library services, participating in approved off-site activities, and maintaining cooperative relationships with schools, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, and other community partners.
• Supports collection development and stewardship by recommending materials based on customer requests and community interests and by assisting with selection projects as assigned.
• Shelves and shelf-read materials; maintains accurate order and attractive displays; assists with merchandising, inventory, missing-item searches, weeding, and collection projects; and follows collection-management guidelines and staff direction.
• Processes and routes library materials accurately and efficiently, including returns from service desks and book drops, holds, transfers, deliveries, and items requiring repair, review, or special handling.
• Supports daily branch operations by assisting with opening and closing procedures, service-desk coverage, room and equipment readiness, public-area organization, signage, supply monitoring, and assigned operational checklists.
• Explains and applies library policies, procedures, service standards, and customer-conduct expectations consistently and respectfully.
• Resolves routine account, service, and customer concerns within assigned authority and promptly refers policy exceptions, repeated complaints, threatening behavior, suspected legal issues, or other complex matters to designated staff or management.
• Promotes a safe and welcoming environment by observing branch conditions, following emergency and incident procedures, documenting significant events as directed, and promptly reporting safety, security, accessibility, maintenance, or facility concerns.
• Maintains accurate program, outreach, circulation, collection, equipment, inventory, payment, and service records and provides data or reports needed to monitor activities and support operational decisions.
• Works collaboratively with branch employees, volunteers, and community partners to coordinate service coverage, exchange information, complete assignments, and support branch and system initiatives.
• Participates in staff meetings, required training, committees, workgroups, activities, and professional-development opportunities and applies updated procedures and service practices to assigned work.
• Uses approved communication and promotional tools, including email, calendars, flyers, web content, and social media, to share accurate information about library resources, programs, and services in accordance with established guidelines.
• Performs routine administrative and operational tasks, including preparing forms and correspondence, maintaining schedules and files, monitoring supplies, and assisting with special projects.
• Performs other related circulation, programming, collection, customer-service, technology-support, outreach, and operational duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned

This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email [email protected]

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate. Education & Experience:• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

• One (1) year of experience planning, delivering, or supporting programs or activities for all ages of children, teens, adults, older adults, families, or community groups.
• One (1) year of customer service experience involving direct interaction with customers, clients, students, visitors, or members of the public is required under each education and experience option.

OR• Associate degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university

• Three (3) years of experience planning, delivering, or supporting programs or activities for all ages of children, teens, adults, older adults, families, or community groups.
• One (1) year of customer service experience involving direct interaction with customers, clients, students, visitors, or members of the public is required under each education and experience option.

OR• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent

• Five (5) years of experience planning, delivering, or supporting programs or activities for all ages of children, teens, adults, older adults, families, or community groups.
• One (1) year of customer service experience involving direct interaction with customers, clients, students, visitors, or members of the public is required under each education and experience option.

Additional Requirements:• Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties

• Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

• Proficient with Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
• Proficient with the Internet and Office 365
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment
• Ability to work well with public and staff members
• Ability to exercise initiative and act with discretion
• Must use your personal mobile device for our Multifactor Authentication process

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.Experience:

• Experience working in a public, school, or academic library; government agency; nonprofit organization; or related public-service environment. (preferred)
• Experience serving diverse age groups through customer service, programming, outreach, learning activities, or digital-literacy assistance. (preferred)
• Experience using an integrated library system to perform circulation, patron-account, materials-processing, or shelving functions. (preferred)
• Experience providing readers' advisory, basic reference or research assistance, and supporting collection displays, inventory, weeding, or selection activities. (preferred)
• Experience using Microsoft 365, social media, digital devices, makerspace or lab equipment, and online communication or promotional tools. (preferred)

Language:• Bilingual (preferred)

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:• Full-time | Regular – 40 hours a week

• Work is primarily performed in a public library environment and includes regular interaction with patrons and employees, frequent movement throughout the branch, and extended periods of computer use. The position is generally scheduled Monday through Saturday and may include rotating daytime, evening, and weekend shifts based on operational needs. Occasional travel to other library locations and attendance at off-site meetings, training, outreach activities, programs, and community events may be required. Some assignments may be performed outdoors with exposure to inclement weather and varying temperatures.

Salary:• $20 Per Hour

• Paid Biweekly

Work Environment and Physical Demands: • This job typically operates in a professional office environment with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time.

• Daily use of a computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone (desk and cell).
• Daily use of software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel, and GPS.
• At times, work may be performed in an outdoor environment and may have possible exposure to inclement weather or various temperature changes.
• Driving: Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties.
• Sitting for long periods; light physical activity that may include walking, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying.
• Ability to lift, carry, and exert up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lifts, carries, and exerts up to 40 pounds.

Reporting Relationships:• Reports To Position: Library Manager I, II, or III

• Supervises Positions: None

Work Location:

• West University Branch Library – 6108 Auden Street, Houston, TX 77005

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.