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The City of Houston

Senior Library Service Specialist

The City of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States, 77007


Senior Library Service Specialist

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Senior Library Service Specialist

Salary

$1,593.13 - $1,782.57 Biweekly

Location

Various

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

35848

Department

Houston Public Library

Division

HPL - SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Opening Date

01/03/2025

Closing Date

1/9/2025 11:59 PM Central

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Description

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Benefits

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Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications Accepted From: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

PN#35848

Division: Customer Experience

Section: History Research Centers

Reporting Location: Clayton Family History Research Center (5300 Caroline)

Workdays & Hours: MONDAY - SUNDAY 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM*

*Subject to Change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Houston Public Library seeks a creative, innovative, and highly customer service-oriented Senior Library Service Specialist to serve at the Houston Public Library's Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus.

The Houston Public Library serves a diverse population of 2.3 million citizens through a network of 37 Neighborhood Libraries spread across the Houston area, a Central Library and three History Research Centers.

The Houston Public Library's Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus is in the Museum District of Houston.

Housing an international collection of family history research materials, the nationally recognized library provides one on one customer service to family history researchers. Our customers include the beginner to the well-seasoned genealogist, all will find the collection of nearly 150,000 volumes, microfilm, and popular family history research databases. The successful candidate will be one who can demonstrate a high level of customer service engagement with each type of researcher; possesses proven knowledge of family history research methods and has passion for producing quality programming and social media.

The Senior Library Service Specialist duties include:

+ Providing genealogical research reference assistance in person, on the phone, and via e-mail.

+ Instructing a diverse customer base of researchers in the detailed use of subject specific reference sources including online sources, books, and microprint materials using knowledge of specific resources and tools used in family history research.

+ Serving as unit coordinator for one or more of the following roles as assigned by unit manager:

+ Programming Coordinator - coordinating library programs for unit, working directly with presenters to ensure presentations and materials are ready, and providing technical support for in-person and virtual programming.

+ Volunteer Liaison - assists with training and onboarding volunteers, facilitating volunteer projects for the unit.

+ Digital Strategies liaison - troubleshoots computer and technology issues for the branch, reports issues in timely manner to Digital Strategies department and unit management.

+ Facilities Coordinator - performs periodic building checks, reports maintenance issues to General Services Division (GSD), unit management, and/or library administration as needed.

+ Preparing social media posts and submitting marketing promotions for all upcoming library programs to HPL Communications.

+ Promoting the Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus by supporting and helping with HPL outreach and programming.

+ Advocating and advertising for the Family History Research Center's services and programs to the local, state, and national genealogical community.

+ Creating material for the public electronic newsletter, The Clayton Town Crier.

+ Maintaining collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

+ Working with the technical services team of the Clayton Library on projects related to the library collection, including but not limited to digitization of materials.

+ Performing other duties essential to efficient library operation as assigned

+ This position requires some evening and weekend (Saturday and Sunday) work.

If selected for an interview, candidates will be required to present and discuss a genealogical research work project that demonstrates a strong and deep understanding of genealogical research and methodology.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a Cover Letter and Resume when applying.

WORKING CONDITIONS

There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor's degree.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

One (1) year of professional experience in library, information services, or education is required. Related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-to-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

No

PREFERENCES

PREFERENCES

+ Proficient computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

+ Demonstrated experience in personal or professional family history research.

+ Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds.

+ Ability to listen and communicate effectively orally and in writing.

+ Have strong interpersonal skills.

+ Have strong collaboration skills.

+ Have strong organizing skills and ability to meet set deadlines.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION No

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE: 16

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the

Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.com or call 832-393-1439.

If you need special services or accommodations, 832-393-1439 (TTY 7-1-1).

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process. All new and rehires must pass a preemployment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE -

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

+ Medical

+ Dental

+ Vision

+ Wellness

+ Supplemental Insurance

+ Life insurance

+ Long-term disability

+ Retirement pension

+ 457 deferred compensation plan

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ 10 days of vacation each year

+ 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday

+ Compensable Sick Leave

+ Personal Leave

+ Flexible schedules

+ Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions

+ Professional development opportunities

+ Transportation/parking plan

+ Section 125 pretax deductions

+ Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan

+ Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves

+ Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

01

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Are you a current Houston Public Library employee?

+ Yes

+ No

03

Please indicate your level of education and verifiable related work experience.

+ High School Diploma/GED AND at least (5) five years of verifiable experience in library, information services, or education.

+ Associate Degree AND at least (3) three years of verifiable experience in library, information services, or education.

+ Bachelor Degree AND at least (1) one year of verifiable experience in library, information services, or education.

+ None of the above apply to me.

04

In which of the following genealogy resources or tools are you proficient? (Check all that apply)

+ Ancestry.com

+ FamilySearch

+ Fold3

+ HeritageQuest

+ Internet Research

+ Library and archive onsite research

+ Microprint Research

+ Newspapers Research

+ Photo/Document Scanning

+ None of the above

05

How long have you been researching your family history?

+ Less than 1 year

+ 1 year but less than 3 years

+ 3 years but less than 5 years

+ 5 or more years

+ No experience

06

Describe your experience researching your family history. (If you do not have any experience, please put N/A)

07

What sources have you used in your family history research? Please include print, original document and online resources. (If you do not have any experience, please put N/A

08

Which skills or experience do you possess? (Please check all that apply)

+ Planning library programs

+ Library outreach

+ Working with social media

+ Writing content for newsletters

+ Uploading videos to YouTube, Facebook, etc.

+ None of the above

09

Describe library experience including any experience with the above question. (If you do not have any experience, please put N/A).

10

Please indicate languages, other than English, in which you are fluent (reading, writing, and/or speaking). Check all that apply.

+ Spanish

+ Chinese

+ Vietnamese

+ Arabic

+ French

+ Other languages

+ I am not multilingual

Required Question