Library Associate
Under limited supervision, this position performs functions for the daily operations of the public library, including providing information and referral services, technology assistance, public programming, and outreach engagement.
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned:
- Greets and welcomes customers.
- Provides direct and indirect customer service to staff and public including staffing public service desks, checking materials in and out, pulling holds, re-shelving items, assisting with customer technology questions, creating displays, and other duties as needed.
- Creates and implements programs, including outreach engagement, based on community needs and City and department strategic priorities.
- Responds to customer inquiries and requests for information in-person, by phone, or online; and refers complex inquiries and requests to professional librarians, facilities, and technical staff when needed.
- Researches and compiles information and resources.
- Provides administrative support including scheduling and coordinating meetings and room reservations, responding to phone calls, distributing mail, ordering supplies, and completing cash handling tasks.
- Maintains and manages data, records and reports; and prepares memos, letters, and other documents.
- Provides guidance to other Library Associates on an as needed basis.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Knowledge of money handling and accounting practices.
- Knowledge of books, electronic databases, internet resources, bibliographies and reference materials.
- Knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and practices in libraries.
- Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
- Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
- Skill in customer service principles.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in planning and organizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software, including Microsoft Office products.
- Ability to assist library patrons and other staff.
- Ability to provide high-level customer service.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
- Ability to use library automation and the internet.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
- Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
Minimum qualifications:
- Graduation with an Associate degree from an accredited college or university, plus one (1) year of experience in a related field.
- Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of two (2) years.
Physical requirements:
- Must be able to stoop, bend, walk, and reach to heights of six (6) feet.
- Must be able to pull or lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
- Must be able to push loaded book truck weighing up to three hundred (300) pounds.
- Must have manual dexterity to operate computer keyboard.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience working in a library, bookstore, service industry, or similar environment providing customer service.
- Experience coordinating the workflow of small teams.
- Ability to train, schedule, and supervise volunteers who assist with sorting.
- Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with volunteers, staff, and members of the public.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
- Reliable and committed to maintaining a positive work culture.
- Ability to pay close attention to detail.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks at a steady rate with minimal errors.
Notes to candidate:
The Library Associate will support daily library operations with a primary focus on organizing, sorting, and preparing pallets of donated materials and weeded library items for resale or circulation. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to lead and motivate volunteers who assist with book-sorting and related tasks. The successful candidate will work primarily independently and, at times, collaboratively to ensure efficient processing of materials and a positive, well-coordinated volunteer environment. The Library Associate will also assist the Acquisitions team, as needed, in a variety of tasks including but not limited to unpacking shipments of new Library materials and processing items to prepare them for borrowing.
Work location:
John Henry Faulk - 800 Guadalupe Street, 78701
May occasionally work at Austin Central Library - 710 W Cesar Chavez, 78701
Salary range:
$22.05 to $24.26 per hour
Hours:
Part-Time/20 hours per week
- Thursday: 10 AM - 5 PM
- Friday: 10 AM - 5 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM to 5 PM
Note: Hours and schedule may vary based on operational or business needs; additional weekdays and extended hours may be required.
Application information:
- A detailed, complete COA employment application is REQUIRED. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine your salary if you are selected for this position.
- Please be sure to provide a COMPLETE and detailed employment history, including all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
- For each position, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Note: A cover letter and/or resume will NOT be used to substitute for an incomplete job application.
- Please understand that your job application, cover letter, and resume will be used to measure or assess your written communication skills, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling, in helping us screen applications and determine candidates to be interviewed.
Additional information:
- Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
- All new employees are required to attend City of Austin and Austin Public Library training as scheduled and should arrange their outside schedules to accommodate such training.
- This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies of the same job title that may become vacant. The additional vacancies may include a difference in work location, workweek hours, and schedule. Filling additional vacancies from this posting is based on the business needs of the department.
If selected as the top candidate:
- Verification of the minimum qualifications (Graduation with an Associate degree from an accredited college or university, plus one (1) year of experience in a related field or experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of two (2) years) will be required.
- You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institute.
Veteran:
- Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD-214
Language:
- Must have the ability to read, write, and speak fluently in English.
Important note to applicants:
The Austin Public Library reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs.
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.
Join the City of Austin Team
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employerโwe are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles โ Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and