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Local Library Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

NY History

Reference Librarian

New York, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

... library and institutional initiatives and projects; and will engage in other duties as assigned. This is a full-time position under the collective bargaining agreement with UAW, Local 2110 union ...

The New York Historical

Reference Librarian

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

... library and institutional initiatives and projects; and will engage in other duties as assigned. This is a full-time position under the collective bargaining agreement with UAW, Local 2110 union ...

Brooklynpubliclibrary

Children's Librarian

New York, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

Acts as an advocate for children and their educational and social needs within the library and engages in work with schools, childcare centers and other local agencies that work with children ...

JBI Library

Operations Administrator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Salary: $43,500 - $50,000 About Us Founded in 1931, JBI Library is a nonprofit organization that ... their local Jewish communityindependently and with dignity. Role Overview The Operations ...

Brooklynpubliclibrary

Young Adult Librarian

Jamaica, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

Acts as an advocate for young adults and their educational and social needs within the library and engages in work with schools, and other local agencies that work with young adults * Serves on ...

Urology Alliance

Urologist

Plainview, NY

... local library-centered cultural programming. * Strategic Stability: Situated with direct access to the Long Island Expressway and Northern State Parkway, Plainview offers the economic resilience of a ...

Urology Alliance

Urologist

Plainview, NY

... local library-centered cultural programming. * Strategic Stability: Situated with direct access to the Long Island Expressway and Northern State Parkway, Plainview offers the economic resilience of a ...

Marotta Controls, Inc.

ECAD Librarian

Parsippany, NJ · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Develop, implement, maintain, and document library standards and best practices. * Assess new ... local government contracts. At Marotta Controls, we are committed to a fair, performance-driven ...

Queens Public Library

Data Analyst

Queens, NY · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

... and Local reports and data summaries. Assists in survey development, analysis of findings, evaluation frameworks, and research on best practices of other library systems. Data Presentation ...

New York City Ballet

Music Librarian

Manhattan, NY · On-site

... Local 802 collective bargaining agreement. The hours of work will vary according to performance ... Formal education in classical music and previous music library experience, including practical ...

The New York Public Library

Chief Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library Reporting To: Stephen Vellon Compensation: $100,000 - $110,000 ... Ensure compliance with safety procedures and local ordinances Required Education, Experience ...

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Local Library information

See New York salary details

$33.9K

$71.3K

$112.1K

How much do local library jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for local library in New York is $71,324.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $82,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are local libraries?

Local libraries are community-based institutions that provide access to a wide range of books, digital resources, and other educational materials. They offer services such as lending books, providing internet access, hosting events, and supporting literacy and lifelong learning for people of all ages. Local libraries are typically funded by local government and are free or low-cost to use, making them an important resource for education and community engagement.

How to get a job in local library?

To get a job in a local library, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require a relevant degree or library science certification. Applying through the library's official website or in person, demonstrating good organizational and communication skills, and volunteering can improve chances of employment. Positions may include librarian, library assistant, or clerk, each with specific qualification requirements.

How difficult is it to get a job as a librarian?

Getting a job as a librarian typically requires a master's degree in library science or information studies and relevant experience. Competition can be moderate, and strong organizational, research, and technology skills improve chances of employment in libraries or information centers.

What is the difference between Local Library vs Public Librarian?

AspectLocal LibraryPublic Librarian
CredentialsLibrary degree or certificationLibrary degree or certification
Work EnvironmentCommunity libraries, schools, or private institutionsPublic libraries, community centers
Employer & IndustryLocal government, educational institutionsMunicipal government, public sector
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding library roles, services, or locationsCareer info, job roles, or qualifications in public libraries

While both roles involve working in libraries, a Local Library refers to the physical library location or institution, whereas a Public Librarian is a professional who manages library services in public libraries. The Public Librarian typically holds similar credentials but focuses on providing community services, programs, and information access.

Can you get hired at a library with no experience?

Library positions such as library assistants or clerks often do not require prior experience, though strong communication skills and a willingness to learn are important. Entry-level roles may provide on-the-job training, making it possible to get hired without previous experience in a library setting.

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

To excel as a Local Librarian, you need a solid understanding of information management, cataloging, and library science, often backed by a degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital databases, and cataloging tools like MARC is typically required. Outstanding customer service, communication, and organizational skills help librarians engage with patrons and support diverse community needs. These combined skills ensure efficient resource management, improved access to information, and a welcoming environment for all library users.

Can you work at a library without being a librarian?

Yes, many library jobs do not require a librarian certification and include roles such as library assistants, clerks, or technicians. These positions often involve tasks like shelving, checking out materials, and helping patrons, and may require customer service skills and familiarity with library systems. Certification is typically not necessary for these support roles.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in a local library, and how can they be addressed?

