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:
Provides library outreach services, programs, and resources primarily outside library walls at partner facilities and community locations throughout Harris County. Develops, promotes, implements, and evaluates all-age library programs, outreach services, and special events. Identifies community needs; supports remote collections, provides reference, reader’s advisory, and circulation assistance; and maintains strong partnerships as a vital part of HCPL’s Programs, Partnerships, and Outreach Division.
Duties & Responsibilities:-
Develops, facilitates, and delivers off-site library programs and services at community centers, residential facilities, partner sites, and other community locations throughout Harris County
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Plans, coordinates, promotes, implements, and evaluates all-age library programs, outreach services, summer reading activities, and special events
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Identifies community information needs and develops programs, services, and resources to meet those needs
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Builds and maintains cooperative relationships with schools, youth organizations, residential facilities, community centers, local organizations, and other community partners
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Attends outreach events to promote HCPL services, programs, and resources to Harris County community members, partners, and stakeholders
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Delivers in-person and virtual presentations to community partners, local organizations, and the public to promote library services, programs, and resources
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Curates, maintains, and supports remote collections, displays, and library materials at partner facilities, including providing circulation assistance as needed
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Provides reader’s advisory, reference assistance, and general library service support to patrons in off-site and outreach settings
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Collects photographs, videos, and other new content assets at outreach events and programs in accordance with established procedures
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Reviews and evaluates existing programs and services; recommends improvements to procedures, service delivery, and program effectiveness
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Evaluates and applies knowledge of current library trends, community engagement practices, and all-age programming to improve outreach services and programs
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Attends staff meetings, trainings, activities, professional conferences, and related events; actively participates in committees and workgroups
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Performs 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 & Experience:-
Master Degree in Library Science from an accredited university or college
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Consideration will be given to individuals currently pursuing a master’s degree in Library Science and will be completing the degree within the next four (4) months
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Proof of completion of the degree will be required for permanent status in the position
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One (1) year of full-time customer service experience showing empathy, good communication, and problem-solving
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One (1) year of full-time experience designing, planning, and making educational activities for a variety of ages in a learning environment
OR-
Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited college or university
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Two (2) years of full-time customer service experience showing empathy, good communication, and problem-solving
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Two (2) years of full-time experience designing, planning, and making educational activities for a variety of ages in a learning environment
OR-
Associate's degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university
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Four (4) years of full-time customer service experience showing empathy, good communication, and problem-solving
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Four (4) years of full-time experience designing, planning, and making educational activities for a variety of ages in a learning environment
Additional Requirements:
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Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application
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Candidates must complete a clerical skills test and achieve a minimum typing speed of 80% aptitude, 30 WPM with at least 80% accuracy
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Principles and practices of professional library work, including modern library methods, practices,
techniques, and terminology -
Theory and philosophy of librarianship
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Policies, procedures, and functions of the library system
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Principles of administration, organization, management, budget, personnel administration, and
public relations -
Establish and implement goals and objectives for the Library
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Ability to exercise initiative and act with discretion
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Analyze and respond to community needs and requests
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Excel in customer service skills of empathy, good communication, and problem-solving
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Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse
environment -
Skill in self-discipline, dependability, and ability to work independently
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Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
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Ability to work with modern technology and equipment
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Proficient with the Internet, MS Office Suite, and Office 365
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Proficient with Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and digital devices
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Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers and common decimals
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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.
Register Online for the HRT Clerical Skills Test using the following link:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx/jobs/998426-0/hrt-clerical-skills-test
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
Typical shifts are Day, Evening, Nights, Weekends, etc.
Salary:
Work Environment and Physical Demands:-
This job typically operates in a professional office environment.
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This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
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At times, work can be performed in an outdoor environment and possible exposure to inclement weather or various temperature changes.
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There could be exposure to dangerous or aggressive/adverse populations.
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Some duties would require the ability to lift up to 20 pounds, bending, and standing for periods at a time.
Reporting Relationships:-
Reports To Position: Branch Manager and Assistant Branch Manager
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Supervises Positions: None
Work Location:
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HCPL at Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) Library - 1625 Blalock Road, Houston, TX 77080
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.