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Public Library Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Director, Libraries

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$72K - $91K/yr

Provide budget updates and make recommendations to the dean and assistant dean. 10% Partnerships ... Actively engage with library deans and directors across the state, particularly those who lead TBR ...

... library resources, and development and alumni relations, each person contributes to an innovative ... and public leadership; * to encourage personal and spiritual formation; * to prepare agents of ...

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Public Library Assistant information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$16

$24

How much do public library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for public library assistant in Tennessee is $16.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a public library assistant do?

A Public Library Assistant helps patrons with finding and borrowing materials, answers questions about library services, and assists with using computers and other technology. They are responsible for checking books in and out, shelving returned items, and maintaining the organization of the library. Additionally, they may help prepare materials for library programs and ensure a welcoming environment for all visitors.

What would you do as a public library assistant?

A public library assistant helps patrons find and check out books and other materials, manages library resources, and maintains the organization of the collection. They may also assist with clerical tasks, answer questions, and support library programs, often using library management software. Good communication skills and attention to detail are important for this role.

What is the difference between Public Library Assistant vs Library Clerk?

AspectPublic Library AssistantLibrary Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer library experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training often provided
Work EnvironmentPublic library settings, assisting patrons, organizing materialsPublic or academic libraries, handling circulation and customer service
Employer & Industry UsagePublic libraries, community centersPublic and academic libraries, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonPublic Library Assistant vs Library Clerk

The Public Library Assistant and Library Clerk roles are similar, both working in library environments assisting patrons and managing materials. The main differences lie in job titles used by employers and slight variations in responsibilities. Both positions typically require a high school diploma and focus on customer service, organization, and support tasks within libraries.

What are some common challenges faced by public library assistants in managing patron needs during busy periods?

Public Library Assistants often encounter peak times when the library is bustling with visitors seeking assistance, technology support, or searching for resources. Managing multiple requests simultaneously while maintaining a welcoming and organized environment can be challenging. Developing strong multitasking, communication, and problem-solving skills is essential to effectively prioritize tasks and ensure patrons receive timely help. Teamwork is also important, as collaborating with librarians and other staff members helps distribute workloads and provide comprehensive service to the community.

What qualifications do you need to be a public library assistant?

Public library assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions may require previous customer service experience, familiarity with library systems or technology, and good communication skills. Certification is not usually required but can be beneficial for advancement.

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

To thrive as a Public Library Assistant, you typically need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library catalog systems, basic computer applications, and circulation software like Sierra or Koha is often required. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills help you effectively assist patrons and support daily library operations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient library services, positive patron experiences, and smooth workflow within the library environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Library jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Public Library jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Library Assistant jobs in Tennessee? For Public Library Assistant jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Library Assistant jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Public Library Assistant jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Public Library Assistant jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Public Library Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Public Library Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,269 per year, or $17 per hour.

$72K - $91K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Director, Libraries

Apply now Job no: 504442
Work type: Faculty Full-Time
Location: Knoxville
Categories: Faculty

Title: Director, Libraries

Department: Libraries

Classification:  3m Campus Mobile

Pay Rate: $72,930-$91,680/per year. Pay will be determined based on related work experience above required. To be considered in determining pay, all related work experience must be listed on the application.

Required Documents Needed to Upload at Time of Application: Resume, transcripts and three professional references.

Reference check requirements: Three (3) professional references, two (2) of which should be former or current supervisors and (1) professional reference.

Personal references (friends, clergy, customers, relatives) are not considered acceptable references.

A professional reference such as a previous or current co-worker may be used as one of the references.

Position Summary: Reporting to the dean of the School of Academic Advancement, the Director of Libraries will establish a shared vision that aligns with the larger vision for the College as detailed in the strategic plan and oversee progress towards its goals. This position is a member of the School of Academic Advancement's senior leadership team (which includes the directors of the Academic Testing Center, Academic Tutoring Center, and Exploratory Studies), and is responsible for providing strong leadership in the administration of the Pellissippi State Libraries, including personnel management, budget oversight, and all library operations.  The director is expected to provide effective advocacy both externally and across the College, to participate in policy development, and to promote initiatives within the College, the community, and with other institutions.

Essential Functions:

30% Administration and Planning

Lead the department's development of a strategic plan that aligns with the goals and values of the institution and oversee its progress. Oversee operations at each campus libraries; lead the planning for and assessment of the department's services, collections, and spaces; supervise the curation of collections as defined by the Libraries' Collection Development Policy; create, modify, assess, and cease departmental programs to meet the emerging needs of the college community; identify opportunities for improvement and make recommendations to the dean and assistant dean; recommend, administer, revise, and make exceptions to  policies and procedures as necessary; represent the dean as requested.

25% Personnel

Recruit, hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate faculty librarians. Assess and monitor workloads and internal reporting relationships; promote professional development opportunities; meet regularly with faculty librarians and staff to provide feedback and share information; assign projects. Administer performance evaluations and make recommendations for promotion and tenure.

