Library Service Specialist (Youth or Adult)

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

Responsibilities

Library Service Specialist (Adult Services):

• Interact with customers at the customer service desk and via phone to find basic information and library materials.
• Facilitate the use of 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 items.
• Provide programming for all ages, including book clubs, senior programming, English classes, citizenship computer classes, business resources, job searching, and after-school programs.
• Introduce new technologies to library customers and troubleshoot technology-related issues.
• Work with local community groups, other libraries, and city departments.
• May serve as the Assistant Manager or person in charge in the absence of the manager, especially during night and weekend shifts.

Library Service Specialist (Youth Services):

• Greet and interact with customers at the customer service desk and via phone to find basic information and library materials.
• Facilitate the use of public computers and laptops, and troubleshoot technology-related issues.
• Provide innovative programming 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, schools, daycares, other libraries, and city departments.
• Utilize general knowledge of literature and resources to promote services like literacy and homework help resources (e.g., Brainfuse and Learning Express Library).
• Provide information regarding library services, programs, policies, and procedures.
• Retrieve library materials for customers and shelve returned items.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Schedule

• Monday - Sunday, 8:00 AM – 8:15 PM (rotating shifts, subject to change).
• Position requires one evening per week and a weekend rotation (Saturday and Sunday).

Working Conditions

• Occasional stooping or bending.
• Occasional very light lifting (up to 20 pounds, e.g., three or four reams of paper or books).
• Normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, and air conditions.
• Requires coordinated gross motor movements and eye/hand coordination within moderately demanding tolerances.

Requirements

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree.
• No experience is required, but related professional/paraprofessional experience may substitute for education on a year-to-year basis.

Substitutions

• Associate’s degree and two years of professional/paraprofessional experience in library, information services, or education may substitute for the Bachelor’s degree.
• Four years of professional/paraprofessional experience in library, information services, or education may substitute for the Bachelor’s degree.

Preferences

• 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.
• Fluency in a foreign language (highly preferred).
• Preference given to eligible veteran applicants who meet the qualifications.

HPL serves a population of 2.2 million citizens through a network of 42 library locations across the Houston area. For a location listing, visit www.houstonlibrary.org/hpl-locations.