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The Public Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Seattle, WA

Page - Library

Seattle, WA · On-site

$26.93 - $32.61/hr

The Seattle Public Library Opening Date: 06/05/2026 Closing Date: 6/15/2026 5:00 PM Pacific Position Description Invitation to Compete #34-26: Page (Multiple Positions) Central Library , Shelving ...

The New York Public Library

Description Overview The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for more than 100 years. NYPL ...

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How much do the public library jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for the public library 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 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 science (MLS/MLIS), strong research skills, and a solid understanding of information management. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital cataloging tools, and online databases is typically required. Excellent communication, customer service, and community engagement skills help librarians connect with diverse patrons and provide valuable support. These competencies are essential for ensuring equitable access to information and fostering lifelong learning within the community.

What is the difference between The Public Library vs Library Technician?

AspectThe Public LibraryLibrary Technician
CredentialsVaries; often requires a master's degree in library scienceTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree in library technology
Work EnvironmentPublic spaces serving community members, including branches and main librariesLibraries, schools, or archives assisting with daily operations
Employer & IndustryPublic libraries, government-funded organizationsPublic, academic, or special libraries
Common TasksManaging collections, community programs, public serviceCataloging, shelving, assisting patrons, maintaining collections

The Public Library is a broad institution serving the community, often requiring advanced degrees for leadership roles. Library Technicians support daily library operations with technical and clerical tasks, usually with less formal education. Both roles are essential in library services but differ in scope, responsibilities, and credentials.

What is a public library?

A public library is a community-based institution that provides free access to books, digital resources, and a variety of educational and recreational services for people of all ages. Public libraries often offer lending services for books and media, public computers and internet access, research assistance, and programs such as storytimes, workshops, and lectures. They play a key role in promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and equal access to information within their communities.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working at a public library, and how can they be addressed?

Staff working at public libraries often encounter challenges such as balancing diverse patron needs, managing high-traffic periods, and adapting to new technologies. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are key to successfully navigating these situations. Libraries typically provide ongoing training and foster a collaborative environment, which helps staff learn from each other and stay updated on best practices. Additionally, teamwork and regular meetings ensure that staff can share solutions and support one another in delivering excellent service.
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Library Information Assistant - Melrose Library

Library Information Assistant - Melrose Library

The New York Public Library

New York, NY

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

New York Public Library rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Overview
The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for more than 100 years. NYPL’s neighborhood libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island—many of which date to Andrew Carnegie’s visionary philanthropy at the turn of the 20th century—are being transformed into true centers of educational innovation and service, and vital community hubs that provide far more than just free books and materials.  

The Library is seeking a Library Information Assistant to provide service to patrons of all ages.  Information Assistants are responsible for assisting with information queries, providing circulation services, and supporting the outreach and programming activities of the Library. They should be a creative customer service expert with a passion for helping people explore resources in ways that allow them to follow their interests and discover new ones.
Key Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of the Library Manager, a Library Information Assistant:
  • Provides circulation/reference service and instruction to library patrons of all ages using print, media and digital resources
  • Answers questions from the public in person, over the telephone and electronically
  • Performs community outreach to promote and increase public participation and use of library services
  • Assists in planning and delivering library programs for children, teens and/or adults
  • Instructs patrons on the use of the Internet, computer applications and other Library services
  • Assists with fines & fees management, collection development/weeding, reserves and opening/closing procedures
  • Ensures patrons follow library policies and procedures
  • May take responsibility for the facility, staff and operations in the absence of the Library Manager
  • Performs other related duties as required

Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree required, preferably with a strong, well-rounded liberal arts background
Required Skills 
  • Successfully demonstrated public service experience with the ability to work well with a diverse patronage
  • Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
  • Successfully demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
  • Appreciation of literature and desire to encourage reading in others
  • Strong organization and planning skills, including the ability to perform multiple projects or tasks simultaneously
  • Strong computer and other related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google applications, PCs, Macs and e-reader devices
  • Demonstrated knowledge of computer services including on-line searching, social media and reference resources and databases
  • Preferred language: Spanish
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities: 
  • May temporarily oversee the library in the absence of the Library Manager

Preferred Qualifications
Experience creating, conducting and/or participating in community training, programming and outreach preferred

More
Our Core Values:  
  • Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
  • Be Resourceful in solving problems 
  • Be Curious in all aspects of your work
  • Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
  • Public service library
Physical Duties:
  • Lifting up to 15 lbs.
  • Sitting and standing for periods of time
  • Daily use of a computer
Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
35 hours per week to be scheduled during branch hours
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement

At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.

Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).

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About New York Public Library

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations--including research and branch libraries--throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.

Industry

Libraries and archives

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1895

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