How to hire a library manager

How to hire a library manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step library manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a library manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new library manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The library manager hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a library manager to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a library manager that fits the bill.

   This list presents library manager salaries for various positions.

   Type of Library Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Library Manager	Librarians help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use. Their job duties may change based on the type of library they work in, such as public, school, and medical libraries.	$19-39
   Technical Services Librarian	A technical services librarian is responsible for overseeing the technical and circulation services at a library. Typical duties for this role include supervising the technical and circulation staff, working closely with other library services, and directing the activities on library automation... Show more	$17-33
   Collection Management Librarian	As a collection management librarian, one must perform the tasks associated with library services, especially in collection management. Collection management librarians monitor, analyze, and report collection management data... Show more	$19-37

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Library Services
   • Library Policies
   • Collection Development
   • Local Community
   • Electronic Resources
   • Library Materials
   • Library Operations
   • Library Resources
   • Public Library
   • Library System
   • Research Services
   • Library Programs
   • Reference Services
   • Interlibrary Loan

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Provide continuous cataloging training for library staff.
   • Operate library cataloging system efficiently by providing unique identification code to the newly purchase books.
   • Provide safety and security oversight of the library, training and updating evacuation/plot plans and extinguishment methods.
   • Research using LEXIS-NEXIS and WestLaw databases for legal, business, and newspaper research.
   • Utilize Lexis and Westlaw extensively to locate articles and case law relate to the topic.
   • Record retention.SecurityDuties include enforcing the rules and regulations of TDCJ.

   More library manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your library manager job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A library manager salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, library managers' average salary in arkansas is 36% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level library managers earn 50% less than senior-level library managers.
   • Certifications. A library manager with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a library manager's salary.

   Average library manager salary

   $58,586yearly

   $28.17 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level library manager salary

   $41,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average library manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$83,562	$40
   2	Nevada	$72,524	$35
   3	Utah	$72,211	$35
   4	Washington	$71,977	$35
   5	Connecticut	$71,325	$34
   6	Minnesota	$68,385	$33
   7	New York	$66,432	$32
   8	Massachusetts	$64,845	$31
   9	Texas	$56,384	$27
   10	Missouri	$54,954	$26
   11	Colorado	$53,875	$26
   12	New Mexico	$52,060	$25
   13	Florida	$50,010	$24
   14	Arkansas	$48,977	$24

   Average library manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Amd	$111,644	$53.67
   2	University of California-Berkeley	$95,557	$45.94
   3	Harvard University	$90,092	$43.31
   4	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	$86,684	$41.67
   5	University of Nevada, Reno	$76,909	$36.98
   6	City of Houston	$75,397	$36.25	1
   7	City Of Norwalk, Connecticut	$75,109	$36.11
   8	Mount Sinai Health System	$70,105	$33.70
   9	Practicing Law Institute	$68,101	$32.74
   10	PROLIM	$67,569	$32.49
   11	University of Houston	$65,670	$31.57
   12	Mallinckrodt	$65,012	$31.26
   13	Alachua County	$64,391	$30.96	3
   14	UTMB HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS	$64,253	$30.89
   15	Seyfarth Shaw	$63,996	$30.77
   16	Atla	$63,434	$30.50
   17	University of Texas System	$62,633	$30.11	1
   18	The University of New Mexico	$61,938	$29.78	3
   19	Timberland Regional Library	$61,387	$29.51	3
   20	City of Austin	$61,346	$29.49

4. Writing a library manager job description

   A library manager job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a library manager job description:

   Library manager job description example

   Founded by seven community members in 2014, Jefferson RISE Charter School will have 740 students in grades 6-12 for the 2021-2022 school year. Located in Harvey, Louisiana, we serve a diverse group of students from the Westbank of Jefferson Parish, with a student body that is 52% Black/African American, 30% White, 16% Hispanic, and 2% Asian and where 92% of students qualify as economically disadvantaged.
   
   We believe in educating the whole child, supporting both an academic foundation as well as building students’ social-emotional skills and readiness for long-term college and career success. Our model includes:
   High-Quality Academic Program: With a longer school day and school, one-on-one tutoring, intervention, one-to-one devices, and a rigorous curriculum, our academics prepare our students for college. Social-Emotional Learning: Everything we do supports students to develop and live our values of Character, Respect, Integrity, Self-Discipline, and Excellence. Student Life and Career Readiness: Beyond our core academic program, we provide enrichment opportunities and electives, skill blocks, and community circles to support students in developing their passions and life-long happiness.
   Since our founding, we have achieved remarkable results with our students. In the 2018-2019 school year (the latest year with available data), our 8th graders outperformed both district and state achievement levels in all subject areas, and our high school earned an “A” growth grade from the Louisiana Department of Education. We have also found that students who spend more time at our school are significantly more likely to score proficient or advanced on end-of-year exams.
   Position Overview
   The Dual Enrollment and Library Monitor is responsible for monitoring and supporting dual enrollment students and the library for the duration of the school day.
   The Dual Enrollment and Library Monitor will also maintain appropriate related documentation records and reports.
   Other duties may be assigned as needed. As a charter school, Jefferson RISE sets its own academic calendar and daily/weekly schedule based on the needs of its students. Staff generally work from mid-July (beginning with professional development before students arrive) through late May. Teachers expected to stay after school one day a week for tutoring or other afterschool activities. Weekly professional learning opportunities are provided on Fridays.
   Proctoring and Monitoring Students Work directly with students enrolled in dual enrollment classes or students who come to the library Assist students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments Assist students with tracking assignments and completing work Model appropriate behavior in various social settings Coordinate and monitor necessary data collection (attendance and grades) Use feedback to make productive changes in performance Track data and monitor progress of students in dual enrollment classes
   Administrative Analyze student achievement data in collaboration with team members Implement data tracking system and use data to inform instructional development and delivery Enter in student performance data in a timely manner Complete all administrative requirements before given deadlines
   School and Community Culture Embody and teach the mission, vision, and strategic direction of the school Design and implement programs that promote positive student behavior, and that motivate students to exhibit the leadership values of the school Build classroom community by investing families in students’ academic success and development of strong character and leadership traits
   Candidate Profile
   Education and Certification: High School Diploma required Bachelor’s degree (preferred)
   Experience and Skills: Technological proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint as well as other web-based applications Excellent communication skills High level of personal organization and planning Proven track record of student achievement and/or growth
   Culture and Fit: Commitment to the mission and organizational success of Jefferson RISE Ambition and desire to grow as a leader Openness to feedback and a willingness to take personal responsibility for the affairs of the school Entrepreneurial spirit Personal and professional integrity Team player (flexible, willing to jump in)
   
   Benefits
   Jefferson RISE pays the following employee only costs for all full-time employees: 85% medical and 100% dental, vision, short and long term disability. The Employee covers the remaining costs, including 15% employee medical and all spouse/dependent costs. RISE offers a Simple IRA retirement account and matches up to 3% with no vestment period. Jefferson RISE reserves the right to offer different or additional benefits to the Employee at any time.
   At this time, Jefferson RISE is not able to provide work visa sponsorship. Being authorized to work in the United States is a precondition for employment.
   Additional Questions The following questions will be part of this job application. Those marked with an asterisk will be required to submit your application. What do you do to improve? Give an example of a time when you received difficult feedback from a peer, student, teacher, or supervisor. How did you respond in the moment? How did it affect your thinking? Your actions? * Describe a time when you saw some problem and took the initiative to correct it rather than waiting for someone else to do it. * Do you have a high school diploma? * Do you have a bachelor's degree? * How did you learn about this position? * Indeed.com ZipRecruiter Google Jobs BetterTeacher WorkNOLA A Jefferson RISE team member (please specify) A Jefferson RISE parent or community member An email from Jefferson RISE Careers Somewhere else (please specify) If you learned about this role from a Jefferson RISE staff member or somewhere that wasn't listed in the previous question, please tell us who or where. Is there anything else you'd like us to know in considering your application?

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right library manager for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your library manager job on Zippia to find and recruit library manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with library manager candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new library manager

   Once you've decided on a perfect library manager candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new library manager first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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