Position Description
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 workplaceits where individuals can grow inspire and contribute to meaningful change.
What you will do at Harris County Public Library:This position is responsible for identifying and interpreting user needs; planning and implementing avariety of programs for a variety of ages to encourage library usage and foster community relations;providing exceptional customer service reference and readers advisory; and assisting Librarypatrons in the use of library services facilities and equipment. Leads Innovation and Maker Space Labactivities for a variety of ages. Exemplify the high standards and expectations for the library system inits daily operations and services.
Duties & Responsibilities:- Work with the public providing assistance at various locations that serve adults young adults andchildren; explain arrangements and resources of the library and assist patrons in their use; provideindividual reading guidance and book selection
- Locate and identify the requested material and bibliographical information
- Conduct online searches using a variety of electronic equipment and databases
- Demonstrate the use of library catalogs and other reference user aids
- Research and respond to difficult or technical reference questions or complaints
- Demonstrates superior seamless customer service integrity and commitment to innovation efficiencyand fiscally responsible activity.
- Plan coordinate and promote programs and services including book club story times summer readingprograms library orientations and homework assistance
- Identify information needs in the community and plan and provide services to meet these needs
- Develop and implement special programs and displays
- Evaluate existing programs and recommend modifications to improve procedures
- Organize and maintain information files special indexes bibliographies and guides to the collection;assist in book selection and other library materials
- Develop an engaging and attractive library collection through awareness of current literature
- Perform public relations activities in the library and in the community including giving presentations andhosting activities and organizations
- Develop a highly visible public relations program for library services in the community
- Responsible for Innovation Lab and Maker Space activities
- Responsible for marketing including via social media
- Provides readers advisory and reference services
- Attend staff meetings activities and professional conferences and actively serve on committees
- Compile library activity reports and statistics.
- Oversee monitor and direct the work of lower-level personnel
- Exemplify the high standards and expectations for the library system in its daily operations and services
- Other duties as assigned
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
Requirements
Education & Experience:
- Master Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited university
- Consideration will be given to individuals currently pursuing a masters degree in Library Science and will be completing the degree within the next four (4) months
- Proof of completion of the degree will be required for permanent status in the position
- One (1) year of full-time customer service experience showing empathy good communication and problem-solving
- One (1) year of full-time experience designing planning and making educational activities for a variety of ages in a learning environment
OR- Bachelors degree in any field from an accredited college or university
- Two (2) years of full-time customer service experience showing empathy good communication and problem-solving
- Two (2) years of full-time experience designing planning and making educational activities for a variety of ages in a learning environment
OR- Associates degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university
- Four (4) years of full-time customer service experience showing empathy good communication and problem-solving
- Four (4) years of full-time experience designing planning and making educational activities for a variety of ages in a learning environment
OR- High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
- Six (6) years of full-time customer service experience showing empathy good communication and problem-solving
- Six (6) years of full-time experience designing planning and making educational activities for a variety of ages in a learning environment
Additional Requirements:- Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application.
- Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties.
Knowledge Skills & Abilities:- Principles and practices of professional library work including modern library methods practicestechniques and terminology
- Theory and philosophy of librarianship
- Policies procedures and functions of the library system
- Principles of administration organization management budget personnel administration andpublic relations
- Establish and implement goals and objectives for the Library
- Ability to exercise initiative and act with discretion
- Analyze and respond to community needs and requests
- Excel in customer service skills of empathy good communication and problem-solving
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverseenvironment
- Skill in self-discipline dependability and the ability to work independently
- Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
- Ability to work with modern technology and equipment
- Proficient with the Internet MS Office Suite and Office 365
- Proficient with Social Media (Facebook Twitter Instagram etc.) and digital devices
- Ability to add subtract multiply and divide numbers and common decimals
- 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 documentationbutONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resumewill not be accepted for qualifications.Preferences
Experience:
- Experience working with all age groups (preferred)
Language:General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Full-Time Regular 40 hours a week
- Typical shifts are Day Evening Nights Weekends etc.
- May require attending meetings or after-hours events and off-site meetings.
Salary:- $24.91Per 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: Branch Manager and Assistant Branch Manager
- Supervises Positions: None
Work Location:
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.
