The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) offers a dynamic, innovative work environment where each employee contributes to making the Library the best Third Place possible. Inspiration starts here – we help people read, learn, and connect!
Librarians help open a world of materials, services, and programs to patrons and serve as liaisons to community partners.
Librarians perform basic bibliographic, reference, readers’ advisory, and programming work and participate in a full range of librarian activities, including community service, outreach, and basic collection development. Emphasis is on developing a comprehensive background across all phases of librarianship throughout the system, including children's, young adult, and/or adult services.
The Milwaukee Public Library has vacancies throughout the system, at both the Central Library and our Branch Libraries, with a focus on assignments in the Adult Services section. The hours for these full-time positions are either Wednesday – Friday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm OR Sunday 8:30am – 5pm, and Monday – Tuesday 10:30 – 7pm (Central) or 11:30 – 8pm (Branches), and Wednesday – Thursday 9:30am – 6pm.
Reference, Readers’ Advisory & Customer Service:
- Provide in-person, phone, and virtual reference and bibliographic assistance by conducting reference interviews, primarily for general and ready reference inquiries.
- Staff and provide excellent service at public information desks, assisting patrons with inquiries, research, and library resources.
- Assist and instruct patrons in the use of print and online materials, technology, and library equipment.
- Provide readers’ advisory service to adults and patrons of all ages using reference tools and personal and professional knowledge of readers, collections, genres, and publication trends.
- Troubleshoot library computers and technology issues and report unresolved problems through proper channels.
- Maintain knowledge of current resources, services and technologies in adult services and the information field.
- Explain basic library policies and procedures to patrons and escalate concerns up the proper channels as necessary.
Programming, Outreach, & Community Relations:
- Plan, publicize, and present programs for adults which promote library materials, resources, and services.
- Assist in developing, planning, and facilitating educational workshops, book discussions, and other programs and events for adults to engage the community in alignment with the Library’s vision, mission, and goals.
- Maintain accurate records, usage statistics, and program evaluations related to community outreach and programming.
- Participate in outreach efforts to promote library services, programs, and resources.
- Work with Communications and Community Engagement to request and develop promotional materials, including program flyers and publicity.
Collection Development & Maintenance:
- Contribute to collection development by recommending materials based on patron needs, trends, and community interests.
- Assist with ongoing maintenance of the adult collection, including deselection, merchandising, and ensuring materials are accessible and well-organized.
- Collaborate with the Collection Management team to communicate patron feedback, usage patterns, and areas for development in the collection.
- Develop displays, exhibits, and promotions that highlight the collection and encourage discovery.
- Stay informed about new releases, authors, and publishing trends to support effective readers’ advisory and recommendations for adult and young adult audiences.
- Keep current with collection-related trends, new developments, and best practices, including technology innovation and intellectual freedom.
- Adhere to the Library’s policies, procedures, and best practices for handling, organizing, and maintaining collection materials to ensure accessibility and care
System Support & Professional Development:
- At branch locations, develop familiarity with branch circulation operations and assist with circulation routines, including library card registration, managing overdue notices and holds, processing checkouts and returns, shelving materials, and maintaining accurate circulation records.
- Provide emergency support and assistance at locations and service points throughout the library system as needed.
- Participate in professional development opportunities, including conferences, training, and reviewing current literature to stay informed of trends and best practices in library services.
- Serve actively on library committees to support the Library’s initiatives and goals.
- Participate in the Library’s grant writing process, including drafting proposals and related documents.
- When assigned to a branch location, serve as Person-in-Charge in the absence of the branch manager or senior librarian staff.
- Must work Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.
Librarian Is must be willing and able to do the following:
- Must work the following schedule: Wednesdays through Fridays, 9:30 am – 6:00 pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Provide emergency assistance at locations through the MPL system as needed.
- Lift and move items weighing up to 10 pounds occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
- Stand, walk, climb stepstools, crouch, and reach.
Librarian I:
1. Master's degree in library and information studies or equivalent from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited program.
NOTE: An applicant having current academic status as a graduate student in an ALA-accredited program will be allowed to participate in this selection process if they possess at least 24 credits in the MLIS program. A candidate may not be appointed to this level until proof of graduation is shown to the Department of Employee Relations. Appointment to a lower position is possible based on qualifications and experience.
NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.
TECHNICAL
- Knowledge of library science, including a thorough understanding of the reference interview, public relations and marketing techniques, library programming, collection development, library media learning principles, and instructional methods.
- Knowledge of modern library organization, procedures, policies, mission, goals, and services.
- Ability to learn the fundamentals of library materials acquisition, budget management, and grant processes.
- Skill in using online library catalogs, electronic databases, the Internet, microform, indexes, bibliographies, and reference tools.
- Skill in using word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and personal information management applications.
- Ability to learn to use and troubleshoot library equipment such as self-checkout stations, automated book sorters, cash registers, audiovisual equipment, and security systems.
- Ability to read and interpret a wide array of materials, from printed books and periodicals to electronic resources.
- Ability to interpret and satisfy various reading and informational needs.
- Wide range of reading interests with a developing, in-depth knowledge of a particular subject or subjects.
- Knowledge of community resources and demographics to assess the needs and interests of patrons and the community.
- Ability to learn the Library’s grant writing process, including general requirements and considerations for proposals and related documentation.
COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL
- Excellent customer service skills; ability to de-escalate and resolve basic to intermediate patron challenges tactfully and satisfactorily.
- Ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse coworkers and library users of various cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds, ages, and literacy levels, with an understanding of the social responsibilities of an urban public library in an era of information access and technological change.
- Ability to foster and contribute to an environment of inclusion wherein all are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
- Written communication skills to prepare correspondence, reports, book reviews, and marketing materials.
- Verbal communication skills to share information with a wide range of patrons.
- Presentation skills to perform library outreach, participate in media programs, and conduct formal programs to carry out the mission of the library.
- Ability to represent the library, its policies and programs, before a variety of community groups and agencies.
- Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
CRITICAL THINKING AND PROFESSIONALISM
- Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple tasks and to adjust to changing priorities to meet deadlines.
- Ability to function effectively when working independently.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to make effective decisions and sound judgment.
- Ability to learn new information quickly and conduct research.
- Ability to exemplify professionalism, honesty, integrity, and proper stewardship of library resources.
- Ability to identify problems and opportunities; review possible alternative courses and utilize available information resources in decision-making; understand when to escalate matters up the appropriate channels as needed.
Librarian I
The current salary range (Pay Range 2GN) is $63,503 - $78,768 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $66,043 - $81,918 annually. Appointment will be made in accordance with the provisions of the salary ordinance. Appointment to the Librarian I title is normally at the beginning of the pay range.
BENEFITS
The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:
- Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
- Health and Dental Insurance
- Paid Parental Leave
- Comprehensive Wellness Program
- Onsite Clinic Services
- Onsite Employee Assistance Program
- Alternative Work Schedules
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Group Life Insurance
- Tuition Benefits
- Paid Vacation
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
- Flexible Spending Arrangement
- Commuter Value Pass
For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit: https://city.milwaukee.gov/DER/benefits
THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.
INITIAL FILING DATE – The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.
- Applications and further information may be accessed by visiting https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL/
- If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or [email protected].
- The Department of Employee Relations is located at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
EEO Code 204
The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.
