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Head Librarian Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

ELKHART PUBLIC LIBRARY

Clerk I - Circulation

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$14.84 - $18.57/hr

... department head. * Provides customer service at the Circulation Desk and at other public desks in the library. * Performs designated administrative and/or clerical duties per specified Work ...

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Head Librarian information

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$31.4K

$75K

$127.5K

How much do head librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for head librarian in Indiana is $75,043.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,100.00 and $89,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a head librarian do?

A Head Librarian is responsible for overseeing the operations of a library, including managing staff, developing library policies, and ensuring that resources are accessible to patrons. They often handle budgeting, strategic planning, and community outreach to promote library services. Head Librarians also supervise the acquisition and organization of library materials, maintain technology systems, and ensure a welcoming environment for visitors.

What are some common challenges faced by a head librarian when managing a diverse library team?

As a Head Librarian, one common challenge is balancing the varied skill sets and personalities within the library team while ensuring high-quality service for patrons. You may need to mediate conflicts, motivate staff through ongoing professional development, and implement new technologies or procedures. Additionally, managing change—such as adapting to digital trends or reorganizing collections—requires strong leadership and clear communication to foster team cohesion and maintain morale.

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

To thrive as a Head Librarian, you need expertise in library science, information management, and leadership, typically supported by a master's degree in library science (MLS/MLIS) and relevant library experience. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital cataloging tools, and database management is crucial. Strong organizational skills, communication, and the ability to lead and motivate teams distinguish outstanding Head Librarians. These capabilities ensure effective library operations, high-quality service delivery, and the strategic advancement of library resources and programs.

What is the difference between Head Librarian vs Library Assistant?

AspectHead LibrarianLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS)High school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require post-secondary coursework
Work EnvironmentLeading library operations, managing staff, overseeing collectionsAssisting patrons, shelving books, supporting daily library functions
Employer & Industry UsagePublic, academic, or special libraries; managerial rolePublic, academic, or special libraries; support staff role

The Head Librarian typically holds a master's degree and manages library operations, staff, and collections. In contrast, a Library Assistant provides support services, assisting patrons and maintaining the library's daily functions. Both roles are essential but differ significantly in responsibilities and qualifications.

How much do head librarians make?

Head librarians typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary based on the size of the library, the institution, and additional responsibilities such as managing staff or budgets.

What are the most commonly searched types of Librarian jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Librarian jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Librarian jobs in Indiana?

For Head Librarian jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Head Librarian jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Head Librarian jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Head Librarian jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Head Librarian job openings:

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For Head Librarian jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Head Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Librarian job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,043 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

Religious Collections Cataloging Librarian

Indiana University Academic Positions

Bloomington, IN

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Position Details
Title Religious Collections Cataloging Librarian Appointment Status Tenure Track Department IU Bloomington Libraries Location Bloomington Position Summary
Indiana University Bloomington Libraries' Lilly Library seeks a collaborative, enthusiastic, and innovative librarian to serve as the inaugural Religious Collections Cataloging Librarian. Funded by a dedicated endowment, the cataloger will work closely with the Head, Cataloging & Description, and the Curator of Religious Collections to describe and make available Lilly Library materials relating to religion and spirituality in all formats.
The Lilly Library is Indiana University's principal rare books, manuscripts, and special collections library. The library's actively used and dynamically growing collections encompass manuscripts, printed books, and devotional objects spanning a wide chronological and geographical span. Core strengths include European medieval and Renaissance religious manuscripts, early printed Bibles in many languages, hymnological resources, and rare works produced in the Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch colonial worlds. The collections also feature significant materials from Asian and Islamic religious traditions. Active collecting areas include pilgrimage, religious materials created for and by children, and religious narratives related to disability. The majority of these collections are in English, Latin, Italian, French, German, and Spanish, with other languages represented in smaller numbers.
The successful candidate will work in a collaborative environment with colleagues within the Lilly Library and the IU Libraries system. This is a tenure-track position with requirements for ongoing professional development and service.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Head, Cataloging & Description, the Religious Collections Cataloging Librarian will:
  • Serve as the primary cataloger for all Lilly Library materials relating to religion and spirituality in all formats.
  • Organize and lead special projects relating to intellectual and physical control of Lilly Library materials relating to religion and spirituality.
  • Collaborate with the Curator of Religious Collections on interpreting and increasing awareness of the Lilly Library's collections relating to religion and spirituality.
  • Participate in departmental conversations and contribute to internal policy development and documentation.
  • Keep abreast of national developments in cataloging standards and best practices as they emerge and develop.
  • Engage in service and professional development activities that enrich the librarian's practice and contribute meaningfully to the profession.
Basic Qualifications
Applicants are encouraged to think broadly and communicate how their skills and experiences transfer to the qualifications in ways that may not be obvious.
  • ALA-accredited graduate degree in library or information science or international equivalent. Candidates with an advanced degree in a relevant subject area and relevant experience in a library setting will also be considered.
  • A minimum of 2 years' professional cataloging experience, including original and complex copy cataloging.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of the following metadata content standards and tools: MARC21; Resource Description and Access (RDA); Library of Congress classification and subject headings.
  • Reading knowledge of one or more languages represented in the Lilly Library's collections of religion and spirituality.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of cataloging standards, best practices, tools, and emerging trends within the field.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and knowledgeably in multiple modalities.
  • Ability to meet the tenure or tenure-track position requirements at the IU Libraries (https://libraries.indiana.edu/promotion-tenure-librarians) as demonstrated by an ongoing record of professional development and service.
Department Contact for Questions
Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to libhire@iu.edu.
Additional Qualifications
Candidates do not need to meet all preferred qualifications to be considered for this position.
  • Demonstrated experience using one or more of the Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (DCRM) manuals and/or Descriptive Cataloging of Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, and Early Modern Manuscripts (AMREMM) to create original catalog records.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO) and/or the PCC Subject Authority Cooperative Program (SACO).
  • Experience with Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (2nd ed.).
  • Demonstrated experience with medieval, renaissance, and/or early modern European manuscripts.
  • Reading knowledge of Latin.
  • Previous experience or academic work in the history of religion and/or religious studies, broadly defined.
  • Supervisory and/or project management experience.
  • Demonstrated experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated experience communicating with and/or writing for a non-specialist audience.
  • Demonstrated engagement in service and professional development activities on a local and/or national level.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to travel between work locations; free public transportation is available between the Lilly Library and the Auxiliary Library Facility (ALF).
  • Ability to lift and move boxes (up to 25 pounds); handle large, unwieldy books; and push book trucks.
  • Possibility of encountering mold or other allergens during routine work tasks.
Salary and Rank Salary and rank depend on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The starting salaries are as follows: Assistant Librarians, $62,500; Associate Librarians, $64,500; and Full Librarians, $82,500 Special Instructions
Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications received by April 15, 2026, will be assured full consideration. Interested candidates should review the application requirements and submit their application at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com. Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to libhire@iu.edu.
Please note:
  • The expected start date is September 21, 2026, but it is negotiable.
  • H-1B sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • Initial online interviews will occur from late April through mid-May; on-campus interviews will take place between May 27 and July 2.
For more information about Indiana University Bloomington, go to https://www.indiana.edu/. For information about working and living in Bloomington, Indiana: https://vpfaa.indiana.edu/resources/index.html.
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here, which includes contact information.

"Before a conditional offer of employment with tenure is finalized, candidates will be asked to disclose any pending investigations or previous findings of sexual or professional misconduct. They will also be required to authorize an inquiry by Indiana University Bloomington with all current and former employers along these lines. The relevance of information disclosed or ascertained in the context of this process to a candidate's eligibility for hire will be evaluated by Indiana University Bloomington on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should be aware, however, that Indiana University Bloomington takes the matters of sexual and professional misconduct very seriously."
For Best Consideration Date 04/15/2026 Expected Start Date 09/21/2026 Posting Number IU-101521-2026

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