Position DescriptionHarris County Public Library (HCPL) - HistoryThe 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 librar...
Position Description
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 workplaceits where individuals can grow inspire and contribute to meaningful change.
What you will do at Harris County Public Library:This position is responsible for identifying and interpreting user needs; planning and implementing avariety of programs for a variety of ages to encourage library usage and foster community relations;providing exceptional customer service reference and readers advisory; and assisting Librarypatrons in the use of library services facilities and equipment. Leads Innovation and Maker Space Labactivities for a variety of ages. Exemplify the high standards and expectations for the library system inits daily operations and services.
Duties & Responsibilities:- Work with the public providing assistance at various locations that serve adults young adults andchildren; explain arrangements and resources of the library and assist patrons in their use; provideindividual reading guidance and book selection
- Locate and identify the requested material and bibliographical information
- Conduct online searches using a variety of electronic equipment and databases
- Demonstrate the use of library catalogs and other reference user aids
- Research and respond to difficult or technical reference questions or complaints
- Demonstrates superior seamless customer service integrity and commitment to innovation efficiencyand fiscally responsible activity.
- Plan coordinate and promote programs and services including book club story times summer readingprograms library orientations and homework assistance
- Identify information needs in the community and plan and provide services to meet these needs
- Develop and implement special programs and displays
- Evaluate existing programs and recommend modifications to improve procedures
- Organize and maintain information files special indexes bibliographies and guides to the collection;assist in book selection and other library materials
- Develop an engaging and attractive library collection through awareness of current literature
- Perform public relations activities in the library and in the community including giving presentations andhosting activities and organizations
- Develop a highly visible public relations program for library services in the community
- Responsible for Innovation Lab and Maker Space activities
- Responsible for marketing including via social media
- Provides readers advisory and reference services
- Attend staff meetings activities and professional conferences and actively serve on committees
- Compile library activity reports and statistics.
- Oversee monitor and direct the work of lower-level personnel
- Exemplify the high standards and expectations for the library system in its daily operations and services
- Other duties as assigned
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
Requirements
Education & Experience:
- Master Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited university
- Consideration will be given to individuals currently pursuing a masters degree in Library Science and will be completing the degree within the next four (4) months
- Proof of completion of the degree will be required for permanent status in the position
- One (1) year of full-time customer service experience showing empathy good communication and problem-solving
- One (1) year of full-time experience designing planning and making educational activities for a variety of ages in a learning environment
OR- Bachelors degree in any field from an accredited college or university
- Two (2) years of full-time customer service experience showing empathy good communication and problem-solving
- Two (2) years of full-time experience designing planning and making educational activities for a variety of ages in a learning environment
OR- Associates degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university
- Four (4) years of full-time customer service experience showing empathy good communication and problem-solving
- Four (4) years of full-time experience designing planning and making educational activities for a variety of ages in a learning environment
OR- High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
- Six (6) years of full-time customer service experience showing empathy good communication and problem-solving
- Six (6) years of full-time experience designing planning and making educational activities for a variety of ages in a learning environment
Additional Requirements:- Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application.
- Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties.
Knowledge Skills & Abilities:- Principles and practices of professional library work including modern library methods practicestechniques and terminology
- Theory and philosophy of librarianship
- Policies procedures and functions of the library system
- Principles of administration organization management budget personnel administration andpublic relations
- Establish and implement goals and objectives for the Library
- Ability to exercise initiative and act with discretion
- Analyze and respond to community needs and requests
- Excel in customer service skills of empathy good communication and problem-solving
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverseenvironment
- Skill in self-discipline dependability and the ability to work independently
- Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
- Ability to work with modern technology and equipment
- Proficient with the Internet MS Office Suite and Office 365
- Proficient with Social Media (Facebook Twitter Instagram etc.) and digital devices
- Ability to add subtract multiply and divide numbers and common decimals
- 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 documentationbutONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resumewill not be accepted for qualifications.Preferences
Experience:
- Experience working with all age groups (preferred)
Language:General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Full-Time Regular 40 hours a week
- Typical shifts are Day Evening Nights Weekends etc.
- May require attending meetings or after-hours events and off-site meetings.
Salary:- $24.91Per 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: Branch Manager and Assistant Branch Manager
- Supervises Positions: None
Work Location:
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.
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