Careers

Public Services Specialist (Full-time)

The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library is seeking Public Services Specialists passionate about customer service, local history, and genealogy. In this role, you’ll bring our community’s past, present, and future to life through engaging programs, creative displays, and online resources. Join a collaborative, supportive team where you'll grow professionally, connecting patrons with the knowledge, technology, and programs that ignite curiosity and inspire lifelong learning.

The Public Services Specialist provides direct service support to customers for their information, reading and technology question needs in-person, over the phone and online. Specialists create and present programs, classes, displays and online resource materials focused on a wide range of learning needs of customers.

As the Public Services Specialist some things you will do are:

Customer Engagement:

• Delivers high quality customer service by assisting customers with library materials, digital resources, technology equipment, information needs or other services. Engages with customers in-person, over the phone, through email or by text messaging. Promotes the use of materials, services, and programs to customers. These interactions may take place in the library or in the community including at outreach sites and locations.
• Instructs customers on how to locate, reserve, and check out materials. Instructs customers on how to locate and register for services. Troubleshoots issues related to services, materials, and technology use.
• Ensures that customers are abiding by all library policies and procedures to allow for a safe and enjoyable experience for all library visitors and staff.

Programming:

• Plans and presents in-person and virtual programs to the public individually or as part of an organized team based on the interests and needs of the community. Follows the library’s programming framework when planning, presenting, and evaluating programs.

Attendance:

• Maintains prompt arrival and efficiently and dependably maintains scheduled hours.

Position Requirements/Preferences

Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• A combination of customer service and/or post-secondary education to total three years.
• Valid Kansas Driver’s License with insurable driving record.

Preferred:

• Three years of customer service experience.
• Multilanguage fluency in English and at least one other language.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of learning resources such as databases, print and online resources.
• Research skills such as critical thinking and analysis.
• Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Interpersonal skills, strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to find new ways to increase customer satisfaction and forge meaningful connections.
• Ability to perform detailed work with accuracy.
• Ability to work independently or in a team and adapt quickly in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to work scheduled hours, arrive promptly and maintain regular and reliable attendance.

A pre and/or post-employment drug screen, criminal history record check and physical capacity testing are required as a condition of employment.

SCHEDULE: Days, nights and some weekend hours are required.  

PAY & BENEFITS: Starting hourly rate will be in the range of $18.81 to $23.05 depending on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits including health & dental insurance with pre-tax premiums, and a retirement plan (Kansas Public Employees Retirement System KPERS). Group life, disability coverage and accidental death benefits are also provided. Other optional benefits available at employee's expense include vision, life and cancer insurance and a deferred compensation plan.

Applications will be accepted through January 29, 2025. A TSCPL application, resume and cover letter must be submitted for consideration.

Employment Application Supplemental Employment History