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:

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.

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 loaa a ded book truck weighing up to three hundred (300) pounds.

• Must have manual dexterity to operate computer keyboard.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a library, bookstore, service industry, or similar environment providing customer service.

• Experience coordinating the workflow of small teams.

• Ability to train, schedule, and supervise volunteers who assist with sorting.

• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with volunteers, staff, and members of the public.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.

• Reliable and committed to maintaining a positive work culture.

• Ability to pay close attention to detail.

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks at a steady rate with minimal errors.

Notes to Candidate:

The Library Associate will support daily library operations with a primary focus on organizing, sorting, and preparing pallets of donated materials and weeded library items for resale or circulation. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to lead and motivate volunteers who assist with book-sorting and related tasks. The successful candidate will work primarily independently and, at times, collaboratively to ensure efficient processing of materials and a positive, well‑coordinated volunteer environment. The Library Associate will also assist the Acquisitions team, as needed, in a variety of tasks including but not limited to unpacking shipments of new Library materials and processing items to prepare them for borrowing.

Work Location:

John Henry Faulk - 800 Guadalupe Street, 78701

May occasionally work at Austin Central Library - 710 W Cesar Chavez, 78701

Salary Range:

$22.05 to $24.26 per hour

Hours:

Part-Time/20 hours per week

• Thursday: 10 AM - 5 PM

• Friday: 10 AM - 5 PM

• Saturday: 11 AM to 5 PM

Note: Hours and schedule may vary based on operational or business needs; additional weekdays and extended hours may be required.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

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.

Application Information:

• A detailed, complete COA employment application is REQUIRED. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine your salary if you are selected for this position. 

• Please be sure to provide a COMPLETE and detailed employment history, including all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. 

• For each position, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications. 

• Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

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.

Additional Information:

• Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin coa-driver-safety-standards.pdf, 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.

• 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 or 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.

Important Note to Applicants:

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.

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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.

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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 (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.