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Public Library Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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All JobsPublic Library JobsPublic Library Jobs in Indiana

Public Library information

See Indiana salary details

$29K

$61.1K

$97.1K

How much do public library jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for public library in Indiana is $61,081.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,100.00 and $74,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 jobs can you work at a library?

Jobs at a library include librarian, library assistant, library technician, archivist, and library clerk. These roles involve tasks such as managing collections, assisting patrons, cataloging materials, and maintaining library operations, often requiring relevant education or certifications and familiarity with library management systems.

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 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 the Qualifications to Work in a Public Library?

The qualifications you need to start a career in a public library depend on your job and its responsibilities. Library assistants need at least a high school diploma, while library technicians need previous experience and an associate degree or postsecondary certificate in library sciences. Librarians need a degree in library sciences. Most public libraries expect a master’s degree in library sciences (MLS), though some may hire specialists who have a related degree, such as a degree in information systems. All positions require customer service skills. Library directors and head librarians typically have 10 or more years of experience.

What qualifications are needed to work at a public library?

To work at a public library, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions, such as librarian roles, require a master's degree in library science. Customer service skills, familiarity with library systems and technology, and sometimes relevant certifications are also important for many library jobs.

Can you work at a library without being a librarian?

Yes, many library jobs do not require a librarian certification and include positions such as library assistants, clerks, or technicians. These roles often involve tasks like shelving, customer service, and administrative support, and may require basic computer skills and a high school diploma or equivalent.

Is it hard to get hired as a librarian?

Getting hired as a librarian typically requires a master's degree in library science or information studies and relevant experience. Competition can vary depending on the location and type of library, but strong organizational skills and familiarity with library management systems improve chances of employment.
More about Public Library jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Library jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Public Library jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Library jobs in Indiana? For Public Library jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Library jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Public Library jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Public Library jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Public Library job openings:
Public Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Library job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,081 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
Public Services Director

Public Services Director

Anderson Public Library

Anderson, IN • On-site

$73K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Anderson Public Library is looking for an experienced, community-focused and engaging leader to join our team in a newly-created Public Services Director role, overseeing our Adult Services, Youth Services, Circulation, and Lapel Branch services. As a member of APL's Senior Administrative Team, the Public Services Director will work closely with the Executive Director and Deputy Director on overall library strategy as well as provide direct guidance and leadership in the areas of library customer service, public use of library spaces and resources, programming, and outreach to patrons of all ages.
Job Summary: The Public Services Director provides strategic and functional oversight of library public services, including all branches, outlets and public service coordinative functions. The position participates in Leadership Team planning and high-level decision making for the whole system, and leadership and mentoring to all employees. May serve as Acting Library Director in the absence of the Deputy Director and Executive Director. In partnership with the Executive Director and Deputy Director, builds and fosters a success oriented and accountable organizational environment.
Essential Job Duties:
  1. Provides leadership, strategy and project management for public services to patrons of all ages, including reference and readers' advisory services, circulation services, outreach, branch operations, programming, customer service, and public use of library resources, facilities, technology, and equipment.
  2. Oversees planning and implementation of public service-focused initiatives, public programming coordination, outreach activities, and community engagement efforts.
  3. Works collaboratively and meets regularly with managers and others to coordinate the provision of public services.
  4. Works with public services management team to determine staffing requirements, and interview, hire, and train new employees.
  5. Oversees public service areas to help ensure safe, orderly, welcoming, and customer-focused environments for both public and staff spaces.
  6. Ensures that staff provide accurate, friendly, courteous service and provide a positive, welcoming library experience for all.
  7. Plans and develops goals that correlate with the library's strategic goals and mission for each department supervised. Responsible for ongoing assessment of public services impact, value, and alignment with community needs.
  8. Works on library-wide projects, initiatives, and issues as a key member of the Senior Administration Team in collaboration with the Executive Director and Deputy Director.
  9. Recommends, develops, and implements solutions to improve and enhance district-wide services and operations. Advocates for the needs of the Public Services Team.
  10. Attends regular and special meetings of the Board of Library Trustees.
  11. Works with Executive Director and Deputy Director to develop, communicate, and implement system-wide policies, procedures, projects, and goals related to public services and customer experience.
  12. Collaborates with Executive Director and Deputy Director in planning, strategic initiatives, and researching and implementing library services.
  13. Assumes systemwide in-charge duties in the absence of the Executive Director and Deputy Director; assumes library Person in Charge duties at the Main (Anderson) location on a regular basis.
  14. Complies with Anderson Public Library's policies, procedures, rules, guidelines, requirements, standards, principles, and practices applicable to the job, including [but not limited to] work scheduling and attendance, customer service, use of Library property and equipment, personal and professional conduct, and confidentiality.
  15. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Adult Services Manager, Circulation Services Manager, Lapel Branch Manager, Youth Services Manager
Requirements
Job Education and Experience:
  • Education: Master's Degree in Library Information and Science is required.
  • Certifications or licensure: Indiana LC2 or higher is required.
  • Years of relevant experience: minimum of 5 years required.
  • Years of experience supervising: minimum of 3 years required
  • A valid driver's license, automobile insurance, and reliable personal transportation is required.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Demonstrated ability to:
  • develop and maintain strong relationships with colleagues and community members.
  • anticipate and creatively solve problems with a flexible mindset.
  • positively adjust to change.
  • think strategically about the library's role providing services to the community.
  • gather, analyze, and use meaningful data in decision-making processes.
  • demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and conduct fair and impartial treatment to all patrons and staff.
  • coordinate and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines with excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • work independently while also flexible to work collaboratively in a team setting.
  • Understanding of and commitment to library values and ethics.
  • Ability to demonstrate thorough knowledge of library services and operations.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects concurrently and efficiently organize work.

Work Environment:
Typically performs work sitting in an office that requires frequent walking, light lifting, carrying, bending, grasping, pushing, and other limited physical activities. Requires frequent sustained physical operation of computer, office, and printing equipment, with frequent in-person and phone contacts with customers and library staff.
Physical Demands:
Specific vision requirements necessary for this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
While performing duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
  • Frequently [over 2/3 of work time] sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
  • Frequently [1/3 to 2/3 of work time] reach with hands and arms.
  • Occasionally [less than 1/3 of work time], the employee must: stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • Frequently [1/3 to 2/3 of work time] exert up to 10 pounds of force to lift or move objects and must occasionally [less than 1/3 of work time] exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift or move objects.

Equipment Used:
Equipment used includes computers, email/calendar software, internet/intranet browsers, word processing, spreadsheets, database software, and various other software, hardware, and job-specific technology and equipment.
The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Core Values:
  • Community
  • Trust
  • Learning
  • Inclusion
  • Responsibility

Salary Description
$73,216.00 - $82,368.00 per year

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