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If you’ve Googled “librarian job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of results already. But let’s be honest—most of them feel the same. Generic. Dry. Outdated.
They list a few bullet points, throw in some jargon about cataloging systems and research skills, and call it a day. But here’s the problem: none of that helps you actually attract a great librarian.
Because the truth is, a great librarian isn’t just someone who shelves books and shushes people—they’re a knowledge guide, a community builder, a tech-savvy organizer, and often the quiet glue holding an entire learning environment together.
If your job post doesn’t reflect that? The best candidates will scroll right past.
Before we get into examples, if you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It walks through everything you need to know—from structure to tone to candidate psychology..
Once you’ve got the foundation down, this article will show you how to apply that same strategy to the librarian role. We’ll cover:
- What a modern librarian actually does (beyond the clichés)
- Two job description templates (experienced & entry-level)
- A breakdown of why they work
- A bad example and what to avoid
- Bonus tips, AI usage guidance, and a copy-paste version you can tailor
If you want your next librarian hire to be a lasting asset—not just a resume checkbox—keep reading.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What Does a Librarian Actually Do? Their Roles
A librarian isn’t just someone who checks out books and manages the Dewey Decimal System.
Today’s librarians wear many hats. They’re part educator, part tech support, part researcher, and part community builder. Whether they’re helping a student find a credible source, guiding someone through a digital resource, or curating a children’s storytime program—librarians are the connective tissue of any knowledge-driven space.
At their core, librarians are responsible for organizing and maintaining collections (physical and digital), helping users access information, and creating a welcoming, resource-rich environment. But just as important are their soft skills—communication, empathy, patience, and the ability to guide someone who’s unsure what they’re even looking for.
Here’s what sets a great librarian apart:
- They’re approachable and service-minded
- They’re organized and tech-literate
- They balance structure with flexibility
- They care deeply about access, equity, and learning
Whether they work in a public library, a school, a university, or a specialized archive, the best librarians make people feel seen, supported, and smarter after every interaction.
Two Great Librarian Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Librarian Job Description (Experienced Hire)
📌 Job Title: Community Librarian at Evergreen Public Library
📍 Location: Portland, OR | 🕒 Full-Time | 💰 $48,000–$58,000/year (Based on Experience)
🗓️ Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
🎥 A Quick Hello from Our Director [Insert Loom or YouTube link]
Who We Are
At Evergreen Public Library, we believe a library isn’t just a place for books—it’s a hub for curiosity, connection, and lifelong learning. We serve over 70,000 patrons a year across all age groups, with a focus on digital literacy, equitable access, and community outreach. Our team is warm, collaborative, and committed to creating a space where everyone feels welcome.
Our Culture
We value kindness, curiosity, and initiative. Whether it’s helping a teen with a research paper, guiding a senior through our eBook collection, or planning a local author talk, we believe in meeting people where they are—with patience and purpose. You’ll thrive here if you love learning, love helping, and love building meaningful relationships in the community.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Guide patrons in accessing books, databases, digital tools, and research materials
- Lead literacy programs, community workshops, and special events
- Manage cataloging, shelving, and inventory using our ILS system
- Provide tech help and training (e.g., how to use tablets, e-readers, printers)
- Support outreach efforts to schools, senior centers, and underserved neighborhoods
- Recommend materials based on reading levels, interests, and needs
What We’re Looking For
- 2+ years of experience in a library or similar information services role
- MLS/MLIS degree (or equivalent experience + ongoing coursework)
- Familiarity with library databases, digital lending tools, and catalog systems
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Comfortable presenting to small groups and leading programs
Perks & Benefits
- Fully covered health, dental & vision insurance
- 18 days PTO + 10 paid holidays
- $500 annual professional development stipend
- Flexible scheduling options
- Tuition assistance for MLIS coursework (if still completing)
Why This Role Is Worth Your Time
This is more than a desk job—it’s a chance to shape the experience of thousands of patrons who walk through our doors every year. You’ll get to lead, teach, collaborate, and make an impact daily. And you’ll be part of a team that values your voice, supports your growth, and treats you like a professional, not just a position.
How to Apply
We care deeply about making our hiring process respectful and inclusive. That’s why we use WorkScreen.io to evaluate all applicants fairly—based on real skills, not just résumés.
To apply, follow this link: [Insert WorkScreen application link]
You’ll complete a short, skills-based assessment, and we’ll be in touch within 7–10 business days. We respond to every application.
✅ Option 2: Entry-Level Librarian Job Description (Willing to Train)
📌 Job Title: Assistant Librarian – No Experience Needed (We’ll Train You!)
📍 Location: Brookside Learning Center, Atlanta, GA | 🕒 Full-Time | 💰 $17–$22/hour
🗓️ Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
🎥 Meet Your Future Team [Insert Loom or YouTube link]
About Us
Brookside Learning Center is a small but mighty team that believes every child deserves access to books, technology, and encouragement. We serve over 300 students each week with a mix of guided reading support, literacy programming, and digital learning resources. Now, we’re looking for someone who’s kind, organized, and eager to grow with us—no library experience required.
Our Culture
We believe in learning by doing. Our team is hands-on, welcoming, and always ready to teach. If you’re the kind of person who loves helping others, enjoys keeping things in order, and wants a career with purpose, you’ll fit right in. We celebrate growth, curiosity, and collaboration—and we’ll support your training every step of the way.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Greet students and help them find books or digital materials
- Keep shelves organized and materials checked in/out correctly
- Set up reading circles, book fairs, and seasonal displays
- Provide basic tech help (printing, logging into Chromebooks, using eBooks)
- Help prepare the library for weekly classes and events
- Support the lead librarian in cataloging and inventory tasks
What We’re Looking For
- High school diploma or GED
- Comfortable using computers, email, and basic apps
- Friendly, reliable, and willing to learn new systems
- Patient and kind with students of all ages
- Strong attention to detail and ability to stay organized
Bonus if you have:
● Experience working in a school or childcare setting
● Interest in books, education, or organizing community events
(These are “nice to haves”—not deal breakers. If this sounds like you, please apply!)
Perks & Benefits
- Paid training and mentorship program
- Health & dental coverage after 90 days
- Up to 10 paid flex days per year
- Annual raise review and growth path to full Librarian
- Team lunches, free books, and library swag days ✨
Why This Job Is Worth It
This is more than just a support role—it’s a stepping stone. You’ll be surrounded by people who care, learn valuable new skills, and help kids fall in love with reading. You don’t need years of experience. Just bring your energy, your focus, and your willingness to grow. We’ll help with the rest.
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to make our hiring process fair and efficient. That means no résumé black holes or ghosting. Just a simple, skills-first process that helps us get to know you—not just your job history.
Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen application link]
We’ll review your application, respond within one week, and keep you updated every step of the way.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Why These Librarian Job Descriptions Work
If you compare either of the two job descriptions above to the typical copy-paste job post online, the difference is clear. Here’s why these versions actually connect—and convert:
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Descriptive, and Human
Instead of a vague title like “Librarian”, the job titles communicate:
- The role focus (“Community Librarian” or “Assistant Librarian”)
- Who it’s for (experienced professionals vs. those willing to learn)
- A hook or differentiator (“No Experience Needed,” “We’ll Train You”)
That specificity helps candidates immediately self-identify—and it attracts applicants who are aligned with what you really need.
✅ 2. The Introductions Provide Context and Purpose
Most job posts start with a robotic company summary. These start with a reason to care.
They highlight the mission (“a hub for curiosity, connection, and lifelong learning”) and tell the candidate what kind of impact they’ll have. The message is clear: you won’t just do tasks—you’ll make a difference.
✅ 3. The Culture Section Makes the Workplace Feel Real
Candidates want to know what the day-to-day feels like. These job posts do that with warmth and clarity.
