Librarian I (Jacinto City Branch Library) Job at Harris County in Houston

Overview

Harris County Public Library (HCPL) – History: The Harris County Public Library system, established in 1921, began as a collection of small libraries located in stores, post offices, and private homes. It has grown into a network of 26 branch libraries, two technology service centers, and two partner locations that provide collection and circulation services for communities in unincorporated Harris County and cities without independent library systems.

In 2024, HCPL received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor awarded to libraries in the United States, recognizing initiatives such as HCPL Connected, Enhanced+ Library Cards, and the Mobile Outreach Librarian program. HCPL is recognized as a best place to work, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. It is a place where employees can contribute to meaningful change.

What you will do

This position is responsible for identifying and interpreting user needs; planning and implementing a variety 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 library patrons in the use of library services, facilities, and equipment. Leads Innovation and Maker Space Lab activities for a variety of ages. Exemplify the high standards and expectations for the library system in daily operations and services.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work with the public, providing assistance at various locations that serve adults, young adults, and children; explain arrangements and resources of the library and assist patrons in their use; provide individual 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, efficiency, and fiscally responsible activity
• Plan, coordinate, and promote programs and services, including book clubs, story times, summer reading programs, 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 and hosting 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
• Provide 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

Equal Opportunity

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, see the Equal Employment Opportunity Plan. 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. 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.

Education & Experience:

• Master Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited university
• Consideration will be given to individuals currently pursuing a master’s degree in Library Science and completing the degree within the next four months; proof of completion will be required for permanent status
• 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

OR

• Bachelor\'s 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

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

OR

• High school diploma or GED
• 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

Additional Requirements

• Unofficial copies of transcripts are required 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, practices, techniques, and terminology
• Theory and philosophy of librarianship
• Policies, procedures, and functions of the library system
• Principles of administration, organization, management, budget, personnel administration, and public relations
• Ability to 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 diverse environment
• 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 decimals
• Must use your personal mobile device for Multifactor Authentication

Note: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on the job application. You may attach a resume, but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration.

Experience: Working with all age groups (preferred)

Language: Bilingual (preferred)

Position Type and Typical Hours

• 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

• $24.91 per hour
• Paid Biweekly

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Professional office environment with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time
• Daily use of computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone
• Software: Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel
• Outdoor work possible; exposure to weather or temperature changes
• Driving: Available and reliable transportation
• Standing/walking; ability to lift up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 40 pounds

Reporting Relationships

• Reports To: Branch Manager and Assistant Branch Manager
• Supervises: None

Work Location

Jacinto City Branch Library – 921 Akron, Jacinto City

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check. Positions may close earlier than the closing date at the discretion of the Hiring Department.