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Public Library Jobs in Dothan, AL (NOW HIRING)

Dothan Houston County Library

Custodian I

Dothan, AL · On-site

$10.30/hr

Requires the ability to work mornings before the library opens to the public. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: Courteous; helpful; demonstrates good judgment; neat personal appearance; natural curiosity; values ...

Dothan Houston County Library

Custodian I

Dothan, AL · On-site

$10.30/hr

Requires the ability to work mornings before the library opens to the public. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: Courteous; helpful; demonstrates good judgment; neat personal appearance; natural curiosity; values ...

All JobsPublic Library JobsPublic Library Jobs in Dothan, AL

Public Library information

See Dothan, AL salary details

$27.7K

$58.4K

$92.7K

How much do public library jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for public library in Dothan, AL is $58,354.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $70,900.00 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 job categories do people searching Public Library jobs in Dothan, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Public Library jobs in Dothan, AL are:
What cities near Dothan, AL are hiring for Public Library jobs? Cities near Dothan, AL with the most Public Library job openings:
Public Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Library job openings in Dothan, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,354 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Security Specialist

Dothan Houston County Library

Dothan, AL • On-site

$17/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Free uniforms

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Engages with the public and staff to ensure that the library environment is both safe and conducive to a high-quality experience for our patrons. Focuses on helping the community enjoy and use the library by educating patrons on library rules and policies. In cases where patrons are unable to comply with library rules or policies, the Library Security Specialist takes the lead in addressing, resolving, and documenting library behavior incidents. The library’s behavior policy will be enforced by educating patrons about expectations and following up with kindness and firmness, but requires calling the police if needed.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general written/oral direction and supervision of the DHCLS location manager who issues instructions and checks work performed. Requires the ability to perform tasks with minimal supervision. The exercising of independent judgment and initiative is necessary. 
JOB DUTIES: 
  • Moves continuously through the public areas of the library, inside and out, in all weather, to assess conditions for safety and security.
  • Greets patrons, answers questions, communicates library policies, explains rules, refers patrons to appropriate staff and resources, and responds to staff calls for assistance.
  • Serves with integrity as a role model in order to build positive community relationships.
  • Recognizes that patrons come from a diverse background and are to be treated with kindness and compassionate firmness; Communicates with the public in a respectful and friendly manner.
  • Supports the mission of the library as a community resource.
  • Regularly communicates updates, concerns, and suggestions to the library director and managers in a timely and appropriate manner.
  • Keeps logs of daily activities and incidents such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, and unusual occurrences. 
  • Makes safety and security recommendations to the library director and managers as appropriate to prevent future occurrences.
  • Assists patrons in understanding and complying with library rules and takes the lead to correct and appropriately resolve situations where patrons are unable to comply with policies.
  • Warns patrons that inappropriate behavior may result in further action, including possible suspension of library privileges.
  • Issues and manages suspensions of individuals in collaboration with other library staff as needed based on the library’s policy on the enforcement of library use rules and notice of suspension.
  • Interacts with the public in a respectful way, even during stressful encounters.
  • Works with staff to prepare incident reports and conduct follow-up as necessary.
  • At closing, performs a final security check of the entire building to lock doors, secure the premises, and ensure the safety of the staff as they leave the building.
  • Responds to all safety incidents, alarms, and accidents.
  • Intervenes to de-escalate conflict situations.
  • Administers CPR, First Aid, and AED should these become necessary.
  • Carries a radio at all times to contact emergency services and law enforcement.
  • Works with staff to investigate and prepare incident reports.
  • Works with the director to anticipate emergencies and prepare emergency response plans.
  • Participates in tabletop emergency and crisis exercises.
  • Provide extra security support outside of normal library hours to include community events, board meetings, and library programs as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: Must be able to successfully manage emergencies, give first aid, and provide other assistance as needed. Works indoors and outdoors at the assigned facilities and attends Board Meetings and Community Events as scheduled. Must be able to work nights, weekends, and in adverse weather. Often works with minimal oversight and direction. Ability to work in conditions that may be unpredictable and high stress. Works in conditions that involve emergencies, patron behavioral issues, intoxication, and physical or mental health crises. Must have critical thinking skills. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and to complete assigned tasks with minimal direction. Must be able to use computers for record keeping and communications.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: Dedication to public safety. Emotional maturity and ability to handle stress. Must be observant and possess good judgment, excellent communication skills, problem resolution skills, and a capacity to quickly identify, de-escalate, and resolve conflicts. Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion. 
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Must be 21 years or older at the time of employment. No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history. High School graduate or equivalent and preferably six months to two years of similar experience such as security, EMS, safety, law enforcement, education, or customer service. Must be able to pass a criminal background check and become certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED within 90 days of employment. The Security Specialist is not a sworn law enforcement official and has no law enforcement authority.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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 frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, grasp, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, talk and hear. Hand-eye coordination necessary to operate computers and various office equipment. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop and crouch. Physical demands include extended periods of standing and walking, lifting 50 pounds occasionally, reaching, bending, lifting, seeing and observing surroundings, and reacting quickly and calmly to stressful situations. May require driving to various locations.