They share:
- What the team values (kindness, curiosity, collaboration)
- How the workplace operates (supportive, growth-minded)
- What kind of person thrives there (organized, service-driven, tech-comfortable)
It helps candidates imagine themselves in the role—and builds trust.
✅ 4. Responsibilities Are Written Like Real-Life Scenarios
Instead of vague bullet points like “Provides reference services,” the tasks are framed in human terms:
- “Guide patrons in accessing books, databases, digital tools…”
- “Set up reading circles, book fairs, and seasonal displays…”
This helps candidates visualize the work and connect with the mission behind it.
✅ 5. The Requirements Don’t Feel Like a Gatekeeping Wall
For the entry-level role especially, the job description makes it explicit that experience isn’t everything.
By stating that some items are “nice to haves,” it invites applications from people with potential—not just polished résumés. That opens the door to more passionate, diverse candidates.
✅ 6. There’s Transparency Around Salary, Perks, and Process
- Salary ranges are listed
- Perks are outlined in plain English (not buried in fine print)
- The hiring process is explained clearly and respectfully
- WorkScreen is used to make the process feel fair and skills-first
This makes the company feel modern, thoughtful, and serious about creating a great candidate experience.
✅ 7. The Tone Is Human and Respectful
None of the language sounds corporate, cold, or robotic. The tone is conversational, supportive, and direct. These posts treat the reader like a person—not a placeholder.
And that’s exactly the kind of company great candidates want to work for.
Example of a Bad Librarian Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Let’s look at a typical job post you might find online—one that checks all the boxes technically… but completely misses the mark when it comes to attracting a great candidate.
Bad Job Post Example
Job Title: Librarian
Company: Westfield Municipal Library
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Westfield, NJ
Job Summary:
We are seeking a qualified and experienced librarian to manage library services and assist patrons with information needs. The successful candidate will be responsible for cataloging, circulation, and reference services.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain cataloging records
- Provide reference and circulation services
- Assist with collection development
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- MLIS or equivalent degree
- 3 years’ experience preferred
- Strong communication skills
- Familiarity with library systems
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their résumé and cover letter to hr@westfieldlibrary.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🚫 Why This Job Post Falls Short
Let’s break down why this kind of job description is likely to attract fewer—and weaker—applicants:
1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
“Librarian” tells us nothing about the level, focus, or scope of the role. Is it public-facing? Focused on youth programs? Managing digital resources? The title gives no hint—and that vagueness limits its appeal.
2. The Introduction Is Dry and Uninspired
There’s no mission, no story, and no emotional connection. The summary reads like a checkbox form, not a compelling pitch for why this role matters.
3. There’s No Mention of Culture, Team, or Purpose
What’s the library like? What values drive it? What kind of community does it serve? These are the questions serious applicants care about—and none are answered here.
4. Salary and Perks Are Omitted
Failing to list a salary range is a red flag to many candidates—it signals a lack of transparency. And there’s no mention of benefits, PTO, or anything that makes the offer feel competitive.
5. The Responsibilities Are Vague
“Perform other duties as assigned” is a classic cop-out. The list feels like it was copied from an old HR manual, not written to reflect real, day-to-day contributions.
6. The Hiring Process Feels Cold
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is dismissive and outdated. It tells the candidate, “Don’t expect to hear from us unless you’re lucky.” That tone turns off thoughtful applicants immediately.
7. There’s Zero Personality in the Call to Action
The ending is transactional—just an email address and a one-liner. No warmth. No clarity. No encouragement. A job post should inspire action, not just request documents.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Librarian Job Post Stand Out
Once you’ve nailed the structure, tone, and clarity of your librarian job description, these small but powerful additions can help your post rise above the noise—and attract the right candidates faster.
✅ Tip 1: Add an Important Security Notice
In today’s hiring environment, job scams are unfortunately common. Including a security notice builds trust with candidates and positions your organization as transparent and protective.
Example:
🔒 We take the safety and privacy of all applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking information, or personal financial details at any stage of the hiring process.
✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Librarians often work varied schedules, including weekends or evenings. Mentioning any time-off flexibility signals work-life balance and shows you care about long-term retention.
Example:
“Enjoy up to 15 days of paid time off, plus 5 flex days annually so you can recharge and come back refreshed.”
✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Whether it’s mentorship, continuing education, or a clear promotion path, candidates want to know there’s room to grow.
Example:
“You’ll receive a professional development budget and ongoing training in digital tools, programming, and leadership skills—because we grow together.”
✅ Tip 4: Include a Loom or Video From the Team
Even a short 1–2 minute Loom video from the hiring manager or lead librarian helps humanize the post and make it feel personal.
Why it works:
- Candidates connect better when they see who they’ll work with
- It makes your job post feel modern, real, and welcoming
- It reduces hiring friction—they already feel a sense of belonging
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ Tip 5: Use Subheadings and Emoji Sparingly
Clear formatting (like this!) makes your post more skimmable and less intimidating—especially for entry-level applicants. Add the occasional emoji as a friendly visual cue.
Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone for Your Librarian Job Post
With AI tools everywhere—especially in job boards and hiring platforms—it’s tempting to type “Write a librarian job description” into a chatbot and paste whatever comes out. But here’s the truth:
Most AI-generated job descriptions are generic, robotic, and uninspired.
They sound like this:
“We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented librarian to perform circulation duties, support research needs, and maintain library operations…”
And that’s where great candidates check out.
🤖 The Problem With One-Click AI Job Posts
- They all sound the same. You get filler content with zero voice, heart, or culture.
- They attract the wrong people. You’ll get a flood of low-effort applications from people applying to anything.
- They hurt your brand. A bland job post makes your library or organization seem outdated, boring, or disconnected.
Your job post is your first impression—don’t outsource that to a bot with no context.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI for Job Posts
AI isn’t the enemy—it’s a tool. But you need to guide it well. Here’s how:
Step 1: Come Prepared With Context
Before prompting AI, jot down a few things about your organization:
- What does your library actually do? (Is it academic, community-focused, digital-first?)
- What makes your culture different?
- What will the librarian actually be doing day to day?
- What kind of person will thrive there?
- What benefits/perks do you offer?
- What’s your hiring process like?
Step 2: Use a Smart Prompt Like This:
“Help me write a job post for our library, [insert library or company name].
We’re hiring a [insert librarian job title] to help with [brief responsibility summary].
Our team culture is [describe tone, values, and work environment].
We’re looking for someone who is [ideal traits].
We offer [list perks and salary range].
Here’s how our hiring process works: [brief outline].
Here are a few notes I’ve written to help:
[Paste your rough notes or favorite sentence examples].”
This gives AI the raw ingredients it needs to help you shape, polish, and tighten a real post—not fabricate one from thin air.
Tip: Use AI to Improve, Not Replace
Once you’ve drafted something, you can ask AI to:
- Rewrite it in a warmer tone
- Suggest better subheadings
- Make the language more inclusive
- Format it for better readability
But the substance—the story, tone, and voice—should come from you.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Librarian – Community & Learning Programs
📍 Location: [Your City, State] | 🕒 Full-Time | 💰 $XX–$XX/year
Who We Are
At [Your Library Name], we believe libraries should inspire—not just inform. We serve [insert audience: “a diverse, multigenerational community” or “over 10,000 students each year”] with a focus on [insert mission: “digital literacy, access to knowledge, and lifelong learning”].
We’re looking for a librarian who loves helping people, stays curious, and sees every question as an opportunity to empower someone.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Assist patrons in finding books, digital resources, and credible information
- Lead or support programs like storytime, tech tutorials, book clubs, or workshops
- Manage cataloging and inventory using [insert system]
- Answer reference questions in-person and via online chat
- Collaborate with the team to create seasonal displays, events, and community partnerships
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in a library or information-based setting (1–2 years is great)
- MLS/MLIS degree preferred—but not required
- Strong people skills, attention to detail, and tech comfort (eBooks, printers, etc.)
