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Head Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Librarian III

Mobile, AL · On-site

$60K - $96K/yr

General Information This is administrative work directing a major library department or serving as head librarian in the main library. Jurisdiction Yearly Salary Mobile Public Library $60,164 - $96 ...

Head of Mills Music Library

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$75K - $110K/yr

The Head of Mills Music Library serves as the University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries ... lead librarian for music and dance, overseeing all operations, services, and staff of the music ...

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Head Librarian information

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$33K

$78.9K

$134K

How much do head librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for head librarian in the United States is $78,863.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $94,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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What are popular job titles related to Head Librarian jobs?

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Infographic showing various Head Librarian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,863 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Head of Reference and Instruction Services Librarian

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$88K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
The University of Utah, an AA/EO employer, encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and provides reasonable accommodation to the known disabilities of applicants and employees. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.
Position Information
Proposed Faculty Rank
Assistant Law Librarian
Department
00100 - Law Library
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Track
Tenure Track
New Position to Begin
7/1/2026
Details
Head of Reference and Instruction Services
James E. Faust Law Library
University of Utah
Description
The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law invites applications for the position of Head of Reference and Instruction Services. This is a tenure track law library faculty position. Position available July 1, 2026.
Core Duties
Manage reference services including scheduling and coordinating reference desk coverage.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate librarians providing reference and instructional services.
• Provide approximately 6-10 hours per week of reference services to library patrons.
• Maintain and analyze reference statistics to assess service effectiveness.
• Teach two credit hours of legal research annually (basic, advanced, specialized, or FCIL).
• Provide individualized and group instruction using a wide range of educational technologies.
• Participate in the liaison program providing research services to law faculty and training and support of student research assistants.
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate legal research into the curriculum.
• Participate with the collection development team to recommend new databases, print resources, or research tools.
• Prepare and maintain research guides.
• Serve on Law Library/Law School, University of Utah governance, and other professional committees as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Engage as a member of the Law Library team and work to further the overall goals of the Law Library.
Requirements/Qualifications
J.D. from ABA-accredited law school and Master's degree in library and information science or equivalent from ALA-accredited institution required. Strong service orientation; excellent oral and written communication; good organizational skills; ability to deal effectively with all library patrons; strong teamwork skills, adaptable to additional responsibilities.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary range is $88,000-95,000 and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Librarians have faculty status at the University of Utah and receive generous health, vacation and retirement benefits (https://www.hr.utah.edu/benefits/), including 25 days of vacation and 12 paid holidays each year. This position has the option to telecommute one day a week. No evening or weekend work required. A stipend for moving costs is included.
About the Library: The library has 6 librarians and two full-time library staff. The library serves approximately 300 students and over 35 faculty members at Utah's top public law school. The University of Utah is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our campus is nestled in the heart of the Wasatch mountains which offer Olympic-class skiing, hiking, climbing and a variety of other outdoor sports. Salt Lake City offers a wealth of amenities including outstanding entertainment venues, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Information
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.
Notice
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
Special Instructions for Candidates
Required Documents to Upload:
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Curriculum Vitae

Open Date
11/18/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Requisition Number
PRN01446CF
Type
Faculty

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About University of Utah

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

1850