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Public Librarian Certification Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

$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 ...

$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 ...

$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 ...

$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 ...

Library Specialist

Omaha, NE · On-site

$22.95/hr

Must register for Nebraska Public Librarian Certification through the Nebraska Library Commission within 30 days of the hiring date. Must complete necessary continuing education requirements to keep ...

$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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 23, 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.

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 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.

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 experience in specific areas such as youth services or technical support.
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:

Infographic showing various Public Librarian Certification job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,190 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Young Adult Librarian - Parkchester Library

The New York Public Library

Bronx, NY • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


New York Public Library rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Young Adult Librarian - Parkchester Library
Department: Branch Libraries
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Parkchester Library
Reporting To: Arianna Gonzalez
Compensation: $70,393 / year
Description
Overview
The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for more than 100 years. NYPL's neighborhood libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island-many of which date to Andrew Carnegie's visionary philanthropy at the turn of the 20th century-are being transformed into true centers of educational innovation and service, and vital community hubs that provide far more than just free books and materials.
The Library is seeking Young Adult Librarians to empower young adults ages 12-18 to become creative thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and resourceful users of information. Successful candidates will embody each of these four characteristics themselves.
Key Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Library Manager, the Young Adult Librarian:
  • Provides reference service and resource recommendations using print, media and digital resources
  • Collaborates with the Youth Educational Services Department to develop, promote facilitate, and evaluate innovative programs to meet the expressed and anticipated needs of the community's young adult population including reading clubs, homework help, instructional workshops, STEM and literacy programs, gaming, summer reading events, maker programs and a variety of other programs both in the Library and throughout the community
  • Partners with the collection development team to build and maintain the Young Adult collection ensuring it is diverse, current, and relevant and meets the needs of the community
  • Works to engage young adults with the collection in ways that allow them to follow their interests and discover new ones
  • Conducts outreach to and develops partnerships with community based organizations, schools and local businesses to promote the library's services (e.g. MyLibraryNYC, the Library's partnership with NYC schools), programs and collections with a focus on young adults
  • Encourages digital literacy and provides age-appropriate technology instruction to young adults
  • Develops and maintains the layout and appearance of the young adult space, ensuring a safe and inviting area filled with relevant resources
  • Facilitates the work and activities of teen volunteers and teen advisory councils
  • Develops and maintains content for social media platforms such as Library blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest
  • Mentors library staff in preparing and presenting young adult programs
  • Assists with circulation, fines & fees management, reserves and opening/closing procedures
  • May take responsibility for the facility, staff and operations in the absence of the Library Manager
  • Maintains a working knowledge of trends in young adult literature, educational and development needs, youth services and the profession through webinars, internal training, meetings, conferences, professional literature and organizational memberships
  • Performs related duties as required

Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Experience
  • ALA accredited Master's degree in Library and Information Studies
  • 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 creating and conducting a variety of innovative programs for Young Adults
  • Knowledge and appreciation of Young Adult literature, audiovisual materials, computer resources, and other materials that constitute a balanced, relevant youth collection
  • Experience developing, maintaining and marketing Young Adult collections
  • Experience building partnerships with local organizations and schools to better meet the needs of community users
  • Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
  • Successfully demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
  • Strong organization and planning skills, including the ability to perform multiple projects or tasks simultaneously
  • Strong computer and other related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google applications, PCs, Macs and e-reader devices
  • Demonstrated knowledge of computer services including online searching, social media, reference resources and databases

Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of emerging library technologies, service and programming trends for young adults in urban public libraries preferred

More...
Core ValuesAll team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
  • Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
  • Be Resourceful in solving problems
  • Be Curious in all aspects of your work
  • Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment
  • Public service library

Physical Duties
  • Light lifting/moving required
  • Remain in stationary positions for periods of time
  • Daily use of a computer

Physical Required?
No
Union
Local 1930
FLSANon-Exempt
Schedule
  • 35 hours per week to be scheduled during regular branch hours

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).

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About New York Public Library

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations--including research and branch libraries--throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.

Industry

Libraries and archives

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1895