15% Budget

Develop and administer the department's budget; approve expenditures for collections, services, technology lending, programming, temporary, part-time employees, travel and professional development, equipment, materials, and supplies. Provide budget updates and make recommendations to the dean and assistant dean.

10% Partnerships

Foster collaborative partnerships across the school, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and External Affairs to align academic and support services for students. Actively engage with library deans and directors across the state, particularly those who lead TBR libraries, to stay abreast of state-wide issues and trends and to share best practices. Identify community partners with whom the Libraries can offer services and/or programming.

10% Committee Service

Participate in departmental, college, state, regional, and national committees and projects and in departmental meetings and activities as assigned.

8% Facilities Oversight

Monitor space and building conditions at each campus libraries to ensure compliance with safety and accessibility standards; lead the Libraries' participation in space planning, renovation, and building projects; oversee large-scale space or building projects in coordination with the college's Facilities department; approve requests and coordinate after-hours access to library spaces with Facilities and Campus Police; collaborate with Campus Police to ensure the safety or public and staff areas; oversee the quality of furnishings and make recommendations for purchase or replacement; collaborate with Information Technology to provide technology-enhanced spaces; follow up with Facilities to address cleanliness issues and outstanding work orders.

2% Professional Development

Attend and participate in professional group meetings, stay informed of new trends and innovations in the field, and make contributions to professional literature.

As needed

Instruction, Reference, Collection Development

Participate in performing library services activities, including reference desk services, library and research instruction, and collection development activities only as needed.

As needed

Other duties as assigned to fulfill the strategic priorities and mission of the College.

Job Requirements:

Required:

ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS/MIS and supervision/management experience in higher education.

Minimum qualifications include an MLS/MLIS/MIS degree from an ALA-accredited program at time of appointment and the ability to meet college criteria for a tenure-track position. At least 5 years of academic library experience with at least 2 years of management and/or supervisory experience.

Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% credit of full-time work experience.

The College reserves the right to assign every employee work that fulfills the strategic priorities and mission of the College.   

Skills/Abilities:

  • Demonstrated commitment to user-centered services, collections, and spaces.
  • Coordination of the work of faculty (or institutional equivalent), and staff.
  • Management of complex projects while balancing competing priorities and meeting deadlines.
  • Establishment of effective partnerships.
  • Design, implementation, and assessment of services.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks effectively, and track progress against strategic objectives.
  • Capable of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Proficient in monitoring budget expenditures, forecasting needs, and identifying potential cost efficiencies to support the dean's financial planning.
  • Strong understanding of student needs and barriers to success, especially for the community college population.
  • Experienced in overseeing day-to-day administrative functions, including workflow management, process improvement, and scheduling to ensure department efficiency.
  • Tolerance for ambiguity and managing expectations.
  • Provision of research and instructional services and collection development.
  • Able to engage in the college's mission and values.

.

Physical Demands: 

  • Requires stamina for extended work hours. 
  • Requires the ability to receive and process verbal communication during meetings and interactions.
  • Requires the ability to review and interpret electronic and printed information, including written documents and numerical data.
  • Requires extended screen time, walking, sitting, and occasional travel.
  • Requires working in a standard office environment with fluorescent lighting, office furniture, central heating, and air conditioning. 

Hazards:

The work environment presents minimal risk of injury or illness; however, as a public-facing position, there is potential for interactions involving disruptive or volatile behavior.

Full-time Employment Benefits:

  • Insurance Options: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short/Long-term Disability, FSA/HSA 
  • Wellness Incentive Program, if enrolled in health plan
  • Educational Assistance: Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent discounts, Audit/Non-Credit, Reimbursement Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Retirement Options: Tennessee traditional pension plan option (TCRS), 401k with $100 company match, 457, 403b
  • Employee Discount program with over 900+ companies
  • 14 Paid Holidays/Year Includes paid days off the last week of December
  • Sick Leave Bank
  • Longevity Pay
  • Many opportunities for professional development

Special Instructions to Applicants: To be considered for a position at Pellissippi State, you must create an on-line application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using only what is recorded on your application. Work experience that is not listed on the application will not be considered towards compensation. Please note: attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form. Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. Please note: to scan, upload, or attach documents, a computer and scanner are available at the Hardin Valley Campus Educational Resources Center, if needed.

Pellissippi State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, disability, age (40+), status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies concerning all employment and education programs and activities. View the nondiscrimination policy. For questions or concerns, please contact George Underwood at gtunderwood@pstcc.edu or 865-539-7354.

If you have any problems or questions please contact Human Resources at Pellissippi State Community College's Human Resource Office at 865-694-6607 or by email at recruiting@pstcc.edu.

If you are interested in this position, click on Apply located below or Apply Now in the upper right-hand corner. 

#mrp

Advertised: 23 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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