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:
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 Manager
Supervises 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
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email
[email protected]
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.
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.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx/jobs/998426-0/hrt-clerical-skills-test
Please see testing instructions in the General Information section below.
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.
OR
Bachelor'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.
OR
Associate 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.
OR
High 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:
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.
