Library Associate

Job Description:

Library Associate

Description

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.

Licenses and Certifications Required:
None.

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.

Notes to Applicants
The Library Associate at the Austin Public Library plays a crucial role in organizing materials on the shelves to ensure that both customers and staff can easily find the items they need. They assist customers with their inquiries and help them use and understand library technologies. Library Associates also help with library programs and outreach activities.

WORK LOCATION :
Spicewood Springs, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd., 78759

Full Time (40 hours weekly)

• Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm - one evening per week, 11:30 am - 8:00 pm
• Every Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:15 pm
• Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Windsor Park, 5833 Westminster Dr., 78723
Full Time (30 hours weekly)

• Monday 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
• Tuesday and Wednesday 11:30 am - 8:00 pm
• Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
• Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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 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) 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.
Notes to Applicants (Historical) |

Pay Range
$21.63 - $23.79

Hours
Regular (30 & 40-hour position available)

• For detailed scheduling and work locations, please refer to the“Notes to Applicants”.

Note: Hours may vary based on operational or business needs; evening and weekends may be required on occasion.
Job Close Date 05/01/2025 Type of Posting External Department Austin Public Library Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Clerical Location Spicewood Springs Branch and Windsor Park Branch Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing quality customer service, especially in a library, bookstore, or similar public-facing environment.
• Experience working with a variety of clients, including youth, teens, older adults, and unhoused individuals of all abilities and backgrounds.
• Experience using an automated library circulation system or other automated systems.
• Experience instructing others, such as teaching computer operations and utilizing software programs.
• Proven ability to carry out detailed and repetitive tasks while remaining focused and meeting established timelines.
• Experience resolving complex customer service issues professionally and respectfully.
• 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.

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.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
None.
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 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 Associate position are: 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. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* The physical requirements of this position are: must be able to stoop, bend, walk, and reach 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, and must have manual dexterity to operate computer keyboard. Can you perform these physical duties with or without reasonable accommodations?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have work experience sorting or filing items in alphabetical or numerical order?

• Yes
• No

* How many years of customer service experience do you have working with a diverse clientele?

• 0
• 1 year or less
• 2 years or less
• 3 years or less
• Greater than 3 years

* Please describe your work experience with any of the following populations: low- and moderate-income individuals, immigrant populations, individuals with limited English proficiency, and/or unhoused persons.
(Open Ended Question)
* How would you help visitors to the library understand library resources and services?
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your computer proficiency and any experience with automated library systems, the internet, reference databases, e-readers, or other business computer systems. Also include any experience you have assisting others with using computers.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience in resolving complex or difficult consumer or customer service problems.
(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 Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).

* 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 Cover Letter