Library Research Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $70,102.00 Annually
Location : Nashville, TN
Job Type: Full-Time Civil Service
Job Number: 26311E
Division: Public Library
Department: LIB BW Children's Services
Opening Date: 07/09/2026
Closing Date: 7/16/2026 11:59 PM Central
Position Description
This Librarian 2 position performs professional duties involved in providing specialized library services to the public, may work as a Children's, Young Adult or Adult Librarian in a large branch or in a specialized area of the library. Performs other related duties as required.
A city with a great library is a great city, and that's very true for Nashville. With nearly three million visits per year - and a collection of almost two million items - Nashville Public Library (NPL) is Music City's gateway to lifelong learning, growth, and community connection. Our one-of-a-kind Civil Rights Room and Votes for Women Room bring visitors together to explore the history of civil rights and plot a course for our shared future. Our lauded Wishing Chair Productions puppet shows and story times delight audiences of all ages with stories that make them laugh, love, and grow. Meanwhile, initiatives like Studio NPL, Bringing Books to Life, Seed Exchange, Be Well at NPL, and Digital Inclusion connect Nashvillians with resources from across our 21-location system to learn new skills, enrich their quality of life, and forge long-lasting friendships. If you have a passion for helping people, love books and learning, and desire to be part of a team that does transformative work every day, then NPL just might be the place for you.
TEEN SERVICES:
Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong interest in working in a public library; work experience with youth; a passion for serving middle and high school youth; a desire to connect teens to their interests through activities that focus on the creation rather than consumption of content, aid in the development of 21st century skills, and lead to college and career pathways; a can-do attitude; and a flexible nature.
CHILDREN SERVICES:
Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to relate in a friendly and open manner with children and parents; an energetic and willing desire to assist children and parents in using library services and facilities; ability to build relationships and outreach to schools and a great display of enthusiasm for creating innovative programs and services for children through the library.
ADULT SERVICES:
Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to offer excellent customer service in Adult Services; a passion for providing library services and programming for adults and seniors, with an emphasis on public service, reference, reader's advisory and technology instruction.
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS:
Successful candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in the histories and cultures of diverse communities. The ability to assist in supervising and coordinating multiple community engagement and oral history projects in the Special Collections Division and assists researchers and the general public at the Main Library in the use of Special Collections.
Typical Duties

• Performs professional library work in an assigned area.
• Performs various supervisory duties.
• Assists with the development and maintenance of circulating, reference, and other collections of related materials.
• Provides Reference and Reader's Advisory services to the public.
• Coordinates and/or presents library programs and events.
• Assists the public with the use of library materials and equipment.
• Maintains affiliations with professional library organizations and keeping abreast of new trends.
• Performs administrative duties as needed.
• Attends meetings and participates on system-wide committees as required.
• Specializes in services to one or more specific age groups depending on training and assignment.
• Serves as the person-in-charge as directed in the absence of the designated supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications
Master's in Library Science or Master's in a Library Science field, degrees must be accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of professional library experience.
*No Substitutions
Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.
Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of library methods, policies and procedures
• Knowledge of library materials and collections
• Knowledge of reference techniques
• Experience supervising staff
• Knowledge of the procedures involved in opening and closing a branch or division
• Fluent bilingual language skills

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.
Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.
Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at 615-862-6640.
Full-time, Civil Service positions -
10 Vacation Days per year (increasing after 5 years of service)
1 Sick Day per month
12 Paid Holidays per year
Public Safety - Sworn and Civilian positions -
20 vacation days per year
3 Personal days per year
1 Sick Day per month
12 paid holidays per year
Part-time, Non Civil Service positions - Visit HR and Benefits webpages for more information.
Full-time, Non Civil Service positions - contact hiring department for benefits information
Seasonal/Temporary positions - no benefits offered.
01
What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• No diploma
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

02
Indicate your major field of study in the area below. If no degree, answer "N/A"
03
Is your degree accredited by the American Library Association (ALA)?

• Yes
• No

04
How many years of professional library experience do you have?

• None
• 1 year
• 2 or more years

05
Briefly describe your professional library experience. If none, answer "N/A"
06
Are you bilingual?

• Yes
• No

07
If you are bilingual, use the area below to list the language(s) and the level of communication.
08
Although candidates will be considered for all vacancies, what is your preferred area of interest?

• Teen Services
• Children Services
• Adult Services
• Special Collections
• No Preference

Required Question