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Public Services Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Public Services Librarian

Marshall, TX · On-site

$43K - $45K/yr

Oversee all aspects of public services. Provide support to library patrons. Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL AND RELATED FUNCTION STATEMENTS: Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may ...

Public Services Librarian

Marshall, TX · On-site

$43K - $45K/yr

Oversee all aspects of public services. Provide support to library patrons. Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL AND RELATED FUNCTION STATEMENTS: Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may ...

Overview The Harper College Library is accepting applications for a part-time Public Services Librarian. Harper College is a comprehensive community college in Palatine, Illinois. Public Services ...

The Harper College Library is accepting applications for a part-time Public Services Librarian. Harper College is a comprehensive community college in Palatine, Illinois. Public Services Librarian ...

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Public Services Librarian information

See salary details

$30.5K

$64.2K

$102K

How much do public services librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for public services librarian in the United States is $64,190.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public services librarian?

Public Services Librarians are professionals who assist library patrons with finding information, using library resources, and accessing services. They often work directly with the public, providing reference help, conducting library instruction sessions, and managing programs or outreach activities. Their role may also include overseeing circulation services, helping with research, and ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors. Public Services Librarians play a vital role in making library resources accessible and useful to the community.

How does a public services librarian typically collaborate with other departments to enhance user experience?

Public Services Librarians frequently work with colleagues in technical services, IT, and outreach departments to ensure patrons have seamless access to resources and programs. Collaboration often involves planning community events, coordinating new technology rollouts, and sharing feedback about user needs. By working cross-departmentally, Public Services Librarians help create a user-centered environment that supports learning and engagement. This teamwork not only improves services but also offers librarians opportunities to develop project management and leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public services librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Services Librarian, you need a Master of Library Science (MLS/MLIS) degree, strong reference and research skills, and experience with library instruction and outreach. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital databases, and information literacy tools is typically required. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities help foster positive patron experiences and community engagement. These skills are crucial for ensuring accessible, relevant, and high-quality library services that meet the diverse needs of the public.

What is the difference between Public Services Librarian vs Reference Librarian?

AspectPublic Services LibrarianReference Librarian
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS)Master's degree in Library Science (MLS)
Work EnvironmentPublic libraries, community centersPublic, academic, or special libraries
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssisting patrons, managing library services, outreachProviding research assistance, answering reference questions
Industry UsageCommonly used in public library settingsUsed across various library types, including academic and special

The main difference is that Public Services Librarians focus on overall patron engagement, outreach, and managing library programs, while Reference Librarians specialize in providing research support and answering specific information queries. Both roles require an MLS degree and serve in library environments, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ.

What cities are hiring for Public Services Librarian jobs? Cities with the most Public Services Librarian job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Public Services Librarian jobs? The top employers for Public Services Librarian jobs are:
What states have the most Public Services Librarian jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Services Librarian jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Public Services Librarian jobs? For Public Services Librarian jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Public Services Librarian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,190 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Title: Public Services Librarian

Department: Instructional Resources

Area: Library

Supervisor: Executive Director of Instructional Resources

Status: Salary, Exempt, Full Time, On-Campus

Date: December 20, 2024


Position Summary

With a strong service orientation, the Public Services Librarian conducts basic circulation activities, manages student workers, leads public relations efforts, assures seamless processing of incoming and outgoing OhioLINK items, provides patrons with research assistance, fulfills general building duties, and assists library staff with projects as needed. Please be aware that ODU is currently migrating our ILS to Alma with the guidance and support of OPAL and OhioLINK, so the duties outlined below will likely change with that migration.


Essential Job Duties and ResponsibilitiesCirculation Services
  • Works as part of a team with other staff members and student workers to provide high quality customer service at the Spangler Front Desk.
  • Assures continuous coverage of the Front Desk. If student workers are not available, the Public Services Librarian fills in at the desk.
  • Conducts basic circulation activities such as answering the phone, checking out items to patrons, processing returns, assisting students in locating course reserves, answering directional questions, etc.
  • Supervises and assists in the maintenance of library stacks.
  • Processes replacement payments.
  • Communicates with OPAL and OhioLINK and keeps up on changes, updates, and troubleshooting that is related to the circulation system.
Library Student Workers
  • Assists with the hiring, scheduling, and training of student workers on operations, policies, and procedures of the Circulation Services unit.
  • Supervises student workers in general circulation functions, online library systems, and patron services.
  • Evaluates student worker performance and provides feedback and guidance to student workers when necessary.

Library Public Relations
  • Leads the Library PR team in all promotional events and communications that need to go out to the campus community.
  • Communicates building hours via library web page, signage, and Front Desk voicemail.
  • Creates signage, flyers, and displays about library events, news, celebrations, and more.
  • Maintains regular updates to the library's social media sites.
OhioLINK
  • Assures seamless processing of incoming and outgoing OhioLINK items. Supervises student workers in the processing OhioLINK items. In the absence of student workers, the Public Services Librarian processes OhioLINK items.
  • Guides and assists student workers in the planning, strategizing, and assessment of OhioLINK processing, statistics, label creation, supply use, and potential issues.
Reference Services
  • Assists patrons with research needs, remotely (via phone, chat, and e-mail) and in-person.
  • Conducts in-depth research appointments with patrons.
  • Stays abreast of reference assignment alerts.
  • Works on reference projects, such as constructing and editing research guides and tutorials.

Spangler Learning Center Building
  • Collaborates with Spangler Learning Center building staff to ensure its efficient operation.
  • Follows pre-determined procedures for opening and/or closing Spangler Learning Center.
  • Monitors the behavior of patrons utilizing the building to prevent theft and/or destruction of materials and equipment.
  • Works with ODU Public Safety when there is a safety concern, building issue, emergency, or patrons that need assistance (escorts, lost and found, etc.).

Other duties as assigned.


Qualifications
  • A Master's degree in Library & Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution.
  • Experience with library systems and general computer software, such as MS Office.
  • Experience assisting patrons with research using online catalogs, the internet, and research databases.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
  • Ability to work as a team member to establish agreed upon goals and to share a common purpose that is service oriented.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Willingness to work in a changing environment to meet the needs of library patrons.

Physical Demands
  • Routine physical demands for an office environment.
  • Frequent standing or walking.
  • Sitting at a desk or in meetings for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to lift/move up to 25lbs.
  • Operate all computer equipment, copier, printer, telephone, calculator, etc.

Additional Information
  • Generally responsible for the safety of your own work area, the area you're currently working in, and attention to safety is displayed by direct reports.

Ohio Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, as we respect and seek to empower each individual and support the various cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce.