Harris County Public Library - 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: This position directs and coordinates daily library operations, services, and children's programs. Responsibilities include identifying user needs, planning programs that promote library use, supporting community engagement, providing reference and readers' advisory services, and assisting patrons with library resources, facilities, equipment, and technology. The position leads branch literacy initiatives, implements library policies, supervises and motivates staff, and models the library system's standards for exceptional customer service. It also serves as a liaison between Library departments, Branch Managers, and branch staff to support strategic objectives, partnerships, and future service development.
Duties & Responsibilities:- Selects, supervises, and coaches assigned staff
- Provides leadership and coordinates schedules and workflow for effective service delivery
- Provides for the training and motivation of staff to make full use of individual capabilities and to meet changing system demands
- Establishes work rules and performance standards, trains and coaches performance, and initiates and implements disciplinary actions as warranted
- Plan, coordinate, and promote services and programs for all age groups with a focus on children, including language development, pre-reading skills, and family engagement, summer reading, and other special events
- Develops and manages the department's planned expenditures, including gift funds, when applicable
- Cultivates cooperative relationships with external stakeholders and actively participates in outreach to the community
- Develop an engaging and attractive library collection through awareness of current children's and adult literature
- Identifies information needs in the community and presents recommendations to the Branch ManagerSupervises the library in the absence of the Branch Manager
- Attend staff meetings, activities, and professional conferences, and actively serve on committees
- Implement knowledge of current trends in services and programs
- Exemplify the high standards and expectations for the library system in its daily operations and services
- Other duties as assigned
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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:
All applicants must register and take the HRT Clerical Skills Test and score a minimum of 80% with a typing speed of 30 wpm and 80% accuracy.
Education and Experience:
Master's Degree in Library and Information Studies or related field from an accredited university or college Two (2) years of library experience working in a variety of roles, displaying administrative, supervisory, and leadership skills in community engagement and planning, collection development and reference services, digital and Library technology, program management, and data analysis for the effectiveness of programs, services, and resources. ORBachelor's Degree in a related field from an accredited college or university Four (4) years of library experience working in a variety of roles, displaying administrative, supervisory, and leadership skills in community engagement and planning, collection development and reference services, digital and Library technology, program management, and data analysis for the effectiveness of programs, services, and resources. ORAssociate degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university Seven (7) years of library experience working in a variety of roles, displaying administrative, supervisory, and leadership skills in community engagement and planning, collection development and reference services, digital and Library technology, program management, and data analysis for the effectiveness of programs, services, and resources. ORHigh school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent Nine (9) years of library experience working in a variety of roles displaying administrative, supervisory, and leadership skills in community engagement and planning, collection development and reference services, digital and Library technology, program management, and data analysis for the effectiveness of programs, services, and resources.
Additional Requirements:
Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application. Candidates must complete a clerical skills test and achieve a minimum typing speed of 80% aptitude, 30 WPM with at least 80% accuracy
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 processNOTE: 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 with all age groups
- Experience working with children ages 0 to 12 Experience with budgeting and financial resource management
- General Information
- Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Full-Time | Regular – 40 hours a week
- Typical shifts are day, evening, Night, Weekend, etc.
- May require attending meetings, council sessions, or after-hours events and off-site meetings.
Work Environment:
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, and 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.
Physical Demands:- 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: Branch ManagerSupervises Positions: Librarians, Library Specialists, and Library Technicians
Work Location:
Atascocita Branch Library - 19520 Pinehurst Trail Drive, Humble, TX 77346 Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
