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Library Staff Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Library Graduate Assistant supports key services in the Montgomery Library, by assisting ... Collaborate with staff on special projects and perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications:

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Library Staff information

See Tennessee salary details

$7

$14

$26

How much do library staff jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for library staff in Tennessee is $14.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.67 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a library staff?

Library staff are professionals who work in libraries to assist patrons, organize resources, and manage the daily operations of the library. Their duties can include helping people find books or information, checking materials in and out, maintaining the library's collection, planning programs and events, and ensuring a welcoming environment. Library staff may include librarians, library assistants, technicians, and support personnel, all working together to provide access to information and support literacy and learning in the community.

How do I get a job as a library staff?

To become library staff, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require a relevant associate's or bachelor's degree. Applying through local library websites or job boards, gaining experience with customer service, and developing skills in organization and communication can improve chances of employment.

What are some common challenges library staff face when serving diverse patron needs?

Library staff often encounter the challenge of addressing a wide range of patron needs, from assisting with technology and research to supporting non-English speakers and people of all ages. Balancing these responsibilities requires adaptability, strong communication skills, and cultural sensitivity. Additionally, staff must stay current with new library technologies and resources to provide effective support. Collaboration among team members is key to ensuring patrons receive the help they need in a welcoming environment.

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

To thrive as Library Staff, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in library science or relevant experience. Familiarity with library management systems, cataloging software, and digital databases is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving abilities help build positive interactions with patrons and colleagues. These skills ensure efficient library operations, high-quality service, and an engaging environment for community learning.

What is the difference between Library Staff vs Library Assistant?

AspectLibrary StaffLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a certificateHigh school diploma; on-the-job training often provided
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special libraries; customer service focusSimilar environments; assisting with cataloging, shelving, and patron support
Employer & Industry UsageLibraries, educational institutions, community centersLibraries, schools, universities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level library rolesEntry-level support position in libraries

Library Staff and Library Assistant roles share similar environments and often require comparable credentials. While Library Staff may encompass a broader range of duties, both positions focus on supporting library operations and assisting patrons. The main difference lies in specific responsibilities and sometimes certification requirements, with Library Staff typically having a slightly wider scope of duties.

Infographic showing various Library Staff job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,708 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

REFERENCE SERVICES MANAGER - JOHN P. HOLT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

City of Brentwood, TN

Brentwood, TN โ€ข On-site

$60K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Salary : $60,756.80 - $66,832.48 Annually
Location : 8109 Concord Road, Brentwood, TN
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 2026-33
Department: LIBRARY
Opening Date: 03/30/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Seeking candidates for Reference Services Manager at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library, Brentwood, TN
John P. Holt Brentwood Library
Starting salary: $60,756.80 - $66,832.48 depending on experience.
Up to 5% salary increase after successful completion of six-month probationary period.
Plus: Transportation Allowance of up to $2,000/year to be paid over 26 pay periods annually.
This position will remain open until filled.
The City of Brentwood seeks an experienced, service-minded library professional to join its team as Reference Services Manager for the John P. Holt Brentwood Library.
This is a key leadership role for someone who enjoys supervising staff, overseeing collections and services, supporting library programming, and helping shape the future of a public library. The Reference Services Manager plays an important role in daily operations while also contributing to strategic planning, community engagement, and high-quality public service.
The John P. Holt Brentwood Library provides access to over 165,000 books and other materials, including audiobooks, DVDs, music CDs, databases, and online resources. With a mission of being a vibrant and engaging community center for lifelong learning and the arts, the Library continues to be an important resource for the Brentwood community. Situated in a beautiful park setting and bordered by a walking trail and arboretum, the Library is widely known as one of the crown jewels of the City of Brentwood.
This position requires regular evening and weekend work based on library operations, programming, and staffing needs.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manage, supervise, schedule, and support Reference Department staff and daily operations.
  • Serve as the person in charge of the library as needed, including regular evening and weekend responsibilities.
  • Oversee adult and teen collections, databases, online resources, interlibrary loan, and related reference tools.
  • Monitor department budgets, usage statistics, and reports to support purchasing decisions, planning, and operations.
  • Help develop and coordinate programs, outreach, and services for adults, teens, families, schools, and community groups.
  • Provide high-quality public service by assisting patrons, supporting daily operations, and helping uphold library policies and procedures.

The ideal candidate:
  • Has demonstrated success leading library staff, managing priorities, and supporting high-quality public service.
  • Brings strong organizational and supervisory skills, with the ability to balance daily operations and long-term goals.
  • Communicates clearly and collaboratively with staff, patrons, and community partners.
  • Has experience with collections, databases, programming, and budget oversight in a public library setting.
  • Is adaptable, approachable, and professional, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and handle issues that arise in a busy public-facing environment.
  • Values lifelong learning and understands the library's role in enriching and connecting the community.

Minimum Training and Experience Required
Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program required, along with 3 to 5 years of management experience in a library setting and familiarity with technical services in a public library. Demonstrated problem-solving ability with desktop computers and experience managing a library software system required. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position may be considered.
(ADA) Minimum Qualifications or Standards to Perform Essential Job Functions
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines which includes a computer, printer, facsimile machine, copy machine, microform reader/printer, calculator, telephone, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. Must be able to exert up to fifty pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to twenty-five pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for sedentary to medium work.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, technical, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether like or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange administrative/technical information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures related to the job of Librarian II - Reference Services Manager. Requires the ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and a well-modulated voice.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand basic to complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to the job of Librarian II - Reference Services Manager.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information to supervisors and officials; to explain procedures and policies; and to follow verbal and written instructions, guidelines, and objectives.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; determine time and weight; and utilize statistical inference.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with office equipment.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using automated equipment.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DISCRIMINATION: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people (i.e., staff, supervisors, general public, and officials) beyond giving and receiving instructions such as in interpreting departmental policies and procedures. Must be adaptable to performing under minimum of stress when confronted with an emergency related to the job of Librarian II.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).
The City of Brentwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
The City of Brentwood offers a wide range of employee benefits. to read more.