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Public Library Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Library HOURS OF WORK: Hours vary, Monday through Sunday between the hours of 8:00 am to 8:00 pm ... Shelf read to ensure proper order. Assist public in use of automated handling and self-check ...

Director of Library Services WORK SCHEDULE: Tuesday through Saturday 8:30am - 5:00pm COMPENSATION ... Excellent oral, written, interpersonal communication skills, public speaking skills as well as ...

Director of Library Services WORK SCHEDULE: Tuesday through Saturday 8:30am - 5:00pm COMPENSATION ... Excellent oral, written, interpersonal communication skills, public speaking skills as well as ...

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Public Library information

See Alaska salary details

$32.8K

$69.1K

$109.8K

How much do public library jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for public library in Alaska is $69,129.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public library?

A public library is a community-based institution that provides free access to books, digital resources, and various educational and cultural programs for people of all ages. Funded primarily by public money, these libraries offer lending services, internet access, research assistance, and spaces for study and community events. Public libraries aim to support literacy, lifelong learning, and equal access to information for everyone, regardless of background or income.

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 and information science (MLIS), knowledge of cataloging, and strong information literacy skills. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital databases, and electronic resource management is typically required. Exceptional customer service, communication, and community engagement skills help librarians connect with diverse patrons and foster a welcoming environment. These competencies ensure effective resource management, information access, and impactful support for community learning and enrichment.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in a public library, and how are they addressed?

Public library staff often encounter challenges such as managing diverse patron needs, addressing technology-related questions, and handling periods of high visitor volume. To address these, staff receive ongoing training in customer service, digital literacy, and conflict resolution. Collaborative teamwork is essential, with librarians and support staff frequently communicating to ensure smooth daily operations and equitable service for all visitors. Many libraries also implement clear policies and utilize flexible scheduling to help staff manage workloads effectively.

What is the difference between Public Library vs Librarian?

AspectPublic LibraryLibrarian
CredentialsVaries; often requires a master's degree in library science (MLS)Typically requires an MLS or equivalent degree
Work EnvironmentPublic spaces serving community members, including children, adults, and seniorsLibraries, educational institutions, or archives; involves organizing and managing collections
Employer & IndustryPublic libraries, government agenciesLibraries, educational institutions, archives
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding what a public library offersRoles and responsibilities of a librarian

Public libraries are community-focused institutions providing access to books, resources, and programs. Librarians are professionals who manage library collections, assist patrons, and organize information. While public libraries are the setting, librarians are the key personnel working within these institutions. Both roles often require similar qualifications, but the library itself is a service point, whereas librarians are the staff delivering those services.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Alaska are hiring for Public Library jobs?

Cities in Alaska with the most Public Library job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Library job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,129 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Director of Library Services

Ilisagvik College

Barrow, AK • On-site

$105K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

REPORTS TO: Dean of Academic Affairs


WORK SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

COMPENSATION: $105,077.70/year + DOE + Benefits, Exempt Permanent Full-Time Position


CLOSING DATE: Until Filled


Ilisagvik College is rooted in the ancestral homeland of the Iñupiat. As an institution, we are “Unapologetically Iñupiaq.” This means exercising the sovereign inherent freedom to educate our community through and supported by our Iñupiaq worldview, values, knowledge, and protocols. The Iñupiaq way of life is woven into our curriculum, programs, activities, and daily interactions within Ilisagvik College and our community partners.


SUMMARY OF POSITION: 

The Director of Library Services provides vision, leadership, advocacy and direction in all aspects of the library’s operation as an academic library for Iḷisaġvik College and public library for the villages of the North Slope.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Responsible for the library planning, policy development, budget, and delivery of library services.
  • Responsible for the staffing, supervision, scheduling, training, and evaluation of library personnel.
  • Represents the College in professional library activities and consults with other librarians to facilitate improvement of services and procedures.
  • Analyzes all library statistics and compiles monthly developmental and expenditure reports.
  • Manages and prepares grant reports, proposals, budgets and activities.
  • Manages collection development activities, purchases and deselects all materials.
  • Assists library patrons with reference and research questions.
  • Collaborates with faculty to support student learning.
  • Promotes library resources as integral components of instruction.
  • Provides bibliographic instruction to classes.
  • Serves on various administrative and academic committees to include Academic Council, Cabinet, and Accreditation.
  • Complies with College policies, procedures and administrative directives, as well as state, federal, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.
  • Performs other related duties as required.


KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

  • Demonstrated grant and budget management experience.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience with automated library systems and technology.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to travel occasionally.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain good community relations.
  • Demonstrated ability to interact effectively in a multicultural environment.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment background check.
  • Demonstrated knowledge in one or more of the following areas: post-secondary educational systems, North Slope Borough [NSB] institutions and organizations; Iñupiat culture, language, values, and traditions.
  • Ability to interpret and represent North Slope community values, customs, and beliefs for the College.
  • Ability to interpret and represent College actions and western institutions to the North Slope community.
  • Ability to support Iḷisaġvik College’s mission.


EDUCATION/CERTIFICATES/EXPERIENCE [Required]:

  • Master’s degree in Library Science from a program accredited by the American Library Association.
  • Three years demonstrated experience in a public or college library.
  • Three years demonstrated professional supervisory work experience.


EDUCATION/CERTIFICATES/EXPERIENCE [Preferred]:

  • Some supervisory experience in an academic or public library.
  • Knowledge of or work experience in indigenous librarianship or archive.
  • Ability to speak Iñupiaq.
  • Valid driver’s license.



PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, controls, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, and hear.  The employee may occasionally be required to climb or balance, and may drive a vehicle.

The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.


ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The environmental conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and the employee is regularly required to work indoors with a usually moderate noise level in the work environment.


BENEFITS:

Leave - 16 paid holidays and up to 36 days of paid leave

Retirement - Ilisagvik College is a public employer whose employees contribute to the State of Alaska, Public Employees Retirement System.

Health Insurance - Ilisagvik College is self-insured and Meritain Health is the health insurance third party administrator. Ilisagvik College offers health insurance to our employees with a no cost premium, and $50/pay period for each additional dependent and a low cost annual deductible of $200 for employee only and $600 for family.

Life Insurance - Ilisagvik College offers Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage through Guardian Life to employees at no cost to the employee in the amount of $100,000/per benefit.

Additional supplemental or voluntary retirement, life insurance, disability benefits offered. 


If any questions, please contact jobs@ilisagvik.edu

Ilisagvik College is a Drug Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer