Library Jobs

Librarian I - Full Time

Location: Central - Catalog Management
Opens: 4/27/2026
Closes: 5/13/2026

Job Summary

This is a professional library position requiring knowledge of library principles, practices and policies; attention to detail; sound judgment; strong communications skills; and some supervisory experience. The position may direct and supervise the day-to-day operation of a specific department for this location. The position involves performing a wide range of professional library work including but not limited to public service, programing, circulation, collection management and supervising personnel. Strong customer service skills and an excellent service philosophy are required. Work is reviewed through conferences and on the basis of results achieved.

Examples Of Duties

  • Receives physical materials to be cataloged from the Acquisitions Department and cataloging requests via online forms.
  • Determines whether titles are new to the JCLC union catalog or may be added to existing bibliographic records.
  • Creates original bibliographic records; imports records from various databases into the union catalog.
  • Evaluates and revises bibliographic records to conform to current authority control and cataloging rules.
  • Responsible for cataloging one or more nonfiction subject areas, one or more formats, one or more classification systems, and one or more languages.
  • Participates in Collection Management.
  • Serves as liaison with BPL departments and branches as well as JCLC libraries.
  • Supervises paraprofessional staff in absence of department head; reviews work of paraprofessional staff.
  • Attends various departmental and system-wide meetings.
  • Assists with training new personnel.
  • Assists department head in planning catalog policy, procedures, and work assignments.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

  • Working knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of library science.
  • Working knowledge of RDA cataloging rules and the principles of authority control.
  • Knowledge of various automated library and cataloging systems and databases.
  • Knowledge of BIBFRAME.
  • Ability to make decisions in relation to various classification schemes, LC subject headings, and authority control.
  • Familiarity with all types of material formats.
  • Ability to pay close attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to direct the work of nonprofessional staff, interns, and volunteers.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cordial and effective relationships with associates.
  • Ability to keep abreast of changes in cataloging rules and advances in technology.
  • Self-motivation to learn new skills and the ability to adapt to a changing work environment is essential.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

Physical requirements include the ability to stand for long periods of time; eyesight sufficient to read and understand information from microform and PC monitor, and the manual dexterity necessary for the regular use of PCs; ability to stoop, twist, turn and move materials from place to place in the library. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university supplemented by the attainment of a master's degree in library and information science (MLS, MLIS) from an ALA accredited institution. Previous supervisory experience preferred. All positions may include morning, afternoon, evening and weekend hours, including Sunday. Employees may be required to adapt to future schedule and location changes depending on library needs.

Benefits

The City of Birmingham offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

  • 80 hours biweekly, Grade 22 - Salary range: $49,753.60- $54,849.60 (starting salary is commensurate with education and experience).
  • A City-sponsored pension retirement plan. The City of Birmingham provides a Tier 3 "defined benefit" plan where employee retirement payments are computed using a formula that considers several factors, such as length of employment and salary history.
  • Excellent medical insurance with employee monthly contribution as low as $32.50/month.
  • Dental insurance.
  • Vision insurance.
  • Behavioral health plan.
  • Group Term Life & AD&D Insurance, Voluntary Term Life & AD&D, Whole Life Insurance, and Short-term Disability options.
  • Paid vacation and sick leave.
  • Generous holiday schedule.
  • Membership and admission benefits for City attractions such as the Birmingham Zoo, Birmingham Museum of Art, Southern Museum of Flight, and more.

Methods Of Appointment

Applicants must register and apply at the Alabama Career Center: https://alabamaworks.alabama.gov. The application will be forwarded to the Birmingham Public Library Personnel Officer. Library employees need not go through the Alabama Career Center but can submit applications directly to the Library Personnel Office.

A resume must be submitted prior to the interview. Qualified applicants may be contacted for an interview. You must pass a pre-employment health screen before you may be employed by the Birmingham Public Library. Position available immediately.

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.

Equal Opportunity Employer