Library Assistant

Job Description:

Library Assistant

Description

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus one (1) year of experience in a related field.
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stoop, bend, walk and reach heights of six (6) feet.
• Must be able to lift or pull book bags and equipment up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Must be able to push loaded book truck up to three hundred (300) pounds.
• Must have manual dexterity to operate computer keyboard.

Notes to Applicants
The Library Assistant (LA) is an integral member of the Howson Branch leadership team, working in close collaboration with the Library Manager, Assistant Manager, and Youth Librarian to ensure high-quality public service and the smooth operation of daily activities. The LA provides exceptional customer service to a diverse population, ensuring all patrons feel welcome and supported. This position plays a key role in leading staff meetings, setting a positive and professional tone by modeling reliability, respectful communication, and a strong service ethic. The LA assists with staff scheduling, performs detailed circulation tasks with accuracy and efficiency, and helps train new employees and volunteers while supporting continuing education for existing staff. Together with the Assistant Manager, the Library Assistant is also responsible for maintaining accurate and timely branch financial reporting. The ideal candidate leads by example, communicates effectively, and contributes actively to a supportive, inclusive, and well-balanced work environment.

APPLICATION INFORMATION :

• A detailed and complete job application is REQUIRED and helps us evaluate your qualifications. In completing your job application, please be sure to provide a COMPLETE employment history regarding any relevant experience that you would like for us to consider. This information will also be used to determine base pay in the event that you are selected for this position. 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.
• 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.
• Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

IF SELECTED AS A TOP CANDIDATE :

• Verification of the minimum qualifications ( Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus one (1) year of experience in a related field. Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institute.

TRAVEL :

• If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :

• 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.

VETERAN :

• Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD-214.

The Austin Public Library reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs.
Pay Range
$22.22 - $24.77

Hours
Regular (40 hours per week)

• Monday - Wednesday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
• Thursday - 11:45 AM - 8:15 PM
• Friday - 8:35 AM - 5:05 PM
• Saturday (At least one Saturday per month, 9:05 AM - 5:05 PM)

Note: Hours may vary based on operational or business needs; evening and weekends may be required on occasion.
Job Close Date 04/28/2025 Type of Posting External Department Austin Public Library Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Clerical Location Howson Branch Library 2500 Exposition Blvd. Austin, TX 78703 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing quality customer service, especially in a library, bookstore, or similar public-facing environment.
• Experience directing the work of others and coordinating workflows in a customer service-driven environment, including training staff and/or volunteers.
• Experience working with cash and processing, and recording financial transactions.
• Experience working with a variety of clients, including youth, teens, older adults, and individuals of all abilities and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example through professionalism, accountability, and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to provide innovative programming and community outreach.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Inputs library patron information into library automation system or other databases and monitors information input by other staff members. Performs clerical activities such as answering telephones, sorting mail, filing, typing, and photocopying and mailing out materials. Develops work schedules and monitors timesheets and payroll for administrative and volunteer staff. Handles, reports, and reconciles library funds. Assists librarians in the maintenance of collection of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual and other materials; customer services; and research needs. Sorts books, publications, and other items according to established procedures and return them to shelves, files, or other designated areas. Troubleshoots basic computer, printer, and copying equipment problems that arise. Acts as a liaison with Library vendors, delivery services and maintenance. Instructs and assists staff and the public with using reference sources, automated information sources, software, and the internet. Explains and enforces library policies and procedures to the public and staff. Answers routine inquiries and refers patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians. Locates library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, audio tapes, Braille volumes, and pictures.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• 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 review materials to ensure accuracy, completeness and adherence to established formats and procedures.
• 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.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for the Library Assistant position are: Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus one (1) year of experience in a related field. Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires the ability to stoop, bend, walk, and reach heights of six (6) feet. Must be able to lift or pull book bags and equipment up to fifty (50) pounds. Must be able to push loaded book cart/truck up to three hundred (300) pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate computer keyboard. May be required to work in close/cramped quarters. Are you able to meet these physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodations?

• Yes
• No

* In your opinion, what is the most important aspect of customer service?
(Open Ended Question)
* How many years (full-time equivalent) of lead/supervisory experience do you have? Include library and non-library experience.

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 2 years
• More than 2 years

* This position has heavy public contact with adults, children and other diverse populations. Please describe your experience working and/or interacting with these groups?
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have experience working in a library, bookstore or similar environment?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have experience working with an automated library circulation system or other complex database system?

• Yes
• No

* How many years of cash handling experience do you have?

• 1 - 2 years
• 3 - 4 years
• More than 4 years
• None

* Describe your experience working with community and public outreach programs.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background check. By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Check

* My job application is detailed and complete, and I understand that if I am selected as the top candidate for this particular job, my salary will be determined based on the experience submitted on my job application.

• Yes
• No

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Resume Optional Documents