Library Associate - Multiple Openings

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Job summary

The City of Austin's public library system is seeking a Library Associate to support daily library operations, assist patrons with information and technology, and help deliver public programming across branches.

The role requires an Associate degree with relevant experience and a commitment to equitable, inclusive service. The Library Associates work across Milwood, St. John, and Menchaca locations with flexible schedules.

Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university, plus one year of related experience.
• Experience may substitute for the education up to two years.

Responsibilities

• Greets and assists customers and staff at service desks.
• Checks materials in and out; pulls holds; shelves materials and assists with technology questions.
• Develops and implements programs and outreach based on community needs and city priorities.
• Responds to inquiries in person, by phone, or online; refers complex questions to librarians and staff as needed.
• Provides administrative support, including scheduling, meetings, and general clerical duties.
• Maintains data, records, and reports; prepares memos and letters; assists with library operations.

Skills

Money handling

Library databases

Equity and inclusion

Laws and compliance

City policies

Customer service

Oral and written communication

Multitasking

Planning and organizing

Computer skills

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Library automation systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

About This Position Job Description: Library Associate Purpose: Under limited supervision, this position performs functions for the daily operations of the public library, including providing information and referral services, technology assistance, public programming, and outreach engagement.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

• 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.
• Research 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.

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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing quality customer service, especially in a library, bookstore, or similar public-facing environment.
• Proven ability to carry out detailed and repetitive tasks while remaining focused and meeting established timelines.
• Ability to manage and switch work tasks to meet customer and department needs.
• Experience working with diverse populations and customers of all ages.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Notes to Candidate

• The Library Associates are responsible for shelving and re-shelving large amounts of library materials.
• Assisting customers with directional questions and performs routine clerical administrative tasks.
• Additional tasks include: Sorts and shelves library materials using alphanumeric codes.
• Arranges returned materials on book trucks to re-shelve.
• Empties interior and exterior book drops.
• Supports the circulation desk staff as needed by answering telephones and retrieving materials from shelf areas.
• Provides directional assistance to customers; assists them in finding items in the collection; refers reference and non-directional questions to appropriate staff.
• Assists customers with use of computers, printer, copier, and online library catalog.
• Performs basic maintenance on library equipment; refills paper in copiers, self-check stations, and printers.
• Performs basic housekeeping to include picking up misplaced library materials to maintain an organized and safe environment.
• Performs daily opening and closing procedures, enforcing safety and security measures.
• Assists customers with personal devices and use of library applications.

Work Location(s)

Milwood Branch Library, 12500 Amherst Dr., 78727 St. John Branch (Multipurpose Center) Library, 7500 Blessing Ave., 78752 Menchaca Road Branch Library, 5500 Menchaca Road, 78745

Salary Range

$22.15 - $24.37

Hours and Schedule

Visit Austin Public Library for library hours per location. Although a work location is listed regarding this job posting, the location is subject to change and/or other locations may be added.

Scheduling Details

• Milwood Branch Library - Full-time (1) 40 hours weekly and (1) 30 hours weekly. Library Associate schedules typically include at least one closing shift per week and weekend shifts. Hours and work schedules are subject to change depending on the business needs of each location. Schedules may vary to include evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts.
• St. John Branch Library - Full Time (1) 40 hours weekly. Library Associate schedules typically include at least one closing shift per week and weekend shifts. Hours and work schedules are subject to change depending on the business needs of each location. Schedules may vary to include evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts.
• Menchaca Road - Full Time (1) 30 hours weekly. Library Associate schedules typically include at least one closing shift per week and weekend shifts. Hours and work schedules are subject to change depending on the business needs of each location. Schedules may vary to include evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts.

Benefits

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.

Additional Information

• Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may be required to drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. You will be responsible for getting to and from these locations in a timely manner.
• 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.
• 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.

If Selected as the 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.

Veteran

Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD-214 Language: Must have the ability to read, write, and speak fluently in English.

Information Regarding Job Posting Dates

The Austin Public Library reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time. We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites.

Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin

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. 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 [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.