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Public Library Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Town of Flower Mound

Library Assistant

Flower Mound, TX · On-site

$20.38/hr

One year of public library experience is preferred. Must submit to and pass a post-offer, non-regulated drug test and thorough background checks (including criminal history). Desired Qualifications ...

New

City of Waco

Library Associate-Seasonal

Woodway, TX · On-site

$16.79/hr

Public library experience * Bilingual in Spanish Position Overview Seasonal Library Associates are responsible for providing quality services to the public. They assist patrons in a friendly and ...

City of Mesquite

Library Coordinator - PT

Mesquite, TX

$17.47 - $83/hr

To provide professional, effective, and efficient assistance to fellow co-workers and the general public; to provide a wide variety of highly responsible and complex duties for the Library Department.

City of Mesquite

Library Coordinator - PT

Mesquite, TX · On-site

$17.48/hr

To provide professional, effective, and efficient assistance to fellow co-workers and the general public; to provide a wide variety of highly responsible and complex duties for the Library Department.

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All JobsPublic Library JobsPublic Library Jobs in Texas

Public Library information

See Texas salary details

$28.4K

$59.8K

$95K

How much do public library jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for public library in Texas is $59,803.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $72,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public library?

A public library is a community-based institution that provides free access to books, digital resources, and various educational and cultural programs for people of all ages. Funded primarily by public money, these libraries offer lending services, internet access, research assistance, and spaces for study and community events. Public libraries aim to support literacy, lifelong learning, and equal access to information for everyone, regardless of background or income.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Librarian, you need a master's degree in library and information science (MLIS), knowledge of cataloging, and strong information literacy skills. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital databases, and electronic resource management is typically required. Exceptional customer service, communication, and community engagement skills help librarians connect with diverse patrons and foster a welcoming environment. These competencies ensure effective resource management, information access, and impactful support for community learning and enrichment.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in a public library, and how are they addressed?

Public library staff often encounter challenges such as managing diverse patron needs, addressing technology-related questions, and handling periods of high visitor volume. To address these, staff receive ongoing training in customer service, digital literacy, and conflict resolution. Collaborative teamwork is essential, with librarians and support staff frequently communicating to ensure smooth daily operations and equitable service for all visitors. Many libraries also implement clear policies and utilize flexible scheduling to help staff manage workloads effectively.

What is the difference between Public Library vs Librarian?

AspectPublic LibraryLibrarian
CredentialsVaries; often requires a master's degree in library science (MLS)Typically requires an MLS or equivalent degree
Work EnvironmentPublic spaces serving community members, including children, adults, and seniorsLibraries, educational institutions, or archives; involves organizing and managing collections
Employer & IndustryPublic libraries, government agenciesLibraries, educational institutions, archives
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding what a public library offersRoles and responsibilities of a librarian

Public libraries are community-focused institutions providing access to books, resources, and programs. Librarians are professionals who manage library collections, assist patrons, and organize information. While public libraries are the setting, librarians are the key personnel working within these institutions. Both roles often require similar qualifications, but the library itself is a service point, whereas librarians are the staff delivering those services.

More about Public Library jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Library jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Public Library jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Library jobs in Texas?

For Public Library jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Library jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Library jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Public Library jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Public Library job openings:

Public Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Library job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,803 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Library Manager II (Katy Branch Library)

Houston, TX • On-site

Harris County, TX
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 852 rated public administrative organizations

