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Public Library Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Larkspur CA

Library Assistant

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$26.83 - $35.96/hr

  • Dental

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There are no direct reports. Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Include but ... Knowledge of basic computer systems, public access terminals, and library collection management ...

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Public Library Director information

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$39K

$97.9K

$172.7K

How much do public library director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for public library director in California is $97,946.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $125,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a public library director typically collaborate with local government and community organizations?

A Public Library Director frequently works with local government officials, such as city councils and county boards, to secure funding and advocate for library initiatives. They also partner with community organizations, schools, and nonprofits to develop programs that address local needs and promote literacy and lifelong learning. Building and maintaining these relationships is essential for expanding resources, increasing library visibility, and ensuring the library remains responsive to its community. These collaborations often involve attending meetings, joint event planning, and regular communication to align goals and share resources.

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

A public library director typically needs a master's degree in library science or information science from an ALA-accredited program. Relevant experience in library management, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of library operations and community engagement are also important qualifications.

What does a public library director do?

A Public Library Director oversees the operations and management of a public library or library system. Their responsibilities include developing library policies, managing staff, preparing budgets, and ensuring the library meets the needs of the community. Directors also collaborate with local government, plan programs and services, and advocate for library funding. They play a key leadership role in promoting literacy, access to information, and community engagement through library resources.

How much does a public library director make?

The average salary for a public library director in Ohio is approximately $70,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on the size of the library and experience level. Salaries can vary based on location, budget, and additional responsibilities such as staff management and community outreach.

What is the difference between Public Library Director vs Public Librarian?

AspectPublic Library DirectorPublic Librarian
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent, leadership experienceMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent, library certification
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, overseeing staff and operationsPublic service desks, assisting patrons, managing collections
Employer & Industry UsagePublic libraries, government agenciesPublic libraries, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on leadership, management, and strategic planningFocuses on daily patron services, collection management

The main difference between a Public Library Director and a Public Librarian lies in their roles. The Director handles administrative leadership, strategic planning, and staff management, requiring advanced degrees and experience. The Librarian primarily provides direct patron services, manages collections, and assists visitors. Both roles require a Master’s in Library Science, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Public Library Director, you need strong leadership, management, and budgeting skills, typically supported by a master's degree in library science (MLS/MLIS) and several years of library experience. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital resource platforms, and collection management tools is essential. Excellent communication, community engagement, and problem-solving abilities help foster positive relationships with staff, patrons, and local stakeholders. These skills ensure the effective operation, strategic growth, and community relevance of the library.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Library jobs in California?

The most popular types of Public Library jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Library Director jobs in California?

For Public Library Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Library Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Library Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Public Library Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Public Library Director job openings:

Public Library Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Library Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,946 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Associate Director for Law Library Services

Chapman University

Orange, CA • On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Associate Director for Law Library Services
Position Type
Regular
Job Number
SA87724
Full or Part Time
full-time 40 hours weekly
Fair Labor Standard Act Classification
Exempt
Anticipated Pay Range
$105,000-$130,000
Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Reporting to the Law Library Director, the Associate Director for Law Library Services provides strategic leadership for public services, assessment activities, and instructional programs. The Associate Director supervises and coordinates the functions of the public services department, teaches legal research, advances innovative library services and technologies, and participates in library administration. The Associate Director plays a prominent role in outreach and promotion of library services to the law school community, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, collaboration, and professional development. This position supervises librarians and staff, mentors emerging library professionals, and manages complex projects in accordance with the goals of the law school and law library.
Responsibilities
Oversee, supervise, and coordinate functions of the public services department, including reference, research, instruction, circulation and user experience services.
  • Develop, assess, and enhance the effectiveness, quality, and impact of law library programs and services, including public service points.
  • Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate public services librarians and staff, supporting growth and leadership development.
  • Coordinate promotion of library programs, resources, and services to the law school community.
  • Lead the implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of library technologies, digital services, and user-centered solutions.
  • Analyze service trends, usage data, and user feedback to inform decision-making and improve service delivery.
  • Foster a culture of innovation by identifying, evaluating, and implementing emerging technologies and best practices that enhance teaching, research, and access to information.

