Library Specialist I (Stratford Branch Library)

Library Specialist I (Stratford Branch Library)

Salary

$20.00 Hourly

Location

Highlands, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

17280

Department

Public Library

Opening Date

10/14/2026

Closing Date

11/14/2026 11:59 PM Central

Max Number of Applicants

150

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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 workplace-it's where individuals can grow, inspire, and contribute to meaningful change.

What you will do at Harris County Public Library:

The Library Specialist I provides frontline customer service and entry-level specialized support for daily library operations. The position assists patrons with library card registration, account maintenance, circulation transactions, readers advisory, basic reference and research, digital resources, and technology or lab activities; processes, sorts, shelves, and maintains library materials; and plans, delivers, and promotes programs for patrons of all ages. The position also supports collection maintenance, community outreach, opening and closing activities, facility readiness, and accurate service records while protecting patron confidentiality. The position contributes to safe, organized, welcoming, and inclusive access to information, technology, and learning resources.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides courteous, responsive, and inclusive frontline customer service to patrons in person, by telephone, and through approved electronic communication channels.

• Greets patrons, identifies their needs, explains available services and resources, and connects them with the appropriate staff member or service when additional assistance is required.

• Performs circulation and patron-account functions using the integrated library system and established procedures.

• Registers patrons for library cards; verifies and updates account information; checks materials in and out; places and processes holds; renews materials; explains notices, fees, and account status; accepts approved payments when assigned; and maintains accurate transaction records.

• Protects the confidentiality of patron registration, account, circulation, reference, technology-use, and other service information in accordance with applicable law and library policy.

• Provides readers advisory and basic reference and research assistance for patrons of all ages.

• Uses the library catalog, print materials, databases, digital collections, and credible online sources to help patrons locate, evaluate, and use information and refers advanced, sensitive, or specialized requests to professional staff.

• Assists patrons with public computers, printers, scanners, copiers, wireless access, e-books, databases, mobile devices, digital resources, and approved makerspace or lab equipment.

• Provides basic digital-literacy instruction, explains standard technology procedures, troubleshoots routine equipment or access issues, and reports unresolved problems.

• Plans, prepares, delivers, and promotes assigned educational, cultural, literacy, technology, and enrichment programs for children, teens, adults, older adults, families, and other community groups.

• Develops activities within established guidelines; coordinates logistics and promotion; records attendance and feedback; and recommends service improvements.

• Supports community outreach and engagement by promoting library services, participating in approved off-site activities, and maintaining cooperative relationships with schools, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, and other community partners.

• Supports collection development and stewardship by recommending materials based on customer requests and community interests and by assisting with selection projects as assigned.

• Shelves and shelf-read materials; maintains accurate order and attractive displays; assists with merchandising, inventory, missing-item searches, weeding, and collection projects; and follows collection-management guidelines and staff direction.

• Processes and routes library materials accurately and efficiently, including returns from service desks and book drops, holds, transfers, deliveries, and items requiring repair, review, or special handling.

• Supports daily branch operations by assisting with opening and closing procedures, service-desk coverage, room and equipment readiness, public-area organization, signage, supply monitoring, and assigned operational checklists.

• Explains and applies library policies, procedures, service standards, and customer-conduct expectations consistently and respectfully.

• Resolves routine account, service, and customer concerns within assigned authority and promptly refers policy exceptions, repeated complaints, threatening behavior, suspected legal issues, or other complex matters to designated staff or management.

• Promotes a safe and welcoming environment by observing branch conditions, following emergency and incident procedures, documenting significant events as directed, and promptly reporting safety, security, accessibility, maintenance, or facility concerns.

• Maintains accurate program, outreach, circulation, collection, equipment, inventory, payment, and service records and provides data or reports needed to monitor activities and support operational decisions.

• Works collaboratively with branch employees, volunteers, and community partners to coordinate service coverage, exchange information, complete assignments, and support branch and system initiatives.

• Participates in staff meetings, required training, committees, workgroups, activities, and professional-development opportunities and applies updated procedures and service practices to assigned work.

• Uses approved communication and promotional tools, including email, calendars, flyers, web content, and social media, to share accurate information about library resources, programs, and services in accordance with established guidelines.

• Performs routine administrative and operational tasks, including preparing forms and correspondence, maintaining schedules and files, monitoring supplies, and assisting with special projects.

• Performs other related circulation, programming, collection, customer-service, technology-support, outreach, and operational duties as assigned.

• Other duties as assigned

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

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:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university
• One (1) year of experience planning, delivering, or supporting programs or activities for all ages of children, teens, adults, older adults, families, or community groups.
• One (1) year of customer service experience involving direct interaction with customers, clients, students, visitors, or members of the public is required under each education and experience option.

OR

• Associate degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university
• Three (3) years of experience planning, delivering, or supporting programs or activities for all ages of children, teens, adults, older adults, families, or community groups.
• One (1) year of customer service experience involving direct interaction with customers, clients, students, visitors, or members of the public is required under each education and experience option.

OR

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
• Five (5) years of experience planning, delivering, or supporting programs or activities for all ages of children, teens, adults, older adults, families, or community groups.
• One (1) year of customer service experience involving direct interaction with customers, clients, students, visitors, or members of the public is required under each education and experience option.

