Library Service Specialist; Adult

Position Overview

Houston Public Library (HPL) is seeking a team-oriented person with a passion for customer service to work as a Library Service Specialist – Adult in Neighborhood Libraries. Successful candidates will provide exceptional customer service for all ages, enjoy working with technology, communicate effectively, and enjoy interacting with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds.

• 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.
• Provide programming in the library for all ages including book clubs, senior programming, English classes, citizenship computer classes, business resources, job searching, and after school programs.
• 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.
• May serve as the Assistant Manager or as the person in charge in the absence of the manager, especially during night and weekend shifts.
• Position requires one evening per week and a weekend rotation (Saturday and Sunday).

The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions. Requires the ability to make coordinated gross motor movements in response to changing external stimuli within moderately demanding tolerances;

or the ability to make coordinated eye/hand movements on patterned response space within low tolerance demands with no real speed requirements.

Requires a Bachelor's degree.

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

• 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.* *.
• 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.
• 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.

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

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.