Supervise and provide in-depth research services for faculty and high level reference assistance to library users.
  • Oversee, mentor, and support research projects undertaken by research librarians.
  • Conduct detailed, thorough research for faculty requiring substantive legal analysis.
  • Prepare written analysis and documentation to support faculty research, teaching, and scholarship.
  • Create and maintain research guides, bibliographic tools, and digital learning resources in a variety of formats.
  • valuate and promote emerging legal research platforms, technologies, and methodologies that enhance research effectiveness.

Assist the Law Library Director with administration, strategic initiatives, and organizational assessment.
  • Evaluate, develop, and implement library policies, procedures, and services to optimize effectiveness, efficiency, and access to library resources.
  • Participate in strategic planning for the growth, development innovation, and long-term sustainability of the library.
  • Establish and support assessment initiatives that measure library services, programs, technologies, and user outcomes.
  • Enhance library relationships with the law school, University, alumni, professional organizations, and external partners.
  • Lead and manage strategic projects and organizational change initiatives as assigned.
  • In the absence of the Law Library Director, assume responsibility for library operations.

Provide research instruction and educational leadership for the law school community in collaboration with other law librarians.
  • Teach legal research in a variety of settings, including the first year curriculum, Advanced Legal Research courses, and in specialized workshops.
  • Teach specialized research to groups and individuals.
  • Collaborate with librarians and faculty to develop innovative instructional content, learning materials, and assessment tools.
  • Integrate technology, instructional design principles, and emerging research tools into teaching and learning activities.
  • Assess student learning outcomes and instructional effectiveness to continuously improve legal research education.

Participate in collection development and resource management activities.
  • Collaborate with librarians in collection analysis, assessment, and evaluation to select materials that support the curriculum and faculty research interests within budget parameters.
  • Assist with collection development, resource review, and collection management projects.
  • Evaluate usage patterns, emerging formats, and technological developments to inform collection and resource decisions.
  • Support innovation in resource discovery, access, and delivery to enhance the user experience.

Required Qualifications
  • JD from an ABA accredited institution.
  • MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution or an equivalent relevant advanced degree in information science, library science, knowledge management, education, or a related field.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in an academic law library or comparable legal information environment.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory and management experience, including responsibility for personnel development, performance management, project leadership, and operational oversight.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of legal research methodologies, legal information resources, and emerging research technologies across print and digital environments.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and delivering legal research instruction, instructional materials, and learning assessments for diverse audiences.
  • Experience supervising or collaborating on library technology, systems, digital services, or technology-enabled service initiatives.
  • Knowledge of assessment practices, data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making in libraries, higher education, or related organizations.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, strategic initiatives, and complex projects from planning through implementation and evaluation.
  • Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, make informed decisions, and independently manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
  • Strong leadership, mentoring, coaching, and team development skills, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture.
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with faculty, students, administrators, staff, vendors, and external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate complex information effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to develop practical recommendations and implement innovative solutions.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality as necessary and to demonstrate professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and excellent judgment in a variety of situations.
  • Experience using library technologies, integrated library systems, legal research platforms, learning management systems, productivity tools, and other enterprise applications.
  • Ability to learn, interpret, and apply university policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • Demonstrated commitment to service excellence, continuous improvement, innovation, and user-centered library services.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professionalism, discretion, diplomacy, and ethical judgment in all aspects of work.

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience managing public services, reference, research, instructional services, or access services in an academic law library.
  • Experience leading library assessment programs, strategic planning initiatives, or organizational effectiveness efforts.
  • Experience implementing or evaluating emerging technologies, artificial intelligence tools, legal technology platforms, or digital scholarship initiatives.
  • Experience developing partnerships with academic departments, university units, professional organizations, or community stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated success mentoring librarians and supporting career development and leadership growth.
  • Teaching experience in legal research, advanced legal research, or related law school curriculum.

Special Instructions to Applicants
At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
Minimum Number of References
3
Maximum Number of References
5

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