ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Public Librarian Certification Jobs (NOW HIRING)

County of Chester

Librarian II

West Chester, PA · On-site

$55K/yr

One year of cataloging experience at a public library. PA Professional Librarian Certification. Sufficient general knowledge to be able to catalog materials in a broad range of subject areas General ...

Brooklynpubliclibrary

S. from an ALA-accredited library school and be qualified for a Public Librarian's Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York. They must have a minimum of seven years of demonstrated ...

Jackson County (NC)

Library Branch Manager

Sylva, NC

$43K/yr

North Carolina Public Librarian Certification desirable. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of public library principles and practices. Thorough knowledge of library circulation ...

Jackson County, NC

Library Branch Manager

Sylva, NC · On-site

$43K/yr

North Carolina Public Librarian Certification desirable. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Thorough knowledge of public library principles and practices. * Thorough knowledge of library circulation ...

Jackson County, NC

Assistant Library Director

Sylva, NC · On-site

$47K/yr

North Carolina Public Librarian Certification desirable. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Thorough knowledge of public library principles and practices. * Thorough knowledge of library circulation ...

The New York Public Library

$55K/yr

Public Librarian's Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York Required Skills * Strong commitment to public service and the ability to work well with a diverse patronage * Experience ...

Brooklynpubliclibrary

Children's Librarian

Ryder, ND

$70K/yr

Public Librarian's Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York, required * General experience working with the public and diverse communities * Excellent customer relations and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPublic Librarian Certification Jobs

Public Librarian Certification information

See salary details

$30.5K

$64.2K

$102K

How much do public librarian certification jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for public librarian certification in the United States is $64,190.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are public librarians still in demand?

Public librarians are still in demand as communities continue to value access to information, literacy programs, and digital resources. Employment opportunities often require a master's degree in library science and relevant certifications, with job growth expected to be steady due to ongoing community needs and technological advancements.

What is public librarian certification?

Public Librarian Certification is a formal credential that verifies an individual has met specific educational and professional requirements to work as a public librarian. Requirements for certification often vary by state or country but typically include a master's degree in library science from an accredited program and sometimes additional coursework or examinations. Certification ensures that librarians possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality library services to the public. Maintaining certification may require ongoing professional development or continuing education. This process helps uphold high standards in library service and administration.

What is the difference between Public Librarian Certification vs Library Assistant Certification?

AspectPublic Librarian CertificationLibrary Assistant Certification
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS), certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent, optional certification
Work EnvironmentPublic libraries, educational institutionsPublic, school, or special libraries
Employer & Industry UsagePublic library systems, government agenciesLibraries, schools, community centers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding certification requirements for librariansEntry-level library roles, certification options

Public Librarian Certification typically requires a master's degree in Library Science and is necessary for professional librarian roles in public libraries. Library Assistant Certification is often optional or based on specific library policies, suitable for entry-level positions. The certifications differ mainly in educational requirements and job responsibilities, with public librarian certification focusing on advanced skills and management, while library assistant roles support daily library operations.

What qualifications do you need to work at a public library?

Public librarians typically need a master's degree in library science (MLS) or library and information science (MLIS) from an American Library Association-accredited program. Relevant skills include strong communication, organization, and computer proficiency, and some positions may require certification or state licensure depending on local regulations.

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

To thrive as a Public Librarian, you need a master's degree in library science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program, strong organizational abilities, and a solid understanding of information management. Familiarity with library cataloging systems, digital databases, and relevant certifications such as state librarian certification is typically required. Excellent communication, customer service, and community engagement skills set exceptional librarians apart. These competencies are crucial for providing valuable information services, fostering community connections, and ensuring efficient library operations.

What are some common challenges faced by public librarians after obtaining certification, and how can new professionals prepare for them?