Additional Requirements:

• Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties
• Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Proficient with Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
• Proficient with the Internet and Office 365
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment
• Ability to work well with public and staff members
• Ability to exercise initiative and act with discretion
• 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 documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Experience:

• Experience working in a public, school, or academic library; government agency; nonprofit organization; or related public-service environment. (preferred)
• Experience serving diverse age groups through customer service, programming, outreach, learning activities, or digital-literacy assistance. (preferred)
• Experience using an integrated library system to perform circulation, patron-account, materials-processing, or shelving functions. (preferred)
• Experience providing readers advisory, basic reference or research assistance, and supporting collection displays, inventory, weeding, or selection activities. (preferred)
• Experience using Microsoft 365, social media, digital devices, makerspace or lab equipment, and online communication or promotional tools. (preferred)

Language:

• Bilingual (preferred)

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full-time | Regular - 40 hours a week
• Work is primarily performed in a public library environment and includes regular interaction with patrons and employees, frequent movement throughout the branch, and extended periods of computer use. The position is generally scheduled Monday through Saturday and may include rotating daytime, evening, and weekend shifts based on operational needs. Occasional travel to other library locations and attendance at off-site meetings, training, outreach activities, programs, and community events may be required. Some assignments may be performed outdoors with exposure to inclement weather and varying temperatures.

Salary:

• $20 Per 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: Library Manager I, II, or III
• Supervises Positions: None

Work Location:

• Stratford Branch Library - 509 Stratford Street, Highlands, TX 77562

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.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School or GED diploma
• Associate Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• None of the above

02

Have you completed 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university?

• Yes
• No

03

Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience planning, delivering, or supporting programs or activities for all ages of children, teens, adults, older adults, families, or community groups? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)

• Less than one (1) year
• One (1) year or more but less than two (2) years
• Two (2) years or more but less than three (3) years
• Three (3) years or more but less than four (4) years
• Four (4) years or more but less than five (5) years
• Five (5) years or more
• I do not have this experience

04

Please provide details about your verifiable experience planning, delivering, or supporting programs or activities for all ages of children, teens, adults, older adults, families, or community groups. Do not use "See Resume", as we do not use resumes to assess qualifications. (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history) If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.

05

How would you rate your organization, written and oral communication skills?

• High: Confident/Competent
• Medium: Some areas of strength
• Low: Limited skills
• I do not possess this skill and/or experience

06

Which of the following describes your level of proficiency using a personal computer and common office software such as MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Please select your level of proficiency based on the following descriptions: Advanced: A person with this level of skills is able to produce very large, complex formal documents that require a table of contents, footnotes, endnotes, bookmarks, and other special elements; a wide range of graphic effects, and use advanced techniques for analyzing and manipulating data. Has full mastery of Macro commands and skills to tie the objects together into a cohesive system by using Macros and Visual Basic for Applications code. Makes interactive presentations by using hyperlinks and action buttons. Intermediate: A person with this level of skills is able to customize toolbars, import and insert graphs, embed Excel data, and elaborate reports. Understands the concepts of databases and is able to work with charts and to use the list management capabilities of Excel. Able to use complex query techniques, create efficient forms and reports, and create Macros to automate these forms. Makes interactive presentations by using hyperlinks and action buttons. Basic: A person with this level of skills is able to use basic formatting, editing, printing functions, and understands the document page setup. Has the ability to enter and correct data, modify a workbook, format a worksheet, and use printing functions. Understands the different database concepts and structures and is familiar with data validation and is able to create a simple presentation in PowerPoint, run it, and print it. Entry Level: A person with this level of skills has the ability to open, create, save and modify documents in Word, send and receive email in Outlook and create spreadsheets in Excel. Format documents for printing, comfortable using the printer menu to preview documents. Has ability to change the font, the margins, inse

• Advanced
• Intermediate
• Basic
• Entry Level
• Not proficient

07

Which of the following language(s) are you bilingual and fluent? Select all that apply:

• English and Spanish
• English and Vietnamese
• English and Chinese
• English and Arabic
• English and Urdu
• English and Tagalog
• English and Other Language(s)
• None of the Above

08

An unofficial copy of your college transcript is required along with your application. (Please scan your transcripts and attach to this application before submitting).

• Yes, I have attached a copy of my complete transcripts.
• No, I have not attached the required transcript. I understand that this may result in disqualification from the employment process.
• N/A (not applicable)

09

Which of the following do you have working knowledge of and/or experience with? [Select all that apply.]

• Experience working in a public, school, or academic library; government agency; nonprofit organization; or related public-service environment.
• Experience serving diverse age groups through customer service, programming, outreach, learning activities, or digital-literacy assistance.
• Experience using an integrated library system to perform circulation, patron-account, materials-processing, or shelving functions.
• Experience providing readers advisory, basic reference or research assistance, and supporting collection displays, inventory, weeding, or selection activities.
• Experience using Microsoft 365, social media, digital devices, makerspace or lab equipment, and online communication or promotional tools.
• None of the above

10

If you made a selection in regard to the previous question, please describe your professional knowledge and/or experience. NOTE: Please DO NOT use "See Resume" as we do not use resumes for qualifications. (Type N/A if not applicable)

Required Question

Employer Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx