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Public Library Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Towson University

Evening Library Specialist

Towson, MD · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Responsibilities and Duties Public Service Desk & Reference Support * Directly supports the Ask Us service desk during evening and weekend hours, providing quality customer service consistent with ...

Howard Community College

Library Assistant

Columbia, MD · On-site

$17/hr

Position Title Library Assistant FLSA Non-Exempt FT/PT Part Time Hours Per Week 9 to 25 as needed Work Schedule Mon-Thurs 12-5 pm, Friday 9 am to 1 pm Position Salary Range $17.00/hour Summary The ...

Howard Community College

Library Assistant

Columbia, MD · On-site

$17/hr

Position Title Library Assistant FLSA Non-Exempt FT/PT Part Time Hours Per Week 9 to 25 as needed Work Schedule Mon-Thurs 12-5 pm, Friday 9 am to 1 pm Position Salary Range $17.00/hour Summary The ...

Howard Community College

Library Assistant

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$17/hr

Position Title Library Assistant FLSA Non-Exempt FT/PT Part Time Hours Per Week 9 to 25 as needed Work Schedule Mon-Thurs 12-5 pm, Friday 9 am to 1 pm Position Salary Range $17.00/hour Summary The ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPublic Library JobsPublic Library Jobs in Baltimore, MD

Public Library information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$30.3K

$63.8K

$101.3K

How much do public library jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for public library in Baltimore, MD is $63,782.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,200.00 and $77,500.00 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.

More about Public Library jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Library jobs in Baltimore, MD?

The most popular types of Public Library jobs in Baltimore, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Library jobs in Baltimore, MD?

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

What job categories do people searching Public Library jobs in Baltimore, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Library jobs in Baltimore, MD are:

What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Public Library jobs?

Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Public Library job openings:

Public Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Library job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,782 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Head of Public Services Librarian

Bowie State University

Bowie, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Job Posting Information
Posting Number
F170
Position Title
Head of Public Services Librarian
Rank
Librarian II E30177
Regular (PIN) or Long Term Contractual Faculty
Regular
Desired Start Date
Open Date
07/18/2023
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Duties and Responsibilities
Bring your leadership skills to Bowie State University's Thurgood Marshall Library! Our library seeks a forward-thinking Head of Public Services Librarian to lead, coordinate, and administer the library's Public Services Department encompassing circulation, reference, library instruction, interlibrary loan, and outreach services. This is a 12-month, benefits-eligible position that is supervised by the Dean of the Library.
Bowie State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to the mission of access.
Job Purpose
The Head of Public Services Librarian supervises Thurgood Marshall Library's Public Services Departments (Circulation, Reference and Interlibrary Loan). This position also provides reference service to faculty, students, and other library users. This position is also directly responsible for hiring, training, and supervising student circulation employees, and manages the circulation and reference desk schedules. The Head of Public Services Librarian also assists with library programming, supports library outreach efforts to Bowie State University and the Bowie community, and manages stacks maintenance, inventory, and collection development with the support of the Dean of Library.
This position requires a strong commitment to service and problem-solving skills. The Head of Public Services Librarian is responsible for insuring consistently high service to library users by establishing, documenting, and applying library policies and procedures; training and supervising professional staff and student employees; and working with other Colleges and Departments and issues relating to security, facilities, and use of the library.
Roles & Responsibilities:
The Thurgood Marshall Library at Bowie State University seeks an innovative Manager of Public Services to provide leadership for the daily operational activities of the Library's Access Service Department which includes staff management, facilities, equipment, and collections maintenance, resource sharing services, and user support services. Under the direction of the Dean of the Library, the incumbent works collaboratively with internal and external partners to support users' needs in a continuously evolving academic environment. Essential duties are listed below.
Leadership, Management, and Team Building
  • Creates an environment where team members are empowered to work individually, collaboratively, and collectively towards achieving departmental and Library goals.
  • Oversees the hiring, support and training of access and circulation services staff, including facilitating access to appropriate development opportunities.
  • Contributes to developing, executing, and evaluating department and Library-wide goals
  • Develops, recommends and administers policies, procedures and processes in support of the Access Services operations.
  • Creates and maintains departmental training guides, manuals and online materials.
  • Communicates with the Dean of the Library and Academic IT leadership teams regarding public services operations.
  • Prepares narrative and statistical reports.
  • Advances diversity, equity, inclusion for all library workers and users.

