Library Specialist I (Stratford Branch Library)

Harris County•Highlands, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Library Specialist I provides frontline customer service and entry-level specialized support for daily operations at Harris County Public Library’s Stratford Branch. The position supports access to information, technology, and learning resources in a safe, organized, welcoming, and inclusive environment while protecting patron confidentiality. The role assists patrons with library cards and accounts, circulation, readers’ advisory, basic reference and research, digital resources, public technology, and programs for people of all ages. It also processes and maintains library materials, supports collection projects and community outreach, helps keep the branch and its facilities ready for service, and maintains accurate records. The position works with branch employees, volunteers, and community partners and performs related duties as assigned. Work is primarily in a public library environment, with regular interaction with patrons and employees, frequent movement throughout the branch, and extended computer use. The schedule is generally 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 and expose employees to inclement weather or varying temperatures. The position is full-time, regular, 40 hours per week, and pays $20 per hour, paid biweekly. The position reports to a Library Manager I, II, or III and supervises no positions. Employment is contingent on passing a criminal history 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; alternatively, an associate degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university, plus three years of such program experience; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED equivalent, plus five years of such program experience.
One 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.
Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties.
Unofficial copies of transcripts are required with the application.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Proficient with social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Proficient with 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.
Must use a personal mobile device for the multifactor authentication process.
Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on the job application; “See Resume” will not be accepted for qualifications.

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 or 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.

Responsibilities

Provide courteous, responsive, and inclusive frontline customer service in person, by telephone, and through approved electronic channels; identify patron needs and connect patrons with appropriate services or staff.
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 accurate transaction records.
Protect confidential 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, referring advanced, sensitive, or specialized requests to professional staff.
Assist patrons with computers, printers, scanners, copiers, wireless access, e-books, databases, mobile devices, digital resources, and approved makerspace or lab equipment; provide basic digital-literacy instruction, troubleshoot routine issues, and report unresolved problems.
Plan, prepare, deliver, and promote assigned educational, cultural, literacy, technology, and enrichment programs for patrons of all ages and community groups; coordinate logistics, record attendance and feedback, and recommend improvements.
Promote library services through approved community outreach and off-site activities and maintain cooperative relationships with schools, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, and other community partners.
Recommend materials based on customer requests and community interests and assist with assigned selection projects.
Shelve and shelf-read materials; maintain accurate order and attractive displays; assist with merchandising, inventory, missing-item searches, weeding, and collection projects; and follow collection-management guidelines and staff direction.
Process and route library materials, including returns, holds, transfers, deliveries, and items requiring repair, review, or special handling.
Assist with 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 and respectfully; resolve routine concerns within assigned authority and refer complex matters to designated staff or management.
Promote a safe and welcoming environment, follow emergency and incident procedures, document significant events as directed, and report safety, security, accessibility, maintenance, or facility concerns.
Maintain accurate program, outreach, circulation, collection, equipment, inventory, payment, and service records, and provide data or reports to support operational decisions.
Collaborate with branch employees, volunteers, and community partners to coordinate service coverage, exchange information, complete assignments, and support branch and system initiatives.
Participate in staff meetings, required training, committees, workgroups, activities, and professional-development opportunities, and apply updated procedures and service practices.
Use approved communication and promotional tools, including email, calendars, flyers, web content, and social media, to share accurate information in accordance with established guidelines.
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.