What are the responsibilities and job description for the Library Associate Public Services position at City of Bastrop (TX)?
Do you want a job where your work truly matters every day? At the Bastrop Public Library, we’re more than books—we’re a hub for learning, connection, and community. We’re looking for a friendly, energetic, and service-minded individual to join our team as a Library Associate - Public Services.
In this full-time role, you’ll be at the heart of the library experience—connecting with patrons, providing exceptional customer service at our public desks, assisting with technology, and ensuring materials are processed accurately and efficiently. If you enjoy helping others, working with computers, and being part of a welcoming, community-focused environment, we’d love to hear from you.
This position includes some evening and Saturday hours as part of our commitment to serving the community.
Under general supervision of the Supervisor of Access Services, position performs duties in access services, library operations, programming, and technical services. The role coordinates access services processes, assists with administrative functions and library programming. Work at this level requires the use of independent judgment and initiative.
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Works the Circulation desk assisting patrons with requests for books, materials, reserves resources, inter-library loans, and other information sources; instructs patrons in use of various library equipment and traditional and electronic resources.
- Assists patrons with a variety of informational, educational, and instructional needs in a helpful and courteous manner that demonstrates excellent customer service.
- Provides copy cataloging of materials in accordance with current cataloging rules, standards, and procedures under the direction of the supervisor.
- Performs various moderately complex and technical library functions, i.e., shelving, inventory, weeding, locating missing materials, notifying patrons of overdue and reserve materials, reconciling petty cash, processing Interlibrary loans, and compiling statistics.
- Performs routine shelf checks to ensure continuing physical maintenance and proper location of books, periodicals, and other library materials.
- Utilizes the Integrated Library Management System to run reports, maintain patron accounts, and complete general circulation duties.
- Assists with training, organization, and supervision of adult volunteers working on circulation and technical services tasks ensuring they are supported in order to positively contribute to the work of the library.
- Processes materials accurately and efficiently through the full workflow: receiving shipments and preparing items for cataloging to ensure they are shelf-ready and available to the public.
- Assists with finance and accounting procedures for the library.
- Performs administrative record keeping and reporting of various statistics relating to library materials, material use, item records and patron accounts.
- Works collaboratively with the library team in planning and implementing summer programs, family programs, adult programs, general library events, and outreach services to schools and other organizations.
- Maintains orderly appearance of facility by clearing tables of books and magazines, replacing tables, chairs, and other materials periodically, and dusting shelves and desks.
- Works with the library team to promote library programs and services through a variety of channels by creating, designing, editing, and distributing information in print and digital formats in both English and Spanish.
Work Schedule:
- Maintains regular attendance; work schedule is non-traditional, Monday through Friday, 9:15 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., with either Tuesday or Thursday hours being 12:15 p.m. – 9:15 p.m., and at least one scheduled Saturday per month, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Leave scheduled should be managed so as to not interfere with ability to accomplish tasks, including special projects and assignments with deadlines.
- Occasionally, hours outside this schedule including holidays, weekends, or after hours may be required for events or outreach activities as directed.
(Note: The examples of marginal functions listed in this class specification are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of a marginal function does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.)
- Performs related work as directed.
- Participates in Emergency Management Operations as directed.
REQUIREMENTS
A. Education, Training, and Experience
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Previous customer service experience working with the public.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual and able to read, write, and speak Spanish proficiently.
- College level course work that supports the field of library science.
- Two (2) years’ experience working in a library setting.
- Three (3) to five (5) years’ experience working directly with the public.
B. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of current technology, basic computer skills, internet and database searching.
- Considerable knowledge of routine clerical functions and standard library operations.
- Considerable knowledge of record maintenance principles and practices.
- Prefer proficiency in written and spoken Spanish language.
- Ability to exercise independent judgement in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Ability to serve the public with patience, tact, and integrity.
- Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisors, fellow employees, and/or the public.
- Ability to communicate effectively; receive both oral and written instructions; listen actively to coworkers and the public.
- Ability to read numbers and letters rapidly and accurately, sort and file alphabetically, numerically, and according to the Dewey Decimal Classification System.
- Ability to learn, update and maintain an Integrated Library System (the library currently uses Apollo ILS).
- Ability to utilize a variety of office equipment and computer software.
- Ability to learn basic accounting principles and practices.
- Ability to work days, evenings, and weekends.
C. Physical Requirements
This is primarily an office classification where sitting, standing in work areas and walking between work areas is required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification regularly bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull to retrieve supplies, files, and other materials. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull book carts, materials, and objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Employees primarily work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Some tasks may require exposure to dust, pollen, or outdoor environments. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
The City of Bastrop is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO) and values diversity in its workforce. As an EEO employer, the City provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
**Employment is contingent on passing post-offer, pre-employment drug test and criminal background investigation. **
Salary : $34,528 - $38,106