If you’re searching for library jobs in Atlanta, you’re looking in one of the best cities in the Southeast for this kind of work. Atlanta has a strong mix of public, academic, K–12, and specialized libraries, plus nonprofit and cultural institutions that hire people with library and information skills.
This guide walks you through where the jobs are, what roles exist, how to qualify, and the best ways to search for and land library jobs in Atlanta, GA.
Most Atlanta-area opportunities fall into a few broad groups:
Public libraries are often the first stop for job seekers.
Major public systems in and around Atlanta include:
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System (AFPLS)
Headquarters:
Central Library
1 Margaret Mitchell Sq NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 730-1700
DeKalb County Public Library (DCPL)
Administrative Office:
215 Sycamore St
Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 370-8450
Cobb County Public Library (serves parts of metro commuters)
Main Branch (Switzer Library):
266 Roswell St NE
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone: (770) 528-2320
Typical public library positions in the Atlanta area:
Public library work in Atlanta often emphasizes community outreach, literacy programs, technology access, and workforce help (such as resume workshops and job search support).
Atlanta’s many colleges and universities create a strong market for academic library jobs.
Major institutions with libraries include:
Georgia State University Library
Atlanta Campus:
100 Decatur St SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main phone: (404) 413-2800
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) Library
704 Cherry St NW
Atlanta, GA 30332
Phone: (404) 894-4510
Emory University Libraries
Robert W. Woodruff Library
540 Asbury Circle
Atlanta, GA 30322
Phone: (404) 727-6863
Atlanta University Center institutions (e.g., Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College)
Each has its own library system and job postings.
Common roles in Atlanta academic libraries:
Academic library jobs often expect advanced research skills, comfort teaching classes or workshops, and experience supporting students and faculty.
If you’re interested in working with children or teens, school libraries are important employers.
In the Atlanta area, look at:
Atlanta Public Schools (APS)
Main Office:
130 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 802-3500
Nearby systems where many Atlantans work or commute to:
K–12 roles typically include:
These jobs often combine library work, classroom support, technology integration, and literacy promotion.
Atlanta also has specialized collections that hire librarians, archivists, and information professionals:
Examples include:
Atlanta History Center
130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 814-4000
National Center for Civil and Human Rights (archives and collections roles)
100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (678) 999-8990
Carter Presidential Library & Museum
441 John Lewis Freedom Pkwy NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: (404) 865-7100
State of Georgia archives & libraries in metro Atlanta, such as the Georgia Archives in Morrow and specialty law or medical libraries.
Typical positions:
These roles often require strong archival, preservation, or records-management skills and sometimes subject-matter expertise in history, law, or government.
Here are some of the most frequent job titles in Atlanta library job postings and what they usually mean:
| Job Title | Typical Level | Usual Requirements in Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Librarian I / II / III | Professional | MLS/MLIS; experience varies by level |
| Library Assistant / Associate | Paraprofessional | HS diploma or some college; customer service skills |
| Library Page / Shelver | Entry-level | HS diploma or enrollment; shelving and basic tasks |
| Youth Services Librarian | Professional | MLS/MLIS; experience with children/teens & programming |
| Reference / Instruction Librarian | Professional | MLS/MLIS; research & teaching skills |
| Archivist / Digital Archivist | Professional | MLS/MLIS or related master’s; archives experience |
| Media Specialist (K–12) | Certified Teacher | Teaching license + library/media certification |
| Circulation / Access Services Mgr | Supervisory | Library experience; some leadership/supervision |
Titles can vary by system, but the core duties are fairly consistent across the Atlanta area.
In Atlanta, requirements usually fall into three groups:
Professional Librarian Roles (MLS/MLIS typically required)
Paraprofessional & Support Roles (no master’s required)
School Library Media Specialists
Across metro Atlanta job postings, common requirements include:
Highlight these skills clearly on your resume and cover letter, especially any experience serving the public in busy, diverse environments like those across Atlanta.
There is no single central site, so you’ll likely need to check multiple sources.
Most public and academic systems list jobs on their own sites. Search for:
These pages often show the most up-to-date open positions, including part-time and temporary roles.
Many public library jobs are officially listed through government hiring systems:
Search by keyword like “librarian,” “library,” “archives,” or “records”.
If you’re focused on media center or school library jobs, check:
Use search terms such as “media specialist,” “media clerk,” “library media,” or “librarian.”
For broader metro-area searches, Atlanta residents often use:
If you’re just starting out, you don’t need an advanced degree to get experience.
Common entry-level roles:
These positions are excellent if you live in Atlanta and want to test whether library work is right for you, or if you’re working toward an MLS/MLIS.
Compensation varies, but in the Atlanta area you’ll often see:
Schedules may include evenings and weekends, especially in busy Atlanta branches and campus libraries.
Helpful ways to get Atlanta-specific experience:
This gives you familiarity with local communities, systems, and library culture.
Consider:
Many people in the Atlanta library community know each other; a good impression as a volunteer, intern, or part-time worker can help later.
Even if your background is in another field, emphasize:
Use job postings from Atlanta library systems to mirror the language of duties and skills they care about most.
If you’re planning to become a professional librarian, you will likely need an MLS/MLIS or related master’s degree.
Common paths for Atlanta residents include:
As you choose a program, pay attention to:
To move forward right now:
By focusing your search on Atlanta-area systems and institutions, building some local experience, and matching your skills to the roles described above, you can find solid opportunities in library jobs in Atlanta—whether you’re starting out, changing careers, or advancing with a professional degree.