Staff working in a local library often face challenges such as managing a diverse patron base, adapting to new technologies, and balancing multiple responsibilities like customer service, cataloging, and event coordination. Addressing these challenges involves strong communication skills, ongoing professional development, and collaboration with colleagues to share best practices. Many libraries also offer training sessions and encourage teamwork to create a supportive environment and ensure staff can effectively meet community needs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in New York? The most popular types of Library jobs in New York are:
What are popular job titles related to Local Library jobs in New York? For Local Library jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Local Library jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Local Library jobs in New York are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Local Library jobs? Cities in New York with the most Local Library job openings:
Local Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Local Library job openings in New York as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Part Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,324 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Reference Librarian

NY History

New York, NY • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: Reference Librarian
DEPARTMENT: Library
REPORTS TO: Director of Library Curatorial Affairs & Research
ABOUT THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL
New York's first museum, The New York Historical is a leading cultural institution documenting over 400 years of American history through a peerless collection of art, documents, and artifacts. Our offerings span groundbreaking exhibitions; acclaimed educational programs for teachers and students nationwide; and thought-provoking conversations among leading scholars, journalists, and thinkers about the past, present, and future of the American experiment. The New York Historical is a museum of museums and a collection of collections. We are home to the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, the Center for Women's History, the Reiss Family Graduate Institute for Constitutional History, the Dorothy Tapper Goldman Center for Teaching Democracy, the DiMenna Children's History Museum, and the future American LGBTQ+ Museum. We elevate the perspectives and scholarship that define the United States' democratic heritage and challenge us all to shape our ongoing history for the better.
The Patricia D. Klingenstein Library at the New York Historical is one of the oldest independent research libraries in the United States. Its extensive collections, dating from the sixteenth century to the present, offer unique insights into the history of New York and the nation. Researchers access the Library's manuscripts and archival collections; books, newspapers, maps, and broadsides; prints, photographs, and architectural drawings, onsite and remotely.
JOB SUMMARY
Working in a collaborative, team environment, the Reference Librarian provides in-depth assistance onsite and remotely to The New York Historical staff, research fellows, and external researchers: conducts virtual reference interviews and sets up research appointments; retrieves, tracks, and reshelves collections. The Reference Librarian also introduces groups to the library's collections and services through presentations and classes; describes and promotes collections through blog posts, social media, and small displays in the reading room; works closely with colleagues in the education, communications, and curatorial departments; contributes to library and institutional initiatives and projects; and will engage in other duties as assigned. This is a full-time position under the collective bargaining agreement with UAW, Local 2110 union position; candidates must belong to union or be willing to join.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
  • Provides in-depth research assistance on-site and remotely to New York Historical staff, research fellows, external researchers, and visiting groups;
  • Conducts reference interviews and sets up research appointments;
  • Retrieves, tracks, and reshelves collections;
  • Introduces groups to the library's collections and services through presentations and classes;
  • Describes and promotes collections through blog posts, social media, and small displays in the reading room;
  • Works closely with colleagues in the education, communications, and curatorial departments;
  • Contributes to library and institutional initiatives and projects;
  • Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS
  • M.L.S. from an A.L.A.-accredited program required; B.A. in the humanities preferred;
  • At least two years working in a busy reference setting with multiple responsibilities;
  • Ability to gracefully adapt and be flexible in a rapidly changing, service-oriented environment;
  • Commitment to library public service, including a keen interest in promoting the use and appreciation of special collections to the widest possible audience;
  • Enthusiastic embrace of presenting to groups;
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively on projects and initiatives;
  • Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Knowledge of emerging technologies and other trends in the field;
  • Experience working with Atlas System's Aeon or similar collections tracking software preferred
  • Basic knowledge of New York and American history preferred;
  • Previous work in a special collections library preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee with or without accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
The employee will retrieve, transport, and re-shelve library collections of varying size and weight, alone and in conjunction with co-workers. Library carts and special carriers are used to transport all collections except for small and lightweight items which are carried by hand. The employee will walk and climbs steps throughout the day.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The expected salary for this position is $70,063.47 per year. Pay and benefits for this position are governed by the collective bargaining agreement between The New York Historical and UAW, Local 2110.
The New York Historical provides a generous benefits package for eligible employees to support their health and wellbeing, which includes:
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick and personal days, and holidays observed by the Museum;
  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance;
  • Short and long-term disability coverage options;
  • 403(b) retirement plan with eligibility for employer contributions following one year of full-time service;
  • Flexible spending accounts for health-related expenses, dependent care, and parking and transit expenses;
  • Employee Assistance Program for all employees and their families;
  • 20% discount at the NYHistory Store, Café Clara and Clara restaurant, located within the Museum;
  • Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions across the city.

The New York Historical is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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