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks

Learn more about Harris County, TXexternal

$37.90/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Salary: $37.90 Hourly
Location : Katy, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 17097
Department: Public Library
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
Closing Date: 9/12/2026 11:59 PM Central
Max Number of Applicants: 150
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 Branch Manager II serves as the primary manager responsible for independently directing the overall operations of a Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 branch. The position establishes operational priorities, allocates staff and resources, supervises and develops employees, manages budgets and facilities, and oversees public services, collections, programming, customer experience, community engagement, and partnerships. The role balances hands-on service delivery with branch-wide leadership, resolves routine to moderately complex operational and employee issues, implements system initiatives, and uses performance data to improve services. The position is accountable for policy compliance, service quality, operational efficiency, staff performance, and overall branch results.
Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Directs daily operations of a Tier 3 branch, including public services, employee assignments, schedules, service-desk coverage, workflows, facility readiness, safety, and customer experience.
  • Establishes and adjusts staffing, service, and resource priorities as customer demand, employee availability, facility conditions, and operational needs change.
  • Selects, supervises, trains, coaches, motivates, and evaluates assigned staff. Establishes expectations, assigns and reviews work, coordinates schedules and leave, supports employee development, documents performance, and initiates corrective or disciplinary action in accordance with policy.
  • Provides visible branch leadership by communicating HCPL's mission, strategic direction, priorities, and service expectations.
  • Translates system goals into branch objectives, work plans, employee assignments, and measurable service improvements while promoting accountability, teamwork, and follow-through.
  • Interprets, communicates, and administers library policies, procedures, work rules, and service standards for employees and customers.
  • Ensures requirements are applied consistently, explains decisions, addresses noncompliance, and escalates significant legal, safety, employee relations, or policy matters to the appropriate leadership or department.
  • Promotes a customer-centered service culture by modeling professional, respectful, inclusive, and responsive service.
  • Resolves routine to moderately complex inquiries and complaints; supports reference, technology, and information services; and performs professional librarian duties as operational needs require.
  • Plans, directs, and evaluates branch services and programs for children, teens, adults, and circulation service areas.
  • Coordinates staffing, schedules, space, supplies, technology, communications, and partner participation to ensure services are accessible, well organized, and responsive to customer needs.
  • Assesses branch and community needs by reviewing service data, customer feedback, demographic information, program participation, collection use, and barriers to access.
  • Implements or recommends changes to services, procedures, outreach, staffing, and programs to improve participation, responsiveness, and community impact.
  • Leads outreach and community engagement by developing and maintaining relationships with the Friends of the Library, schools, academic institutions, local government, nonprofit organizations, businesses, civic groups, and other partners.
  • Oversees branch collections to ensure materials remain current, accessible, organized, and responsive to community interests.
  • Coordinates selection, maintenance, inventory, shelving, merchandising, displays, promotion, and weeding in accordance with collection-management guidelines and usage data.
  • Develops and administers the branch operating budget and gift funds, when applicable. Plans expenditures, monitors balances, approves or processes purchases within authority, maintains records, and ensures compliance with fiscal requirements.
  • Responds to escalated customer concerns, employee issues, service disruptions, facility concerns, and operational problems.
  • Gathers relevant information, determines appropriate action, communicates decisions, documents significant matters, coordinates follow-up, and escalates high-risk legal, safety, personnel, policy, security, or reputational concerns.
  • Maintains a safe, secure, accessible, and welcoming branch environment by monitoring the facility, emergency readiness, furnishings, equipment, and public areas and coordinating maintenance, technology, security, and continuity needs.
  • Monitors branch performance by analyzing circulation, customer traffic, program attendance, collection use, staffing, budget, service, and operational data.
  • Prepares required reports, identifies trends and performance gaps, establishes improvement actions, and evaluates whether changes produce the intended results.
  • Collaborates with Library Administration, other branches, Circulation, Programs, Partnerships and Outreach, Human Resources, Finance, Facilities, Information Technology, Security, and other departments to coordinate services and implement organizational initiatives.
  • Leads or participates in assigned projects, pilots, committees, workgroups, meetings, training activities, and professional conferences. Coordinates responsibilities, monitors progress, communicates changes, and reports results.
  • Performs related administrative, supervisory, customer-service, and professional library duties as assigned to support branch operations and changing organizational needs.
  • 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
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.
Please see testing instructions in the General Information section below.
Education and Experience:
  • Master's degree in Library and Information Studies or a related field from an accredited college or university.
  • Five (5) years of full-time professional library experience involving community engagement and planning, collection development and reference services, budgeting and financial resource management, library technology, program management, or service-data analysis.
  • Three (3) years of full-time supervisory experience assigning and evaluating work, managing resources, addressing performance, ensuring productivity, and supporting employee development.

OR
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Seven (7) years of progressively responsible, full-time library or public-service experience involving branch operations, community engagement, collections, budgets, technology, programs, or service evaluation.
  • Five (5) years of full-time supervisory experience assigning and evaluating work, managing resources, addressing performance, ensuring productivity, and supporting employee development.

Additional Requirements:
  • Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application.
  • Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties.
  • 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
  • Knowledge of branch administration, budgeting, purchasing, resource allocation, facility coordination, public relations, and organizational policies and procedures.
  • Ability to independently establish operational priorities, coordinate multiple branch functions, allocate staff and resources, and maintain consistent service delivery.
  • Ability to exercise initiative, sound judgment, discretion, confidentiality, and appropriate decision-making authority in routine to moderately complex situations.
  • Ability to interpret and consistently apply policies, explain decisions, document significant matters, and recognize when an issue requires escalation.
  • Ability to supervise and develop employees, address performance concerns, foster teamwork, and maintain accountability in a diverse workplace.
  • Ability to provide exceptional customer service, resolve concerns, and work effectively with customers, employees, and community partners.
  • Ability to analyze branch data, prepare reports, identify trends, and implement practical service and operational improvements.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, establish effective working relationships, manage competing demands, and follow through on commitments.
  • Proficiency with integrated library systems, reporting and scheduling tools, Microsoft 365, the internet, social media, digital resources, mobile devices, and standard office equipment.
  • Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations
  • Ability to use personal mobile device for the County's 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 serving as the primary manager of a public library branch or comparable public-service operation. (preferred)
  • Professional-level experience as a librarian in a public library or public-sector environment. (preferred)
  • Experience providing library services to children, teens, adults, and older adults. (preferred)
  • Experience developing, coordinating, and evaluating services and programs for diverse age groups and community needs. (preferred)
  • Experience leading community engagement and outreach initiatives and working with nonprofit organizations, local government, schools, academic institutions, and community partners. (preferred)
  • Experience with collection development, collection maintenance, and readers' advisory services. (preferred)
  • Experience using integrated library systems, library technologies, digital resources, reporting tools, and online service platforms. (preferred)
  • Experience using data and assessment to evaluate services, improve performance, and support operational decisions. (preferred)

Language:
  • Bilingual (preferred)

General Information
Register Online for the HRT Clerical Skills Test using the following link:
                  • Click the above link to the HRRM Clerical Skills Test registration page
                  • Click on "Apply" to submit your request for testing
                  • You will receive a test invitation and instructions via e-mail within 48 hours
                  • You will have no more than 5 calendar days to access and complete testing
                  • Your score will be automatically uploaded to your application
                  • The test may be taken once every 30 days
                  • Most recent test scores are retained for up to 6 months

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
  • Full-Time | Regular - 40 hours a week
  • Typical shifts are Day, Evening, Nights, Weekends, etc.
  • Work is primarily performed in a public library environment with extended periods of computer use. Position generally is scheduled Monday-Saturday; rotational evening and weekend shifts. Occasional travel to
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About Harris County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris County is the third largest county in the United States with more than 4.7 million residents. There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

2000

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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