Library Specialist I (Aldine Branch Library)

Harris County•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Harris County Public Library (HCPL) serves unincorporated Harris County and cities without independent library systems through a network of branch libraries, technology service centers, and partner locations. The Library Specialist I provides frontline customer service and entry-level specialized support for daily library operations. The role helps patrons access library services, information, technology, and learning resources while contributing to a safe, organized, welcoming, and inclusive branch environment. It protects patron confidentiality and maintains accurate service records. The position performs patron registration and account maintenance, circulation transactions, readers’ advisory, basic reference and research, digital-resource and technology assistance, materials processing and shelving, and programming for patrons of all ages. It also supports collection maintenance, community outreach, opening and closing activities, facility readiness, routine administration, and branch initiatives. Work is primarily in a public library and involves regular patron and employee interaction, frequent movement throughout the branch, and extended computer use. The role is generally scheduled Monday through Saturday and may include rotating daytime, evening, and weekend shifts. Occasional travel to other library locations and off-site meetings, training, outreach, programs, and community events may be required; some assignments may be outdoors. The position is full-time and regular, 40 hours per week, at $20 per hour, paid biweekly. The work location is Aldine Branch Library, 11331 Airline Drive, Houston, TX 77037. Employment is contingent upon passing a criminal history/background check; only relevant convictions will be considered and they may not automatically disqualify a candidate.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus one year of experience planning, delivering, or supporting programs or activities for children, teens, adults, older adults, families, or community groups; one year of direct customer-service experience is also required.
Alternatively, an associate degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university, plus three years of experience planning, delivering, or supporting programs or activities for the listed age groups or community groups; one year of direct customer-service experience is also required.
Alternatively, a high school diploma or GED equivalent, plus five years of experience planning, delivering, or supporting programs or activities for the listed age groups or community groups; one year of direct customer-service experience is also required.
Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties.
Submit unofficial copies of transcripts with the application.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Proficiency with social media, the Internet, and Office 365.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment.
Ability to work well with the public and staff members.
Ability to exercise initiative and act with discretion.
Use a personal mobile device for the multifactor authentication process.
Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on the job application; a resume may be attached as supporting documentation, but information stated only on a resume will not be used for consideration. “See Resume” will not be accepted.
Ability to lift, carry, and exert up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting, carrying, and exertion up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide courteous, responsive, and inclusive frontline service in person, by telephone, and through approved electronic channels; identify patron needs and refer patrons to appropriate staff or services when needed.
Register patrons for library cards; verify and update accounts; check materials in and out; process holds and renewals; explain notices, fees, and account status; accept approved payments when assigned; and maintain transaction records.
Protect the confidentiality of patron registration, account, circulation, reference, technology-use, and other service information in accordance with applicable law and library policy.
Provide readers’ advisory and basic reference and research assistance, using library and credible online resources; refer advanced, sensitive, or specialized requests to professional staff.
Assist patrons with public computers, printers, scanners, copiers, wireless access, e-books, databases, mobile devices, digital resources, and approved makerspace or lab equipment; provide basic digital-literacy instruction and troubleshoot routine issues.
Plan, prepare, deliver, and promote assigned educational, cultural, literacy, technology, and enrichment programs for patrons and community groups of all ages; coordinate logistics, record attendance and feedback, and recommend improvements.
Support community outreach by promoting library services, participating in approved off-site activities, and maintaining cooperative relationships with community partners.
Support collection development and stewardship by recommending materials and assisting with selection projects; shelve and shelf-read materials; maintain displays and order; and assist with merchandising, inventory, missing-item searches, weeding, and collection projects.
Process and route materials, including returns, holds, transfers, deliveries, and items requiring repair, review, or special handling.
Support daily branch operations, including opening and closing procedures, service-desk coverage, room and equipment readiness, public-area organization, signage, supplies, and operational checklists.
Explain and apply library policies, procedures, service standards, and customer-conduct expectations consistently; resolve routine concerns within assigned authority and refer complex matters to designated staff or management.
Promote a safe and welcoming environment by observing branch conditions, following emergency and incident procedures, documenting significant events as directed, and reporting safety, security, accessibility, maintenance, or facility concerns.
Maintain program, outreach, circulation, collection, equipment, inventory, payment, and service records and provide data or reports as needed.
Collaborate with employees, volunteers, and community partners to coordinate service coverage, share information, complete assignments, and support branch and system initiatives.
Participate in staff meetings, required training, committees, workgroups, activities, and professional-development opportunities; apply updated procedures and practices.
Use approved communication and promotional tools, including email, calendars, flyers, web content, and social media, to share accurate information about library resources, programs, and services.
Perform routine administrative and operational tasks, including preparing forms and correspondence, maintaining schedules and files, monitoring supplies, and assisting with special projects.
Perform other related duties as assigned.