- Organized, adaptable, and community-minded
Perks & Benefits
- [Insert #] paid days off + holidays
- Health & dental coverage
- Professional development support
- Room to grow and lead new programs
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to make the hiring process easy, fair, and skills-first.
Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen link]
We respond to every application.
✅ Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
📌 Job Title: Librarian
📍 Location: [Insert Location]
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary Range: $XX–$XX/year
Job Brief
We’re hiring a librarian to support information services, community programs, and digital access at [Organization Name]. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about learning, helping others, and fostering a welcoming library environment.
Responsibilities
- Provide reference and reader advisory services
- Assist with cataloging, circulation, and shelving
- Manage or support public programming and community events
- Train patrons on library tech tools (e.g., databases, eBooks)
- Collaborate with staff on collection development and outreach
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (MLS/MLIS preferred)
- 1–2 years of related experience
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Familiarity with library software and digital resources
Benefits
- Paid time off and sick days
- Health insurance options
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Friendly, collaborative team culture
Application Process
Please apply via [WorkScreen.io link] to complete a short, skills-based evaluation. We review all applications carefully and will keep you updated throughout the process.
Let WorkScreen Handle The Next Step
Once your job post starts attracting candidates, the next challenge is figuring out who’s actually a good fit—not just who looks good on paper.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
WorkScreen helps you:
✅ Quickly identify your top applicants
Instead of sorting through piles of résumés, WorkScreen automatically evaluates candidates through role-specific skill tests—and ranks them on a performance-based leaderboard. You’ll know who your top performers are in minutes.
✅ Easily assess real skills—not just résumés
Want to know if a candidate can communicate clearly? Follow instructions? Think critically?
WorkScreen gives you the data—so you’re not hiring based on gut feeling alone.
✅ Eliminate low-effort and AI-generated applications
In today’s hiring world, you’ll get flooded with applicants using AI to generate cover letters or auto-apply to every job.
WorkScreen filters out those who aren’t serious—so you only spend time on the real ones.
✅ Save time, avoid bad hires, and feel more confident
Hiring the wrong person isn’t just frustrating—it’s expensive.
WorkScreen helps you avoid that mistake by giving you better visibility into who can actually do the job.
Create your job post, plug it into WorkScreen, and let the platform guide you through the rest. It’s fast, fair, and built for hiring smarter—not just faster.
FAQ
As of 2024, the average salary for a librarian in the United States is $58,000–$64,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
However, the range can vary widely depending on:
- Location (urban areas and academic institutions tend to pay more)
- Experience level
- Type of library (e.g., public vs. university vs. corporate)
- Educational credentials (librarians with MLIS degrees often command higher pay)
Entry-level librarian roles or assistant positions may start around $40,000–$48,000, while senior or specialized librarians can earn $70,000+ in certain sectors.
In many cases, yes—especially for professional librarian roles in public, academic, or research libraries. Most full librarian positions require a Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution.
However, some assistant librarian or library technician roles may only require:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Relevant experience
- Or willingness to be trained on the job
If you’re hiring for a more junior or community-based role, flexibility on formal education can help you find motivated, trainable candidates.
Technical skills matter—but soft skills are often what set top librarians apart. Look for candidates who demonstrate:
- Empathy and patience (especially when helping new or frustrated patrons)
- Strong communication skills (oral and written)
- Adaptability (libraries evolve fast—especially with tech)
- Organizational ability (they manage a lot of moving parts)
- Initiative (great librarians don’t wait to be asked—they solve problems proactively)
Generally:
- A librarian is responsible for curating collections, leading programming, managing information systems, and supporting patrons at a deeper level. They typically hold an MLIS degree.
- A library assistant supports the librarian by checking materials in/out, organizing collections, assisting patrons, and handling clerical or support tasks. These roles often don’t require advanced degrees and may be entry-level.
Hiring both roles? You can use the same job description format from this guide—just tweak the responsibilities and qualifications accordingly.