Public Services Responsibility
  • With the Circulation and Reference Service Staff, direct the day-to-day work of the Public Service team and ensure library opening and closing, as well as staff coverage at the circulation and reference services desk during the library's operational hours.
  • Provides guidance to the Bowie State University community in the use of library resources and services, facilities, equipment, and technology; troubleshoots technical problems and equipment issues.
  • Assists patrons with complaints, concerns, and other service-related requests, escalating to Library leadership as appropriate.
  • Oversees lending of physical materials and technological equipment.
  • Serves as fulfillment and user accounts administrator for a variety of library systems
  • Manages vendor accounts, billing, and communications for security, library equipment, applications, and other services used by Access Services.
  • Manages and updates content on Public Services-related webpages and libguides.
  • Collects and analyzes statistics, ensuring consistent and accurate recording.
  • Fields reference inquiries via email, text, chat, phone and participates in the Thurgood Marshall Library's Ask-A-Librarian service.
  • Explores emerging technologies and service models and leads the department in evaluating and implementing new services when appropriate.

Physical Collections, Public Spaces and Facilities Responsibility
  • Ensures a safe and scholarly research environment for library staff, users, and resources.
  • Assist with assessing, planning, managing, relocating, and maintaining the stacks and furnishings.
  • Oversees shelving operations, collaborating with the library leadership team to analyze physical collections statistics for related space considerations, plans and justifications.
  • Maintains and updates library wayfinding and operations-related signage.
  • Communicates Library operational changes with Library and Academic IT stakeholders and users.
  • Monitors the custodial and maintenance of the public spaces and initiates appropriate action with Academic IT administration and university facilities regarding any issues with furniture, equipment, classrooms, and public library spaces.
  • Collaborates with Academic IT Administration to ensure staff and patron safety issues are proactively prevented and building safety security issues are also addressed.
  • Maintains and updates emergency preparedness and disaster recovery plans for the library collections and public spaces.

Resource Sharing Services Responsibility
  • Oversees resource sharing services operations, serves as the administrator for resource sharing platforms (ILLiad, DOCLINE, OCLC Worldcat, etc.) and implements software updates.
  • Oversees accounts, billing and payments for services rendered.
  • Collects data and prepares usage and other reports for Library leadership.
  • Organizes and monitors the workload and staffing to provide user-responsive services.
  • Maintains online user guides and coordinates the resource sharing web presence as part of public services.
  • Explores trends in technology and resource sharing; collaborates with internal departments and the resource sharing community to develop, implement, and evaluate continuous improvement and integration of resource sharing and other Library and discovery systems.

Conditions of Employment
On-site position
  • This position involves moderate exposure to normal stress and pressures typical of a department head-level management position.
  • Shift changes and evening/weekend work may be required based on evolving priorities, operational needs, and time-sensitive activities.

Please be advised, COVID-19 vaccinations are strongly encouraged but not required for eligible faculty and staff employed by Bowie State University. This protocol may be subject to change.
For best consideration please apply by March 21, 2023.
Benefits:
Benefits include medical, dental, prescription, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and life insurance; paid time for paid sick leave, annual leave, and personal leave; 12 paid holidays per year, tuition remission; employer-funded pension and supplemental retirement accounts.
Experience
  • Minimum 3 years of professional experience in an academic or research library.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience directly assisting users in a public, academic, or research library.
  • Demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding customer service.
  • Demonstrated high level of comfort and proficiency with technology.
  • Familiarity with best practices, trends, and assessment strategies related to information literacy instruction.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).
  • Demonstrated commitment to and/or clearly articulated philosophy on the role of library services in fostering student success.
  • Previous teaching experience strongly preferred.
  • Experience with library marketing, outreach and/or advocacy preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to schedule, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
  • Able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with a diverse population of students, faculty, clinicians, and staff.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify, prioritize, and resolve problems quickly and effectively, including handling complex and sensitive patron and staff issues with patience, diplomacy, respect, and discretion.
  • Demonstrated experience using database or library management software and applications.
  • Proficiency with new technologies and computer applications, including but not limited to office software (MS Office), scanners, project management and communications platforms, web searching platforms, team communications platforms, and learning management systems/customer relationship management/content management system-type platforms.

Education
  • ALA-accredited Master's in Library Science or the equivalent.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
  • Experience in circulation services, particularly using Ex Libris Alma/Primo software.
  • Experience with interlibrary loan services, particularly using ILLiad, Docline, or OCLC Worldcat.
  • Experience searching online bibliographic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus or Web of Science.
  • Experience providing reference or 1-1 instruction in an academic and/or health sciences library setting.
  • Aptitude for project management, organization, prioritization, coordination, and implementation.
  • Aptitude for learning and troubleshooting software/hardware systems efficiently and thoroughly.
  • Familiarity with Springshare LibApps platform (LibGuides, LibAnswers, etc.).

Minimum Qualifications
Posting Detail Information
Special Instructions to Applicant

Apply