Librarian III

Salary : $71,132.62 - $78,853.32 Annually
Location : Houston, Texas
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 39241
Department: Houston Public Library
Division: HPL - LIBRARY MATERIAL SERVICES
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 8/16/2026 11:59 PM Central


POSITION OVERVIEW
APPLICATION ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
DIVISION / SECTION: Library Materials Services / Cataloging
Workday & Hours: Monday - Sunday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM ***subject to change***

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Houston Public Library (HPL) is seeking an experienced, flexible, team-oriented person to serve as the Librarian III Cataloging Supervisor. The ideal candidate will have cataloging skills to lead and supervise the cataloging team in the Library Materials Services Division.

HPL serves a population of 2.2 million citizens through a network of Neighborhood Libraries spread out across the Houston area. Successful candidates will communicate effectively, be an active participant in team settings, provide exceptional customer service, enjoy working with, learning, and teaching new and emerging technologies, be at ease multitasking in a fast-paced public library setting and enjoy interacting with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds.

Essential job duties and responsibilities for a Librarian III - (Cataloging Supervisor) will include:

• Perform original and copy cataloging of library materials in all subject areas and formats in accordance with current AACR2R cataloging standards and library policies.
• Assign subject headings and classification numbers to library materials using Library of Congress subject headings and Dewey Decimal Classification system.
• Supervise and train assigned staff and volunteers.
• Oversee authority control, bibliographic and item-record maintenance, vendor record loads, batch editing, and database quality assurance.
• Develop, document, and improve HPL cataloging policies, procedures, macros, and automated workflows.
• Train or present on current cataloging practice to Customer Experience staff and answer their cataloging questions.
• Participate in library system-wide planning, committees, and working groups.
• Collaborate with Collection Development, Acquisitions, ILS, Digital Archives, and Customer Experience teams. Compile and analyze workload statistics, prepare reports, and ensure projects and routine work meet established deadlines.
• Work in a dynamic environment with frequently changing priorities.
• Plan and work effectively to meet timelines and deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a Cover Letter and Resume when applying. For a location listing of our 37 Neighborhood Libraries, please visit


WORKING CONDITIONS
The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions. Requires the ability to make simple gross motor responses within large tolerances.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires Master of Library Science degree from a school accredited by the American Library Association.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Three years of library experience are required, including one of the years with lead or supervisory experience.

LICENSE:
May require a valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving AP 2-2.

PREFERENCES

• Demonstrated knowledge of current cataloging standards and practices, including RDA, MARC 21, DDC, LCSH, authority control, and OCLC cataloging standards, with familiarity with AACR2 legacy records.
• Experience using SirsiDynix Symphony ILS, OCLC Connexion, MarcEdit, and Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.
• Experience with metadata standards, and digital asset management/ digital collections platforms.
• Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages preferred.
• Proficient computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with others.
• Able to succinctly present information in a compelling and interesting manner.
• Demonstrated analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish/English).

**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
The selection process will involve application review and/or Interview. The department may administer skills assessment test.


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


PAY GRADE - 23

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.


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:


To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting or call View phone number on click.appcast.io).


If you need special services or accommodations, call View phone number on click.appcast.io. (TTY 7-1-1). If you need login assistance or technical support call View phone number on click.appcast.io.
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 pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided. Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume along with their completed application when applying.


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
• 13 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
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 Library employee or have you ever worked for a Library?

• YES
• NO

03


Masters of Library Science degree from a school accredited by the American Library Association.

• YES
• NO

04


How many years of Library experience do you possess?

• Less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 6 years.
• 6 years but less than 9 years.
• 9 years or more of experience.

05


How many years of Supervisory experience do you have, including staff, support staff, or volunteers? experience do you possess?

• Less than 1 year of experience.
• 1 year but less than 3 years.
• 3 years but less than 6 years.
• 6 years but less than 9 years.
• 9 years or more of experience.

06


How many years of "cataloging" experience do you have?

• Less than 1 year.
• 1 year but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 6 years.
• 6 years or more of experience.
• I have no experience.

07


In which of the following cataloging and metadata management practices/skills are you proficient (Select all that apply).

• Resource Description and Access (RDA).
• Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules.
• Dewey Decimal Classification.
• Library of Congress Subject Headings.
• Dublin Core.
• Encoded Archival Description (EAD).
• MARC 21 .
• OCLC Connexion.
• MarcEdit.
• None of the Above.

08


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 bilingual.

09


Do you have a valid driver's license in compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving AP 2-2.

• YES
• NO

10


Describe your experience with cataloging, authority control, bibliographic database maintenance, vendor record loading, and cataloging workflow management. (If you indicated that you do not have experience, please put N/A).
Required Question