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Ala Library Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Deputy Director

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$84 - $105/hr

... in Library/Information Science from an ALA accredited institution. Three years library management experience with public library customer service experience preferred. Strong preference for ...

Master's degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program in hand or in progress, or equivalent combination of advanced degree in a relevant discipline (Museum Studies, Public ...

Master's degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program in hand or in progress, or equivalent combination of advanced degree in a relevant discipline (Museum Studies, Public ...

Showing results 41-51

Ala Library information

What is an ALA librarian?

An ALA Librarian is a library professional who is a member of the American Library Association (ALA), the oldest and largest library association in the world. ALA Librarians work in various settings, such as public, academic, or special libraries, and are dedicated to promoting access to information, literacy, and library services. Membership in the ALA often provides librarians with networking opportunities, professional development, advocacy resources, and support for maintaining high standards in librarianship.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a library assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Assistant, you need strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles preferring an associate’s degree or relevant library coursework. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), cataloging software, and digital research tools is often required. Exceptional customer service, communication, and teamwork skills help Library Assistants effectively support patrons and collaborate with colleagues. These skills ensure efficient library operations, positive user experiences, and accurate resource management.

What are some typical challenges faced by library professionals working in an ALA-accredited library, and how can they be addressed?

Library professionals in ALA-accredited libraries often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving technology, balancing traditional library duties with digital resource management, and meeting the diverse needs of patrons. Addressing these challenges involves ongoing professional development, collaboration with colleagues to share best practices, and staying current with trends in librarianship. Many libraries foster a supportive team environment, encouraging staff to attend workshops and engage in cross-departmental projects to continuously improve services and skills.

What is the difference between Ala Library vs Library Technician?

AspectAla LibraryLibrary Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certificationAssociate's degree in library technology or related field
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special librariesPublic, academic, or special libraries
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting patrons, organizing materials, managing collectionsSupporting librarians, cataloging, customer service
Industry UsageCommonly used term for library staff rolesMore specific role within library staff

Both Ala Library and Library Technician roles are integral to library operations, often requiring similar educational backgrounds and working in comparable environments. Ala Library may refer broadly to library staff or specific roles within the library system, while Library Technician is a defined position with specific responsibilities. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Ala Library jobs in Illinois?

For Ala Library jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Ala Library jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Ala Library job openings:

Infographic showing various Ala Library job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

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Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Overview
The selected candidate will be responsible for handling all of the electronic resources, reference, and collection development inquiries and acquisitions. This position is a full-time academic year position. The hours of this position are generally Monday - Friday, 12:00pm - 8:00pm.
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive teaching and learning environment. Through a model of Equity and Excellence, IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential and execute our mission to advance the human condition.
This Equity and Excellence Work is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.
This position will support IMSA's Equity and Excellence work by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives collaborating at IMSA to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.
Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Collection Development
  • Regularly review key selection resources to identify potential additions to the collection, both print and electronic, pertinent to the IMSA curriculum, teaching and research practices, residential programs, and general reading interests.
  • Develop and maintain proactive, working relationships with faculty, staff, and students to stay current with curriculum and teaching directions, subject area needs and interests.
  • Systematically assess the collection for balance, utility, timeliness, and format.
  • Identify and coordinate the withdrawal of outdated print and electronic titles.
  • Prioritize and coordinate the input of orders in an online system.
  • Promote collections and inform users of new acquisitions of potential interest to them.
  • Cultivate and implement policies and procedures that reflect the IRC's values and goals.

Reference Services
  • Provide proactive, customer-oriented information, reference, and research assistance.
  • Develop, design, and deliver research skills classes in partnership with faculty and the IRC Supervisor
  • Create and update online research guides, research skills handouts, Web resources, and displays to leverage knowledge for the community.
  • Maintain and organize the content on the library's webpage.
  • Work harmoniously with IRC team and IMSA community to maximize efficiency of operations and patron services.
  • Maintain professional knowledge of current trends, developments, standards, best practices, and technologies, especially in reference and collection development.
  • Conduct special projects in collection development and reference.
  • Assist in daily library operations and other duties as assigned.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
  • ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library Science
  • Knowledge, experience, and proficiency in collection development, reference services, online searching, research strategies, and library instruction.
  • Experience and interest in academic/school environment.
  • Positive and strong customer focus.
  • Significant recent experience and proficiency with current information technologies and computer applications.
  • Knowledge of current and emerging trends, standards, and practices in collection development and reference.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collegially in a changing and fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals and diverse populations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 5 years experience in research/school library
  • Experience in an academic setting

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is performed in office settings with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer. This role requires the following physical activities: speaking, hearing, visual acuity, and mobility within the workspace.
COMPENSATION:
This position is a full-time, exempt, 10-month, employment-at-will position. Salary regionally commensurate with training and experience in like-institutions with a range of $60,341 to 75,426. IMSA offers a comprehensive state benefits package (major medical, dental, vision, and prescription) with rates found here, a generous paid time off plan, and a retirement plan through the State University Retirement System (SURS). SURS is reciprocal with other Illinois public retirement systems such as the Teachers' Retirement System of Illinois (TRS) and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, or national origin. This policy also includes the handicapped and all disabled Vietnam era veterans. IMSA utilizes only job-related criteria in making decisions concerning applicants and employees.