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Tribal Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Utilizes the tribal accounting systems D365 and Yakama Nation Grants & Contracts to monitor budgets and process financial documents. Researches, develops, and writes grants to support Library ...

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Tribal Librarian information

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$26K

$62.1K

$100.5K

How much do tribal librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for tribal librarian in the United States is $62,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tribal Librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tribal Librarian, you need a background in library science (often with an MLIS degree), knowledge of Indigenous cultures, and experience with collection management. Familiarity with library management systems, digital archives, and cataloging tools is typically required, along with an understanding of culturally appropriate information stewardship. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement abilities help you build trust and collaborate effectively with tribal members. These skills are essential to preserve cultural heritage, provide relevant information services, and support educational needs within Indigenous communities.

What are some unique challenges Tribal Librarians face when serving Indigenous communities?

Tribal Librarians often navigate the responsibility of preserving cultural heritage while respecting community protocols and privacy. They must balance providing access to valuable resources with safeguarding sensitive or sacred materials, which may require special permissions or restricted access. Additionally, Tribal Librarians frequently engage in community outreach and must be culturally responsive, often working closely with elders and tribal leaders to ensure library services align with community values. Building trust and fostering collaboration within the community are key aspects of this role.

What are Tribal Librarians?

Tribal Librarians are professionals who manage and operate libraries within Native American tribal communities. They are responsible for preserving and providing access to culturally significant materials, supporting community education, and promoting literacy. Tribal Librarians often collaborate with tribal governments, elders, and educators to ensure resources reflect and respect tribal history, language, and traditions. Their work plays a crucial role in cultural preservation and lifelong learning within their communities.

What is the difference between Tribal Librarian vs Public Librarian?

AspectTribal LibrarianPublic Librarian
Required CredentialsMLS or MLIS, sometimes with tribal or cultural specializationMLS or MLIS, often with public library certification
Work EnvironmentTribal community libraries, cultural centersPublic city or county libraries, community centers
Employer & IndustryNative American tribes, indigenous organizationsMunicipal governments, public library systems
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Tribal Librarians focus on serving Native American communities, often requiring cultural knowledge and specialized certifications. Public Librarians serve general public communities in municipal settings. While both roles involve managing collections and assisting patrons, their work environments and community focus differ significantly.

More about Tribal Librarian jobs
What cities are hiring for Tribal Librarian jobs? Cities with the most Tribal Librarian job openings:
What states have the most Tribal Librarian jobs? States with the most job openings for Tribal Librarian jobs include:
Infographic showing various Tribal Librarian job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,056 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Library Administrator

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation

Toppenish, WA โ€ข On-site

$28.29/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

ยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญยญAnnouncement #

2026-137

Issue Date:

07-22-26

Closing Date:

08-04-26

Library Administrator

Library

Department of Human Services

Hourly Wage: $28.29/Regular/Full-Time/Supervisory

Administers daily operation of the Yakama Nation Library. Develops and manages strategic planning of annual library activities and events. Conducts research for the acquisition of publications. Provides patron computer access and internet services. Conducts and/or coordinates public presentations to local schools. Manages and provides assorted media resources for patrons. Plans and coordinates staff training. Ensures security of library equipment and collections. Evaluates equipment and supply needs. Networks with other tribal libraries. Interacts with Tribal School staff to ensure the library actively meets educational needs. Utilizes the tribal accounting systems D365 and Yakama Nation Grants & Contracts to monitor budgets and process financial documents. Researches, develops, and writes grants to support Library services, resources, cultural materials, and collections. To ensure the process of financial reports to granting agencies in a timely manner. Ensures integration of Plateau cultural materials into Library collections for dissemination to and accessibility to patrons. Monitors and ensures use of culturally sensitive material is protected pursuant to Tribal Council guidance. Ensure protocols are in place with outside agencies, i.e., Memorandum of Understanding, Release of Information, Letters of Support, Final protocols.

Examples of Work Performed:

Provides day to day management, supervision, and oversight of library operations.

Applies professional library applications, standards, and practices to provide and maintain quality library services.

Coordinates an on-going education and cross-training program for library staff to increase their library science knowledge, cultural and historical knowledge, conservation and preservation awareness and practices.

Ability to access current payroll system, iSolved as administrator, reviewing and approving leave requests, verifying timecards as necessary.

Ensure that all leave audits are submitted to YN Personnel yearly for accurate record keeping.

Coordinates and supervises a continuing program of accessioning collections of donated publications and materials relative to Native American history and culture.

Establishes and administers internal controls for library inventory and procedural operations.

Establishes and maintains a data collection system used for gathering, compiling, reporting and analysis of library and patron related information.

Collaborates with other Human Services Department programs and Yakama Nation Cultural Center programs.

Ensures Library facilities are safe, healthy, and sanitary conducive to the well-being of library patrons, visitors, and staff.

Ensures Library hours of operation are practical to benefit patrons.

Screens and catalogs library materials appropriate for patron reading needs and interests.

Evaluates and ensures up-to-date computer technology, quality maintenance of computer lab, and availability of computer supplies and materials.

Ensures preservation of audio and video materials by transferring to digital format beta, cassette, and video which allows for increased and easier access by patrons.

Maintains acquisition and expansion of Plateau cultural material for use of Yakama members and patrons (recordings, films, videos, subscriptions to popular Native American publications).

Ensures use of up-to-date library cataloging and inventory techniques utilizing the current Yakama Nation Library KOHA system.

Researches and interacts with tribal communities to gather cultural and traditional materials. Screens for secured use by Yakama members and some for general use by library patrons and Yakama Nation tribal programs as necessary.

Develops and implements events/materials to entice native children back to their culture.

Conducts research to locate and offer technology and publications that entice and encourage life-long learning of students and all generations.

Develops and writes grants to fund priorities related to Cultural Preservation, Digital Literacy, Reading Literacy, and other needs pursuant to annual strategic planning assessment.

Provides written information to museums and libraries seeking cultural material on Plateau culture, featuring the Yakamas in particular.

Provides other museums and libraries information on Yakama members, who are cultural/traditional leaders within their community, who have indicated their desire to participate in presentations on Plateau culture.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Must have pleasing personality to work compatibly with staff and general public.

Ability to provide efficient and courteous customer service.

Knowledge of cultural philosophy, theoretical concepts and principles and accepted library standards for the establishment and maintenance of a library.

Knowledge of the Yakama Nation, Reservation, and surrounding communities.

Knowledge of Yakama members possessing cultural and traditional knowledge who are willing to share it (record) for the benefit of the Yakama people.

Knowledge of private and public institutions/organizations that support research, gathering and dissemination of Plateau cultural information.

Ability to form partnerships to develop entertaining and cultural education materials.

Knowledge and ability to write comprehensive or concise communications.

Skill in effective oral communications.

Skill & ability to use computer & assorted software (Microsoft, Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint) GMetrix, Coursera.

Skill and ability to create and design promotional material for bulletins, notices, flyers, posters, emails, news releases, and other library materials.

Ability to multi-task several projects and/or activities simultaneously.

Ability to work as a team member or as a team leader.

Ability to travel when necessary.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to follow established chain of command, organizational protocols, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge of purchasing, accounting, travel, and personnel policies.

Knowledge of accessing library accounts in D365, inputting invoices, generating purchase orders, submitting to accounts payable in YN Central Accounting department.

Ability to generate budget report balances from D365 for assisting Business office manager and administrative assistant ensuring all policies are met.

Knowledge of standard safety policies relative to security of staff and patrons; includes developing and maintaining disaster and emergency plans.

Knowledge of Yakama history, culture, and tribal government structure.

Minimum Requirements:

2 years of relevant experience in library science, including 5+ years in a management role OR an equivalent combination of related education and experience.

Two years of administrative, management and supervisory experience is required.

Must pass a criminal background check as per Tribal School policy.

Must pass a pre-employment background check.

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.

Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Requirements:

A Master's Degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited institution of higher learning. OR, a Master's Degree in Native American studies such as art history, ethnology, museology, or anthropology, AND 2-years practical work experience implementing a collections policy for acquiring, accessioning, cataloging, processing, displaying, and storing. Also, prefer experience in care and maintenance of organic paper collections as well as recording such as cassettes, videos, CDs and DVDs. AND/OR, several years of practical on-the-job experience as a library technician performing duties related to library science and the Dewey Decimal System.