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Public Library Director Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Circulation Supervisor

Muskego, WI · On-site

$60K - $78K/yr

The Circulation Supervisor position is a non-exempt, supervisory position and reports directly to the Library Director. The ideal candidate would have excellent public facing skills along with an ...

The Circulation Supervisor position is a non-exempt, supervisory position and reports directly to the Library Director. The ideal candidate would have excellent public facing skills along with an ...

Library Aide

Plymouth, WI · On-site

$15/hr

Performs other related work as assigned by the Library Director. Qualifications * Ability to ... public, peers, and supervisors. * Ability to work in a defined space and stand for periods of time.

Perform public relations duties, including interpreting library policies, responding to patron ... Coordinate work assignments and supervise the work of volunteers as directed. Used budgeted funds ...

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Public Library Director information

See Wisconsin salary details

$39.9K

$100.2K

$176.6K

How much do public library director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for public library director in Wisconsin is $100,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $128,200.00 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 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.

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 Wisconsin? The most popular types of Public Library jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Library Director jobs in Wisconsin? For Public Library Director jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Library Director jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Public Library Director jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Public Library Director jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Public Library Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Public Library Director job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,174 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Library Circulation Supervisor

City of Monona, WI

Nichols, WI • On-site

$63K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Salary: $63,300.00 Annually
Location : Monona Public Library, 1000 Nichols Rd., Monona, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00505
Department: Library
Opening Date: 07/22/2026
Closing Date: 8/5/2026 11:59 PM Central
Description and Terms of Employment
Under general supervision of the Library Director, the Circulation Supervisor manages the circulation department and serves patrons directly. The essential duties listed below are representative of those carried out by the circulation supervisor. Other tasks may be assigned if they are of a similar nature. All library employees must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends. The library's mission statement is "The Monona Public Library enriches lives by building community connections, fostering imagination, and opening up a world of ideas." We welcome all who will help us achieve this for anyone who interacts with the library.
Duties and Responsibilities
The following essential duties are representative of those carried out by the circulation supervisor. Other tasks may be assigned if they are of a similar nature.
  1. Supervises on a daily basis a staff of 12-15 part-time employees, ensuring a rewarding job experience and that staff work efficiently and to the best of their abilities.
    • Participates in employee hiring, annual reviews, and, in consultation with the library director, resolve disciplinary issues that may arise.
    • Prepares weekly staff work schedule, schedules vacations, deals with unforeseen absences, and related scheduling issues.
    • Delegates circulation responsibilities to staff members as appropriate.
    • Participates in staff coaching and development, providing advice to staff and assisting in problem solving; ensures staff have opportunity to take advantage of continuing education opportunities.
  2. Manages the circulation department, supervising transactions involving 250,000+ items and more than 120,000 patrons annually.
    • Develops procedures for the orderly operation of the department; manages the workflow of the department for maximum efficiency and customer service.
    • Manages the flow of material out of the building and back to the shelf; assures proper transfer of hold items, identification of damaged material, and other issues related to process and quality control.
    • Coordinates delinquent account procedures.
    • Coordinates running and handling of issues from item and account management reports provided by South Central Library System (SCLS).
  3. Responsible for maintaining a high degree of customer satisfaction from the checkout desk.
    • Identifies aspects of good customer service; communicates best practices; monitors staff actions.
    • Resolves elevated customer concerns regarding overdue or lost materials, fines, claims returned, circulation policies and related issues.
  4. Miscellaneous
    • Staffs the service desk as required.
    • Prepares administrative reports as requested, including contributions to the monthly board report.
    • Maintains a high level of professional development by participating in continuing education activities.

Qualifications
  • 3-5 years of library experience on library desk and circulation
  • Supervisory and managerial experience desirable

Knowledge and Abilities
  1. Ability to perform effectively as a team leader, coordinating the activities of several staff members.
  2. Working knowledge of an integrated library system (ILS), preferably in a public library setting
  3. Ability to work independently and solve work-related problems.
  4. Ability to train new staff and assist existing staff in adapting to new procedures or learning to use new equipment and technology.
  5. Ability to explain and promote library services and to work with diverse individuals and community groups.
  6. Ability to work cooperatively as part of a management team and to work closely with other departments of the library.
  7. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with both the public and fellow staff.
  8. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and establish positive, mutually supportive working relationships with other staff.
  9. Knowledge of new concepts and technological advances and ability to relate them to public services.
  10. Ability to act as person-in-charge.
  11. Ability to use good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.

Minimum Physical Abilities:
  1. Ability to frequently move among shelves and to place books on shelves; shelves range from a few inches off the floor to up to 90 inches tall
  2. Ability to retrieve books from bins, sort them, and place them on shelves
  3. Ability to accurately exchange information with library patrons and staff in person and via telephone
  4. Far vision at 20 feet or further, and near vision at 20 inches or less
  5. Ability to move a cart of materials on wheels weighing 60 - 80 pounds
  6. Ability to operate a computer

A generous and comprehensive benefits package is available to all regular full-time employees:
Health Insurance: two plan options available through Quartz Benefits -- a no-deductible HMO plan or a high-deductible plan. The City pays 90% of the premium for single or family coverage plus 75% of the employee deductible for those who choose the high-deductible plan. Quartz has a large network of local providers which includes UnityPoint Health and UW Health.
Dental and Vision Insurance: coverage provided through Delta Dental/Vision. The City pays 100% of the premium for single or family coverage.
Retirement: the City contributes a defined employer share (6.9% in 2024) to the Wisconsin Retirement System, the State of Wisconsin's pension plan for state and local government employees. The City also sponsors an additional 457 plan option through Mission Square Retirement.
Life Insurance: provided through the State of Wisconsin Group Life Insurance Program, the City contributes to the premium for insurance up to 2x annual salary. Employees can purchase insurance up to 5x their annual salary, plus spouse and dependent coverage, at their own expense.
Income Continuation Insurance: also provided through the State of Wisconsin's plan, this benefit provides income replacement for up to 75% of current salary for a short-term disability. The City provides this benefit with a 6-month elimination period. More insurance and shorter elimination periods can be purchased at the employee's expense.
Vacation: paid vacation is provided on a vacation schedule beginning with 8 days during the first year of employment, 13 days in years 1-6, 18 days in years 7-16, and 23 days after 16 years.
Sick Leave: one day of sick leave is provided per month with the ability to accumulate and convert up to 85 days of unused leave at retirement.
Paid Parental Leave: new parents receive 2 weeks of fully-paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.
Family Care Paid Leave: employees are eligible for a supplemental benefit of up to 2 weeks of paid leave to care for a close member during a serious medical situation.
Holidays: 9paid holidays plus 3 floating holidays are provided each year.
Flexible Spending Plan: the City sponsors a flexible spending plan through TASC.
Family Pool Pass: full-time employees receive a free family pass for Monona's outdoor swimming pool.