After obtaining Public Librarian Certification, new professionals often encounter challenges such as managing diverse patron needs, staying current with evolving technology, and balancing multiple responsibilities like programming, reference services, and community outreach. Building strong communication and time management skills, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, and participating in ongoing professional development can help new librarians navigate these challenges successfully. Engaging with local and national library associations is also beneficial for networking and staying informed about industry trends.
More about Public Librarian Certification jobs
What states have the most Public Librarian Certification jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Librarian Certification jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Librarian Certification jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Librarian Certification jobs are:
Public Librarian Certification jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Librarian Certification job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,190 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Senior Librarian - Teens Department

Allen County Public Library

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$49K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Allen County Public Library (Indiana) rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Inspire. Connect. Empower.
The Allen County Public Library is seeking a passionate, creative, and community-focused Senior Teen Librarian to lead engaging library services for teens in grades 7-12. If you believe libraries can be life-changing spaces for young people, enjoy building meaningful relationships, and thrive on creating innovative programs and collections, we'd love to meet you.
In this role, you'll combine your expertise in librarianship with your understanding of adolescent development to connect teens with books, technology, information, and experiences that help them learn, grow, and discover their potential. You'll collaborate with schools, community organizations, families, and colleagues to ensure the library remains an essential resource for young adults throughout Allen County.
What You'll Do
As our Senior Teen Librarian, you will:
  • Deliver exceptional customer service to teens, their families, educators, and caregivers while creating an inclusive, welcoming environment.
  • Build meaningful relationships with teen patrons by applying current research and best practices in adolescent development.
  • Provide readers' advisory, reference, and research assistance tailored to the unique interests and needs of young adults.
  • Provide leadership within the department by serving as a role model for staff, demonstrating excellence in public service, supporting and mentoring colleagues, sharing expertise, and helping foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team environment.
  • Design, present, and evaluate innovative programs, classes, tours, book discussions, and special events for teens.
  • Teach research skills and information literacy to individuals and groups.
  • Represent the library through outreach visits to schools, juvenile correctional facilities, and other community organizations, serving as a trusted educational partner.
  • Promote library services by participating in school and community events.
  • Assist with developing and maintaining a dynamic teen collection by recommending new materials, identifying items for withdrawal, and monitoring collection needs.
  • Create engaging displays, resource guides, and promotional materials that encourage discovery and circulation.
  • Help patrons confidently use library technology, including computers, mobile devices, software, databases, wireless printing, and other digital resources.
  • Stay current with emerging trends in teen librarianship through professional development, conferences, professional organizations, and continuing education.
  • Foster a collaborative, respectful workplace that reflects the Library's commitment to exceptional public service.
What You'll Bring
Required Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution.
  • Must possess, or be eligible to obtain, a State of Indiana Public Librarian Certification upon hire
  • At least one (1) year of professional library experience.
  • Two (2) years of experience planning and delivering teen programming or educational programming for adolescents; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge of:
  • Principles and practices of professional librarianship.
  • Reference services, readers' advisory, and information literacy instruction.
  • Collection development and evaluation practices.
  • Current literature, authors, publishing trends, and resources for teens.
  • Current research, service models, library trends, and best practices in teen services and adolescent librarianship.
  • Adolescent development and strategies for creating engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
  • Educational technology, online databases, digital resources, and emerging technologies.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organization, planning, and project management abilities.
  • The ability to build positive relationships with teens, families, educators, community partners, and colleagues.
  • The ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a collaborative team.
Benefits
  • We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:
    • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (starts on day 1)
    • Library-paid pension plan (PERF)
    • Generous PTO (4 weeks vacation + 2 weeks sick leave accrual)
    • Wellness Bonus
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Possible relocation assistance
Why Allen County Public Library?
At ACPL, we believe libraries change lives. Our team is dedicated to creating welcoming spaces where every member of our community can learn, explore, and belong. As a Senior Teen Librarian, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on young people during one of the most important stages of their lives while working alongside passionate colleagues who value innovation, inclusion, literacy, lifelong learning, teamwork, integrity, and people-first service.
If you're excited about empowering the next generation through books, technology, creativity, and community connections, we encourage you to apply.

What Allen County Public Library (Indiana) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply