Public Libraries

Overview September 24, 2018

Working in Public Libraries

With over 16,000 public libraries in the United States, public libraries are embedded in communities of all types and sizes and are often described as serving community members for a lifetime. Public librarians are staunch defenders of the rights of citizens to have free access to information, and they are committed to making libraries the great equalizers in their communities.

As technology and the ways in which we access information continue to evolve, public libraries are helping bridge the digital divide by providing instruction and tech support in addition to access to the latest digital technologies. Public librarians continuously strive to meet the information needs of the communities they serve, whether that is by providing extensive programming for teens and children that promotes learning and literacy, or by helping senior citizens catch up on quickly changing technology, and everything in between.

In 2016 (the most recent year for this type of survey), the Pew Research Center Internet & Technology report described the ongoing importance of public libraries to their communities, noting that while those surveyed continue to value libraries as “comfortable places for reading, working, and relaxing,” they also thought of them as sources of digital training, various types of “makerspaces,” technology centers, and cultural events. A substantial number, 66%, of respondents indicated that if their local library closed it “would have a major impact on their community,” a belief likely to grow as young adults ages 18-29 are now visiting their libraries in higher numbers (53%) than their elders (40%).¹

Source: Libraries 2016, Pew Research Center Internet & Technology

The following pages present an overview of public libraries – what is unique about them, the various roles that you can fill, sample job postings and salary information, and tips to help you land your dream job.

1.Libraries 2016, Pew Research Center Internet & Technology; accessed September 21, 2020 at http://www.pewinternet.org/2016/09/09/libraries-2016/

Types of Public Libraries

Public libraries are government institutions – they are funded by and an integral part of the civic system of a specific state, county, or city. Public libraries serve their communities. They differ in response to the size, location, and specific needs and resources of the community they serve.

Public libraries can be urban or rural, and may have many branches or only one main building. They vary in number of professional and paraprofessional staff, budget and funding, size and number of buildings, collections, and services, including programming and outreach initiatives, etc.

Explore these public library websites to get a feel for the environment and role that librarians play! The websites listed are examples only; there are many more public libraries of all kinds to explore.

Small and rural libraries make up the majority (80.5%) of public library systems in the United States. Although most rural libraries are small, only half of small libraries are located in rural areas.¹

In addition, according to American Libraries magazine’s “By the Numbers: Rural and Small Libraries,” one-third of public library buildings “serve a population of 2,500 people or fewer.”²

¹Deanne W. Swan, Justin Grimes, and Timothy Owens, The State of Small and Rural Libraries in the United States (Institute of Museum and Library Services, September 2013), accessed September 21, 2020, https://www.imls.gov/assets/1/AssetManager/Brief2013_05.pdf.

²Alison Marcotte, “By the Numbers: Rural and Small Libraries,” American Libraries Magazine, September 1, 2020, accessed September 21, 2020, https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2020/09/01/by-the-numbers-rural-and-small-libraries/.

Job Titles and Responsibilities

Regardless of what sort of position you are applying for in a public library, there are several key skills that are valuable for all public librarians.

Regardless of what sort of position you are applying for in a public library, there are several key skills that are valuable for all public librarians. These include:

leadership and management ability
strong communication skills, verbal and written
excellent customer service skills, including the ability to provide technical help for personal devices as well as the library’s own technology
an ability to identify community needs and plan programs relevant to those needs
an ability to work collaboratively and positively in a team environment
good technical skills and an ability to teach those skills whether to patrons or colleagues
knowledge of the issues facing the community that you wish to work in

A broad understanding of all aspects of librarianship from reference work to technical services is also useful.

Please see the career pathways section on public librarianship for more information on general skills to develop and courses that will prepare you to work in a public library setting.

In addition, take a look at this great collection of 2018 responses from working librarians, “Here’s What It’s Actually Like to Be a Librarian,” this list of skills from Library Journal, and this interview with a NYPL librarian.

Sample Job Postings

When looking at job postings, keep in mind that job titles are fluid, positions often merge with those with similar responsibilities, and all public librarians need management skills.

Keep in mind that job titles are fluid, positions often merge with those with similar responsibilities, and all public librarians need management skills, as they will be expected to manage projects, departments, and community relationships. In addition, many public librarians may be asked to provide some information literacy instruction, serve on committees, provide collection management, conduct community outreach, and form partnerships/collaborate with community groups.

The chart of job openings, sample duties, and sample qualifications shown below will help think about how your career goals and current skill set match up. (Note: salary ranges vary with location, library size, applicant experience, and similar considerations.) Once you see what you need, consider choosing courses, internships, and volunteer experiences that will help you develop new skills and increase your desirability as a job candidate. (Note: all jobs listed below require or strongly prefer an MLIS from an ALA-accredited program.)

Sample Public Librarian Positions (as of 8/2017); click on position title for full job posting

Position	Sample Duties	Sample Required Qualifications	Typical Salary Range
Adult Services: Illinois California Massachusetts Indiana	Supervise, participate in maintenance of adult collection, including books, audio materials, periodicals, and reference materials Assist adult services patrons with inquiries and requests for reference information Perform duties at circulation desk, readers services desk, and reference desk Manage, train branch staff, oversee day to day branch operation, develop effective programs and dynamic collections Proactively engage with organizations and individuals to provide services that reach a varied audience, ensure library services are reaching current and new community audiences	Willingness and courage to generate and implement new ideas based on community data Strong commitment to generous public service 5 years of increasingly responsible professional public library experience including 3 years of supervisory experience Strong customer service skills, proven managerial skills Thorough knowledge of popular adult materials, borrower/ circulation services Ability to interpret community needs and interests, turn into relevant library service Ability to work effectively with diverse population Ability to handle multiple activities and interruptions	$48,900 –$79,800
Children’s Services: (New York) Texas Texas South Carolina	Publicize, plan and conduct programs for children and parents: toddler and pre-school reading times, picture book hour, arts and crafts programs, summer reading clubs Develop collection with emphasis on developing quality children/YA materials, select and order materials Reach out to schools and community organizations serving children, teens and families, develop collaborative partnerships Provide instruction and classes in the use of computer hardware and software	Ability to work with diverse population of children and provide effective customer service to large number of children simultaneously Extensive knowledge of children’s literature and child-focused reader’s advisory practices Skill in working with and providing training and/or programming for children and/or youth Ability to stay current on library profession and services by attending classes and seminars Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public	$39,000-$55,000
Teen/Youth/YA Services: Florida California Indiana Connecticut	Plan and oversee services to teens within the library and community Advocate for teens, teen services Initiate, plan, conduct variety of programs, outreaches and activities to encourage use of library by teens ages 12-18 Maintain and develop teen collection and provide readers’ advisory services Create and submit statistical and narrative reports about youth services staff activities on a regular and ad hoc basis; author grant applications to secure program funding Plan, develop, and present variety of ongoing programs for children and young adults and their families and caregivers	Demonstrated experience working with teens Knowledge of key library and teen-appropriate technologies (e.g., mobile technology, social media) Knowledge of teen/YA literature, reference sources, and programs 3 years library experience, multilingual speaking a plus Knowledge and previous use of library databases and services including materials selection tools Creative and artistic skills, ability to make crafts for department activities Experience with and enthusiasm for STEAM/maker activities	$38,000 -$77,000
Info Tech/ Management Arizona Connecticut Florida Idaho	Perform technical work of considerable difficulty in systems administration (ILS system) and in design, acquisition, and monitoring of networks in both local-area and wide-area network environments Provide IT support to public, staff Develop technology workshops and classes that respond to community need and interest Compile broad range of library metrics Provide continuous improvement plan and action for IT services Undertake planning, coordination, implementation of IT projects within library district Provide effective customer and co-worker communications	Master’s degree in computer science or management information systems preferred 3 years progressively responsible experience in system administration, 1 year project management experience, 2 years supervisory experience Knowledge of emerging digital technologies, including 3D printing and scanning Collaborative work style, good troubleshooting skills, strong ability to convey ideas and lead informal learning programs Knowledge of computer databases and statistical analysis, Windows, MAC and Linux operating systems Knowledge of mobile devices and tablets Familiarity with Arduinos, RasPis and related electronics	$42,000 -$85,000
Library Management: New York Missouri Ohio Idaho	Plan, organize, direct operations and activities that meet needs of diverse community Provide ongoing evaluation of departments to ensure proper implementation of program and staffing goals Develop, sustain relationships with Friends of the Library groups and Foundation, and other community partners Maintain, encourage community outreach with local stakeholders and elected officials to advance mission of the library Implement joint partnerships with community organizations to provide relevant programming	6 years professional library experience, at least 2 of which have been in a senior-level administrative role Understanding of personnel management, ability to lead an engaged and thriving staff Ability to analyze data and information for decision making, recommendations and preparing reports Ability to train and supervise library staff Ability to evaluate situations, meet people easily, and work effectively with other community groups or government agencies Public library experience, including a successful track record of reporting to a governing board, preferred	$60,000 -$125,000 (and up)
Collection Development: Missouri Oregon New York	Assess library collection and user needs to identify, evaluate, select titles, and manage disbursement decisions regarding materials in single or multiple formats for multiple branch libraries Anticipate demand for materials, ensure that orders are submitted to technical services department in timely, accurate manner Utilize online vendor services, ordering tools, print reviews, other media/online sources to make selection decisions Use statistical usage data and community demographics to determine annual collection development priorities Provide hands-on management, oversight of acquisitions and interlibrary loan staff activities	Minimum 3 years collection development experience Knowledge of fundamental concepts and practices of collection development and maintenance Extensive knowledge of current, popular and classic film and documentary film titles as well as high-demand authors, trending topics in adult fiction, adult nonfiction, teen fiction Ability to prioritize, evaluate hundreds of title options per week, select those materials most likely to create the best customer experience or fill a community need Balance requests of local community branches against needs and priorities of library system Experience with Innovative Interfaces Sierra integrated library system	$45,000 -$94,000
Virtual Services Illinois Alaska Maryland Maryland	Coordinate with automation services department to ensure appropriate infrastructure, software for library’s online presence Integrate library’s web offerings, guide library’s virtual services efforts including, but not limited to, blogs, podcasts, RSS, online gaming, other web related technologies Coordinate purchases of ebook resources, services for patrons Collaborate with ILS network and systems coordinator to maintain, upgrade online catalog Create content for library website and social media channels Assist in updates to library intranet	Ability to write clear, informative, engaging web content Experience using web design and development tools and creating and managing digital content and multimedia technologies Knowledge of current and existing digital technologies, trends, and services Knowledge of ebooks, established and trending social media platforms Broad knowledge of network operating systems, hardware, software, digital content, and evolving technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality and library apps Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with customers, stakeholders, and coworkers and demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills	$50,000 -$116,000 (and up)
Technical Services: Georgia Colorado Ohio	Oversee acquisitions, cataloging, materials flow, and integrated library system Point person for library’s statistical management Manage library’s website and social media presence Catalog new books and/or media (CDs, DVDs, eBooks, etc.) and to supervise 2 FTE Technical Services staff Maintain integrity of bibliographic database, improve quality of catalog records, ensure that accurate information is displayed to the public Work on cross references and authority control as needed	5 years of public library service experience, at least 2 of which include leadership roles Exceptionally strong skills in leadership, communication, organization, public library trends, statistical analysis Knowledge of current cataloging and classification rules and standards, including metadata Knowledge of computer software and systems, especially integrated library systems Ability to work independently as well as with others; interpersonal skills to direct the work of volunteers Familiarity with cataloging utility ITS MARC Online and text-based cataloging module from Innovative Interfaces Inc. (specifically Sierra) highly desirable	$40,000 -$80,000

