Library Assistant

Job Description:

Library Assistant

Description

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 - anchors in delivering 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.

Job Description:

Library Assistant

Purpose:

Under general supervision, this position serves as support for administrative and volunteer staff in a unit of the Austin Public Library.

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.

• Inputs library patron information into library automation system or other databases and monitors information input by other staff members.
  
• Performs clerical activities such as answering telephones, sorting mail, filing, typing, and photocopying and mailing out materials. Develops work schedules and monitors timesheets and payroll for administrative and volunteer staff.
  
• Handles, reports, and reconciles library funds.
  
• Assists librarians in the maintenance of collection of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual and other materials; customer services; and research needs.
  
• Sorts books, publications, and other items according to established procedures and return them to shelves, files, or other designated areas.
  
• Troubleshoots basic computer, printer, and copying equipment problems that arise.
  
• Acts as a liaison with Library vendors, delivery services and maintenance.
  
• Instructs and assists staff and the public with using reference sources, automated information sources, software, and the internet. Explains and enforces library policies and procedures to the public and staff.
  
• Answers routine inquiries and refers patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
  
• Locates library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, audio tapes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, training, and guidance to others.

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 review materials to ensure accuracy, completeness and adherence to established formats and procedures.
  
• 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 a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus one (1) year of experience in a related field.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
  

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stoop, bend, walk and reach heights of six (6) feet.
  
• Must be able to lift or pull book bags and equipment up to fifty (50) pounds.
  
• Must be able to push loaded book truck up to three hundred (300) pounds.
  
• Must have manual dexterity to operate computer keyboard.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience providing quality customer service and resolving complex issues, especially in a library, bookstore, or similar public-facing environment to a diverse clientele.
  
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example through professionalism, accountability, and a strong work ethic.
  
• Experience in cash handling, cash drawer reconciliation, and basic accounting principles.
  
• Experience directing the work of others and coordinating workflows in a busy, high-traffic, often-changing environment, including training staff and/or volunteers.
  
• Proficient with online communication and organizational tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneNote.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish or any language other than English.
  
• Experience working with diverse populations.
  
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The Library Assistant (LA) is an integral member of the team, working in close collaboration with the Library Manager, Assistant Manager, and staff to ensure high-quality public service and the smooth operation of daily activities. The LA provides exceptional customer service to a diverse population, ensuring all patrons feel welcome and supported. This position plays a key role in coordinating daily workflow, setting a positive and professional tone by modeling reliability, respectful communication, and a strong service ethic. The LA creates and maintains the daily desk schedule, performs detailed circulation tasks with accuracy and efficiency, and helps train new employees and volunteers. Together with the Assistant Manager, the Library Assistant is also responsible for maintaining accurate and timely branch financial reporting. The ideal candidate leads by example, communicates effectively, has conflict management experience, and contributes actively to a supportive, inclusive, and well-balanced work environment.

Work Location:

Yarborough Branch - 2200 Hancock Dr., 78756

Salary Range:

$22.48 to $25.24 per hour

Hours:

Shift Work - Full Time/40-hour a week

• Hours and shifts may vary to include weekends, holidays, and extended shifts.
  
• Hours subject to change based upon Library needs.
  

Note: Hours and schedule may vary based on operational or business needs; evenings and weekends 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 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.
  
• 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 a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus one (1) year of experience in a related field. Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) 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.

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.

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.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-11-11