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Library Service Specialist

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Library Service Specialist

Salary

$1,548.90 - $1,711.02 Biweekly

Location

Various

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

37244

Department

Houston Public Library

Division

HPL - CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE ADMINISTRATION

Opening Date

09/29/2025

Closing Date

10/6/2025 11:59 PM Central

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications Accepted From: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Division: Customer Experience

Reporting Location: Various

Section: Neighborhood Libraries and Central

Workdays & Hours: Monday - Sunday 8:00 am - 8:15 pm* (Rotating)

*Subject to Change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Houston Public Library (HPL) is seeking a team-oriented person with a passion for customer service to work as a Library Service Specialist at a Neighborhood Library or the Central Library. The selected candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, deliver outstanding customer service, and exhibit a genuine interest in engaging with individuals of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

Adult Services Library Service Specialist will:

+ Provide programming in the library for adult customers, including book clubs, senior programming, English classes, citizenship computer classes, business resources, and job searching.

+ Interact with customers at the customer service desk and via the phone to find basic information and library materials.

+ Facilitate the use of the public computers and laptops and troubleshoot technology-related issues.

+ Provide information regarding library services, programs, policies, and procedures.

+ Retrieve library materials for customers and shelve returned library materials

+ Facilitate the use of the library technology, introducing new technologies to library customers, and troubleshooting technology-related issues.

+ Work with local community groups, other libraries, and city departments.

+ Position requires one evening per week and a weekend rotation (Saturday and Sunday).

+ Other duties as assigned.

Youth Library Service Specialist will:

+ Greet and interact with customers at the customer service desk and via the phone to find basic information and library materials.

+ Facilitate the use of the public computers and laptops, troubleshoot technology-related issues

+ Provide innovative programming in the library for youth of all ages including story time, crafts, video gaming, STEM kits, after school programs, and passive programming.

+ Conduct outreach and collaborate with local community groups, other libraries, and city departments, as well as schools and day cares.

+ Utilize general knowledge of literature and resources to promote many services like literacy and homework help resources such as Brainfuse and Learning Express Library.

+ Provide information regarding library services, programs, policies, and procedures.

+ Retrieve library materials for customers and shelve returned library materials.

+ Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

+ May serve as the Assistant Manager or as the person in charge in the absence of the manager, especially during night and weekend shifts.

+ Requires one evening per week and a weekend rotation (Saturday and Sunday).

HPL serves a population of 2.2 million citizens through a network of 42 library locations spread out across the Houston area.?

Applicants are encouraged to submit a Cover Letter and Resume when applying. For a location listing, please visit www.houstonlibrary.org/hpl-locations.

About Us:

The Houston Public Library’s mission—Linking YOU to the World—guides our vision to be Houston’s most trusted source of information. We are dedicated to fostering a connected and informed community, where all Houstonians have equitable access to resources and innovative tools that empower them to thrive in a global society. From early literacy to career development and lifelong enrichment, we are proud to support lifelong learning at every stage of life. We are more than just a place for books; we are a hub for community connection, where Houstonians come together to engage, collaborate, and build a sense of belonging.

WORKING CONDITIONS

There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor's degree.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

No experience is required.

Related professional/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-to-year basis.

Associate’s degree and two (2) years of professional/paraprofessional experience in library, information services, or education may be substituted for the education requirement.

Four (4) years professional/paraprofessional experience in library, information services, or education may be substituted for the education requirement.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

A valid driver license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving (AP 2-2).

PREFERENCES

Prefer applicants with:

+ Proficient computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

+ Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds.

+ Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

+ Experience working with children and families.

+ Experience providing programs to adults or youth

+ Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with others.

+ Experience working in a public library setting.

+ To better serve our diverse communities, fluency in a foreign language is highly preferred.

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - Yes

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE: 13

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the

Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.com or call 832-393-1472.

If you need special services or accommodations, 832-393-1472 (TTY 7-1-1).

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process. All new and rehires must pass a preemployment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE - Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

+ Medical

+ Dental

+ Vision

+ Wellness

+ Supplemental Insurance

+ Life insurance

+ Long-term disability

+ Retirement pension

+ 457 deferred compensation plan

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ 10 days of vacation each year

+ 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday

+ Compensable Sick Leave

+ Personal Leave

+ Flexible schedules

+ Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions

+ Professional development opportunities

+ Transportation/parking plan

+ Section 125 pretax deductions

+ Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan

+ Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves

+ Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

01

Are you a current Houston Public Library employee?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Please indicate your level of education and verifiable related work experience.

+ High School Diploma/GED AND at least (4) four years of verifiable experience in library, information services, or education.

+ Associate Degree AND at least (2) two years of verifiable experience in library, information services, or education.

+ Bachelor's degree or higher

+ None of the above apply to me.

03

What kind of customer service experience do you have? (Check all that apply)

+ Library experience

+ School or day care experience

+ Retail experience

+ Restuarant experience

+ No customer service experience

04

Please describe your experience working in a customer service setting. Please include specific details about your role working with customers. (If you do not have experience please put N/A)

05

Which of the positions are you most interested in?

+ Youth Library Service Specialist

+ Adult Service Library Service Specialist

+ Both positions

06

What library programming skills do you possess? (check all that apply)

+ Teaching technology skills including Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

+ Working with seniors

+ Teaching English or Citizenship classes

+ Book clubs

+ Assisting with job seeking

+ Business Resources

+ Reading aloud to children

+ Arts and crafts with children and teens

+ After school programming with children and teens

+ Using technology with children (Tablets, video games, e-books)

+ Other activities with children or teens such as parties, field trips, etc

+ None of the above

07

Customer service jobs such as this one can often involve stressful interactions with customers on a daily basis and requires dealing with people who may become upset with you or be disruptive and confrontational. How comfortable are you with diffusing these types of interactions?

+ Very Comfortable (I remain calm and enforce rules consistently without needing the manager, and feel empowered to call police when necessary)

+ Comfortable (I get the person in charge to assist with more difficult situations) (

+ Very Uncomfortable (I don’t feel comfortable in high-stress situations and need supervisory backup often)

08

Please briefly describe your experience working with teaching technology skills or providing programs for adults. (If you do not have experience, please put N/A).

09

Please indicate the languages which you are fluent (reading, writing, and speaking). Check all that apply.

+ English

+ Spanish

+ Chinese

+ Vietnamese

+ Arabic

+ French

+ Other languages

+ I am not multilingual

10

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question