Of course there are many special niche positions as well, such as Genealogy & Local History Librarian or Literacy Coordinator, that require a special skill set.

Salaries

As you might imagine, the salaries of librarians vary greatly throughout the country.

As you might imagine, the salaries of librarians vary greatly throughout the country. A public librarian at a large, urban library in a city with a high cost of living may have a higher starting salary (see: LA County Library Career Opportunitites for an example) than a public librarian in a small, rural library.

Library Journal conducts a yearly survey to determine current median salaries in libraries nationwide. Although previously the results of these surveys were made publicly available every year and provided a snapshot of the state of affairs for public librarians, the data are now behind a paywall, i.e., only available via a premium subscription.

Though there is not normally a tenure process in public libraries, as government employees, librarians do tend to be rewarded on the basis of seniority.

Check out job postings to gain insight into the average salaries for various positions in a public library. You can also look at GlassDoor, which has salary, real interview data, and other useful information about library jobs.

How to Gain Experience

Look at your options to gain experience for a public library job.

Work in a public library. Find an internship (See the iSchool Internships site for a variety of physical and virtual internships).

Vary your experience as much as possible – help plan programs; if you are interested in youth services, lead a story time; develop or contribute to Web services; work at the reference desk; or work in technical services. Do not limit your options at this point! In fact, varied and broad experience can be a career asset.

Check out your local public libraries and inquire about internship possibilities if you can’t find something that works for you through the school. If you don’t have time to commit to an internship, public libraries are often looking for volunteers. Having experience is key to finding a position as a public librarian.

Another great way to gain experience is by getting involved with one of the many student chapters of library associations. The SJSU iSchool hosts thriving chapters of ALA, ASIS&T, and SLA. Joining the Public Library Association (PLA) or your state library association are also great ways to get involved and make connections!

For more tips, see Kim Dority’s Infonista blog: Ten Tips for Building your Career While in Grad School.

And if you are close to completing your degree, or have just finished and are looking for librarian work, consider applying for jobs as a substitute, temporary, or on-call librarian. This can be a way to gain experience and network while looking for your full-time “dream” job. See iSchool alumna Emily Weak’s Community Profile and Resume as an example of someone who successfully transitioned from several part-time positions to full-time employment. And check out her Library 2.012 presentation (with Sarah Naumann) on How Bay Area Libraries Use On-Call Librarians (see the transcript and slide show or watch a Collaborate recording).

Job Application and Interview Tips

Check out this list of interview resources that will help you in each step of the process.

SJSU iSchool Interview Resources

Voices from the Field

Interviews with Two Public Librarians

We interviewed two public librarians from the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library in Corvallis, OR to get a look at life as a public librarian. These two women have over 35 years of public library experience between them and offered valuable insights on the current trends in public librarianship.

1. When did you start working as a public librarian and what has changed the most since then? What has stayed the same?

(Libr1): I started in January 2008. The biggest change has been the decline in ready reference questions. I used to answer a lot of more basic questions (such as finding the address to the unemployment website, the name of a capital, the attribution of a quote, etc.), but now questions are much more complex. Additionally, we get a lot more questions on how to use mobile devices and e-readers. What hasn’t really changed is that there is still a digital divide and libraries are definitely looked at as places for people who have little to no technology experience to go to seek access and assistance. More people are wanting assistance and advice regarding mobile devices and e-readers than ever before. Collection development is also changing and the demand for library budget money is being sucked away by high ticket items libraries didn’t have to pay for in the past. E-books are expensive, but in high demand.

(Libr2): I began working in public libraries in 1981. Technology has changed the most – revolutionarily! From typewriters and correcting fluid to smart phones. The reference interview has stayed the same. People need information, and they don’t know how to find it and need help formulating their initial question as well as formulating their search.

2. How has the advent of information innovations such as e-books and web 2.0 changed your relationship with the public that you serve?

(Libr1): See above. I’ll add that I also find that the public expects me to be knowledgeable about such things. We also use social media a lot more extensively than when I first started. Libraries have been early adopters of social media tools, so we’ve been using Facebook and Twitter as long as I’ve been in the profession, but I think the way we use it continues to evolve. For example, we have various Twitter searches set up so we can communicate with folks in our local area when they mention things that are potentially relevant to us (e.g. what they are reading, where to find free wi-fi). At conferences I am always impressed by the social media presentations/sessions – libraries are doing some pretty cool stuff (see Darien Library’s FB and Tumblr, Seattle Public Library’s FB, and Multnomah PL’s Twitter for some good examples).

(Libr2): We work one on one with folks to help them master all the technology available to them. And the levels of comfort with technology vary greatly. Some people still don’t know how to operate a mouse or how to acquire an email address. For example, they’ve heard they need to post an ad on Craigslist, but they have zero understanding of how it works, and how to proceed, and need to have someone sit with them through the entire process including establishing an email address, and that someone is the librarian.

3. What aspects of your job (if any) did you feel unprepared for when you first started?

(Libr1): Answering reference questions! The diversity of the questions and learning the best sources (online and in print) took time, practice, collaboration, and patience. I also needed practice putting those reference interview skills to work. I was also unprepared for the number of homeless, mentally ill, low SES [socio-economic status], former convicts, and just otherwise hard luck folks we see at public libraries. I have had to learn how to be direct, assertive, and (mostly) unafraid of confrontation. I have had to learn how to be calm and safe in the face of volatile situations. Anyone can come into our building and that means that anything can happen. It’s exciting and every once in a while a bit scary, but it has taught me more about communication than anything else ever has or could. In other words, I don’t think being a public librarian is for the faint of heart, but I hear from my colleagues that public universities and community colleges can have similarities.

(Libr2): I was unprepared for the sad situations people face. This has not changed since the early 1980s. There are people who lack education or food or safety or sanity, and they all find their way to the library. We are the Statue of Liberty for the huddled masses, and I wasn’t prepared for that. It is humbling and I love knowing that I’m doing my part for making the world a better place, and sowing seeds of kindness. And I also have to make the library welcoming for everybody, which means making sure the less fortunate users of the library don’t make it difficult for children or seniors or just ordinary folks to use their library too.

4. What are your typical daily duties?

(Libr1): Reference, readers’ advisory, collection development, programming/event coordinating, outreach, communication, website editing.

(Libr2): I spend half of my day in direct public service on a reference desk or on the phone or chat. I spend the other half buying materials for the Library’s collection. I buy in many subject areas, and many formats. I also have other duties as assigned such as giving tours or working on desk schedules.

5. Advice for an aspiring public librarian?

(Libr1): This advice is for anyone wanting to go into the public services side of things: Learn to be an effective communicator and, if you’re an introvert, you should work on being comfortable talking to a wide range of people. Know that a small (but important!) part of what you will do involves enforcing the library’s code of conduct so everyone can have a safe, pleasant library experience. Being tech-savvy is important, but it is okay to hone in on some of the skills you feel most important and/or you most enjoy. I felt at first that I needed to know everything about technology from programming to graphic design to be a good librarian, but what you actually need to be good at is collaborating with your team and professional network. You should also be flexible, customer service oriented, and enjoy variety in your work day. I waited tables for 8 years before starting graduate school and it was seriously some of the best possible prep for becoming a reference librarian.

(Libr2): Be prepared to embrace diversity, and welcome technological challenges and translate that technology to patrons. Be prepared for the panoply of questions that people have. One minute it’s about a book they heard about on NPR, and the next it’s a question about how much coffee Russia imports and the next it’s a question about resources for living with bipolar disorder. Many of our questions are about choosing what to read, or what to buy so being resourceful in finding answers that may not be so obvious is important.

6. What would you say are the most popular services that your library offers?

(Libr1): E-books! The public internet computers, youth programs (storytimes, summer reading, etc), and our semi-regular E-book Clinic are all big hits too.

(Libr2): Children’s books, all manner of DVDs, the internet, literacy activities, audiobooks, and bestsellers.

7. What technical skills are most important for a public librarian? Soft skills?

(Libr1): Tech: some HTML and CSS, MS Office, some graphic design (enough to make an attractive, professional flier/poster), experience using social media, knowledge of conducting effective general internet research (e.g. how to use Google effectively, what makes an authoritative online source, etc.), knowledge of how the internet and computers work, and familiarity with a wide range of websites and internet services. Soft skills: Spanish language skills, strong communication skills, instruction skills, emotional resilience, kindness, friendliness, a strong desire to help people, a love of reading, a sense of humor, a natural curiosity.

(Libr2): Tech skills include how to operate scanners, microfilm readers, and whatever the latest OS is, how to troubleshoot downloadables. Soft skills include: a profound belief in the public library as a cornerstone of democracy where all viewpoints are accepted and honored, and all levels of intellectual and technological abilities are respected.

Learn more about public library careers via these iSchool alumni profiles:

Christy Aguirre
Erin Berman
Chris Brown
Christopher Brown
Lara Croft
Tiffany Davis
Hadiya Evans
Kayla Marie Figard
Tiffany Harkleroad
Linda Harper
Vicki Heck
Tamarack Hockin
Vanessa Holm
Penny Hummel
Naomi Jelks
Greg Lucas
Milly Lugo
Celma de Faria Luster
Ginny Mies
Kristen Mulvihill
Pam Okosun
Kimberly Partanen
Paula Pereira
Lisa Rosenblum
Joseph Sanchez
Jennifer Stencel
Patrick Sweeney
Jack Tilney
Yolande Wilburn

Additional Resources

How to Land a Job at a Public Library

The Online Magazine of the Public Library Association

Testimonials from Working Librarians on Why They Like Their Jobs

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