Working at the Library

Do you want to get a job at the Mobile Public Library?

All employees of the Library are hired from lists provided by the Mobile County Personnel Board. We employ approximately 200 workers, including librarians and other professionals, clerical and custodial staff. Most are full-time employees, and the rest are part-time or supernumerary (substitute) workers.

When we have a vacancy, which happens often with our part-time staff, we request a list of qualified candidates from the Personnel Board. They will furnish to us up to ten names. We interview each one and make a selection when all interviews are completed.

How do you know when there is an opening at the Library?

Let's use Office Assistant I as an example. Most of the employees at the circulation desks are Office Assistants and they check your library materials out and in, issue library cards and answer questions about fines and fees. If we have a vacant position in that job category, we ask the Personnel Board for a list of qualified candidates.

If they don't have a list already set up, they will announce an examination by posting it on their website, the bulletin board outside their building at 1809 Government Street and in the Mobile Register in the public announcement section. Each Library also posts these announcements for customers to see.

How do you apply?

If you want to apply, you must do so at the Personnel Board office , 1809 Government St. by the posted deadline. In the case of Office Assistant I, you must pass a typing test before applying. If you meet the qualification requirements for Office Assistant I, they will schedule you for a written test. If you pass the exam, they will evaluate your application and the supporting materials submitted. You will then receive a final grade and be ranked among the other candidates based upon education, experience and test results. If you are in the top ten, your name will be sent to the Library and we will select one person to fill the vacancy after we interview each person.

The entire process takes time, but it is surely worth it once you are hired in because the Library staff, our customers and those wonderful books and other materials make our jobs a truly pleasurable experience.

For more details about working at the Library, you may call the Human Resources Officer at (251) 208-7107. Information about applying for jobs with the merit system in general may be obtained by calling the Personnel Board directly at (251) 470-7727. We are an equal opportunity employer.

image c. Kitty Roach