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Public Library Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Library Assistant I The Library Assistant I conducts the day-to-day business of the Kimberly Public Library. Primarily, it is the responsibility of the Library Assistant I to provide friendly and ...

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Position Summary The Library Assistant I conducts the day-to-day business of the Kimberly Public Library. Primarily, it is the responsibility of the Library Assistant I to provide friendly and ...

Library Assistant 1

Kimberly, WI · On-site

$16.58 - $22.74/hr

Kimberly Library Opening Date: 07/01/2026 Closing Date: 7/17/2026 11:59 PM Central Position Summary The Library Assistant I conducts the day-to-day business of the Kimberly Public Library. Primarily ...

Library Assistant 1

Kimberly, WI · On-site

$16.58 - $22.74/hr

Kimberly Library Opening Date: 07/01/2026 Closing Date: 7/17/2026 11:59 PM Central Position Summary The Library Assistant I conducts the day-to-day business of the Kimberly Public Library. Primarily ...

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Public Library information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$29.8K

$62.6K

$99.5K

How much do public library jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for public library in Appleton, WI is $62,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,300.00 and $76,100.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Library jobs in Appleton, WI? The most popular types of Public Library jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Library jobs in Appleton, WI? For Public Library jobs in Appleton, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Library jobs in Appleton, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Public Library jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Public Library jobs? Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Public Library job openings:
Library Assistant 1

Library Assistant 1

GovernmentJobs.com

Kimberly, WI • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

New


Job description

Library Assistant I

The Library Assistant I conducts the day-to-day business of the Kimberly Public Library. Primarily, it is the responsibility of the Library Assistant I to provide friendly and helpful service to library patrons through personable interaction and efficient application of circulation processes. The Library Assistant I is supervised by the Library Director. The available Library Assistant I position is a permanent part-time position working approximately 15 hours per week. The ideal applicant will be able to work a regular schedule of hours and have flexibility to act as a substitute to fill in additional hours as needed to cover open shifts.

Specific duties include:

  • Using Polaris Integrated Library System (ILS) to conduct library business
  • Checking materials in and out
  • Registering new library patrons and maintaining the patron database
  • Administering charges and payments on patron accounts
  • Placing holds for materials on behalf of patrons
  • Preparing materials for delivery to other libraries and processing materials received from other libraries for local patrons
  • Responding to daily and monthly ILS reports

Assisting with the maintenance and development of library collections:

  • Processing new library materials of all formats and maintaining database of collections
  • Shelving library materials and helping to maintain order of the collections
  • Recommending materials for purchase
  • Assisting with the maintenance of items in the collection via regular examination, weeding, cleaning, and mending of damaged materials
  • Evaluating donated materials for inclusion in the library collections or for addition to the ongoing book sale
  • Inventorying collections and maintaining orderly stacks through cleaning and shelf-reading as time allows

Providing assistance in the use of the library and its resources by the public:

  • Answering reference questions, assisting patrons with finding desired materials, providing readers' advisory assistance, as needed
  • Requesting materials via interlibrary loan for items not found in InfoSoup; responding to requests for our materials from libraries outside of InfoSoup
  • Assisting patrons with basic use of InfoSoup, public Internet computers, and SAM sign-up computers
  • Maintaining lists of best sellers; preparing bibliographies and lists of materials, and recommending reading selections as needed
  • Actively contributing to the creation of positive relationships with the public, advocating library services and programs, and interacting with colleagues and the community to endorse good public relations that affirm the library's image as a valuable and meaningful cornerstone of the community

Other duties as assigned or required, including, but not limited to:

  • Assisting with library programs as needed
  • Assisting with the collection of library use and programming statistics
  • Assisting with library displays of materials and community collections
  • Assisting with special projects as assigned by the Library Director
  • Participating in regular staff meetings and other training opportunities as assigned by the Library Director

Desirable background:

  • Knowledge of computers and ability to use the library's online card catalog to locate books
  • Experience working or volunteering with people, especially young children
  • Ability to speak Spanish

Requirements:

  • Some High School
  • Knowledge of computers, word processing, spreadsheets, and electronic information resources including the Internet
  • Ability to follow detailed instructions; ability to interpret and apply technical instructions
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
  • Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, and respond to varied/changing work demands
  • Ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration and keyboarding activity
  • Ability to maintain and foster cooperative and courteous working relationships with the public, peers, Library Director, and staff of other InfoSoup libraries
  • Ability to bend, stretch, lift and carry 30 pounds and maneuver a fully loaded book cart
  • Ability to work a variety of shifts between the hours of 8am and 6pm Monday through Fridays and one Saturday rotation of 9am-1pm each month

This is a non-benefited position with the Village of Kimberly.