Library Jobs in Atlanta: How to Start or Grow Your Career in the A

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.

Main Types of Library Jobs in Atlanta

Most Atlanta-area opportunities fall into a few broad groups:

1. Public Library Jobs

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:

• Librarian / Branch Librarian
• Youth Services Librarian
• Reference & Adult Services Librarian
• Library Assistant / Library Associate
• Page / Shelver
• Outreach Librarian
• Programming & Events Coordinator
• Library Security or Facilities Support

Public library work in Atlanta often emphasizes community outreach, literacy programs, technology access, and workforce help (such as resume workshops and job search support).

2. Academic Library Jobs (Colleges & Universities)

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:

• Reference & Instruction Librarian
• Subject / Liaison Librarian (e.g., business, engineering, health sciences)
• Scholarly Communications or Digital Scholarship Librarian
• Archivist or Special Collections Librarian
• Electronic Resources Librarian
• Access Services / Circulation Supervisor
• Library Technician / Specialist
• Student Assistant positions (part-time)

Academic library jobs often expect advanced research skills, comfort teaching classes or workshops, and experience supporting students and faculty.

3. School Library & Media Center Jobs

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:

  • Fulton County Schools
  • DeKalb County School District
  • Cobb County School District
  • Gwinnett County Public Schools

K–12 roles typically include:

• School Library Media Specialist (often a certified teacher with library/media endorsement)
• Media Clerk / Library Aide
• Technology / Media Support roles

These jobs often combine library work, classroom support, technology integration, and literacy promotion.

4. Special Libraries, Archives, and Cultural Institutions

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:

• Archivist / Assistant Archivist
• Records Manager
• Digital Collections Specialist
• Museum Librarian / Research Librarian
• Records Analyst

These roles often require strong archival, preservation, or records-management skills and sometimes subject-matter expertise in history, law, or government.

Common Job Titles You’ll See in Atlanta

Here are some of the most frequent job titles in Atlanta library job postings and what they usually mean:

Titles can vary by system, but the core duties are fairly consistent across the Atlanta area.

Education and Qualifications for Atlanta Library Jobs

Do You Need a Library Degree?

In Atlanta, requirements usually fall into three groups:

1. Professional Librarian Roles (MLS/MLIS typically required)

   • Public librarians (branch librarians, youth services, reference librarians)
   • Academic librarians
   • Many archivist and digital librarian roles
     Employers usually look for a Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program.

2. Paraprofessional & Support Roles (no master’s required)

   • Library assistants, associates, pages, clerks
   • Many circulation and customer service roles
     These often require a high school diploma or some college, strong customer service skills, and comfort with computers.

3. School Library Media Specialists

   • Usually need a Georgia educator certificate with a library/media or instructional technology endorsement.
     If you’re already a teacher in the Atlanta area, districts often outline clear paths for adding a media specialist certification.

Skills Atlanta Employers Look For

Across metro Atlanta job postings, common requirements include:

• Customer service and communication skills
• Comfort with technology (library catalogs, basic troubleshooting, printing, e-books, databases)
• Programming and outreach (storytimes, teen events, workshops)
• Organization and attention to detail
• Cultural competence and ability to work with diverse communities
• For academic/special libraries: research, teaching, or archival skills

Highlight these skills clearly on your resume and cover letter, especially any experience serving the public in busy, diverse environments like those across Atlanta.

Where to Search for Library Jobs in Atlanta

There is no single central site, so you’ll likely need to check multiple sources.

1. Local Library System Career Pages

Most public and academic systems list jobs on their own sites. Search for:

• “Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System jobs”
• “DeKalb County Public Library employment”
• “Cobb County Public Library careers”
• “Georgia State University library jobs”
• “Georgia Tech library employment”
• “Emory Libraries careers”

These pages often show the most up-to-date open positions, including part-time and temporary roles.

2. City, County, and State Government Job Portals

Many public library jobs are officially listed through government hiring systems:

• City of Atlanta for some positions connected to city administration
  City Hall: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Fulton County Government for AFPLS roles
  141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and other counties for their library systems
• State of Georgia job portal for archives, law libraries, and statewide agency roles

Search by keyword like “librarian,” “library,” “archives,” or “records”.

3. School District Job Sites

If you’re focused on media center or school library jobs, check:

• Atlanta Public Schools
• Fulton County Schools
• DeKalb County School District
• Cobb County School District
• Gwinnett County Public Schools

Use search terms such as “media specialist,” “media clerk,” “library media,” or “librarian.”

4. Professional Associations and Job Boards

For broader metro-area searches, Atlanta residents often use:

• Georgia Library Association (GLA) – statewide postings, many in metro Atlanta
• Georgia-based academic job boards that include library positions
• General job search platforms, filtered using:
  • Location: Atlanta, GA or specific counties
  • Keywords: library, librarian, archives, archivist, media specialist, information specialist

Entry-Level Library Jobs in Atlanta

If you’re just starting out, you don’t need an advanced degree to get experience.

Common entry-level roles:

• Library Page / Shelver
  • Shelving books, organizing materials, keeping order in the stacks.
• Library Assistant / Clerk
  • Helping patrons check out items, answering basic questions, issuing library cards.
• Circulation Desk Assistant
  • Managing holds, checking materials in and out, handling fines or fees.
• Student Assistant (at local colleges/universities)
  • Ideal if you’re enrolled at an Atlanta college.

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.

Pay and Work Conditions: What to Expect in Atlanta

Compensation varies, but in the Atlanta area you’ll often see:

• Pages and entry-level assistants
  • Often part-time; pay commonly in a lower hourly range, suitable as a first job or side job.
• Library assistants / paraprofessionals
  • Hourly pay or lower salary ranges, sometimes with benefits for full-time roles.
• Professional librarians (with MLS/MLIS)
  • Salaries typically higher, with better benefits at public, academic, and school systems.
• Supervisory, managerial, or specialized roles
  • Higher pay, often with expectation of experience and, sometimes, additional certifications.

Schedules may include evenings and weekends, especially in busy Atlanta branches and campus libraries.

How to Make Yourself Competitive in Atlanta’s Library Job Market

1. Build Local Experience

Helpful ways to get Atlanta-specific experience:

• Volunteer at a branch near you
  Public libraries in Atlanta often accept volunteers to help with shelving, programs, or events.
• Internships or practicums (if you’re in a library program)
• Part-time roles like page or assistant while you study or work another job

This gives you familiarity with local communities, systems, and library culture.

2. Network with Atlanta Library Professionals

Consider:

• Attending events, workshops, or public programs at Atlanta-Fulton, DeKalb, or nearby systems.
• Joining or following the Georgia Library Association (GLA) and any Atlanta-area meetups.
• Connecting with librarians at Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Emory, and APS if you’re interested in academic or school roles.

Many people in the Atlanta library community know each other; a good impression as a volunteer, intern, or part-time worker can help later.

3. Tailor Your Resume for Library Work

Even if your background is in another field, emphasize:

• Customer-facing experience (retail, hospitality, call centers)
• Teaching or training (tutoring, coaching, workshops)
• Technology skills (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, basic troubleshooting)
• Organization and detail orientation (filing, data entry, office admin)
• Any Atlanta-specific community involvement (local nonprofits, schools, community centers)

Use job postings from Atlanta library systems to mirror the language of duties and skills they care about most.

Considering Library School While in Atlanta?

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:

• Online or hybrid ALA-accredited programs while you work locally.
• Taking entry-level or paraprofessional roles in Atlanta libraries, then pursuing the degree part-time.

As you choose a program, pay attention to:

• ALA accreditation (commonly preferred in Atlanta job descriptions)
• Opportunities for internships or practicums that you can complete at Atlanta institutions
• Coursework in public librarianship, academic librarianship, youth services, archives, or digital libraries depending on your local career goals

Practical Next Steps If You’re in Atlanta

To move forward right now:

1. Identify your target area:
   • Public, academic, school, or special libraries.
2. Check nearby employers:
   • Search “library careers” for:
     • Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
     • DeKalb County Public Library
     • Georgia State University Library
     • Georgia Tech Library
     • Emory University Libraries
     • Atlanta Public Schools (for media specialists)
3. Visit local branches in person:
   • Ask at the information/circulation desk how they post open jobs and whether they take volunteers.
4. Prepare application materials:
   • A focused resume
   • A short, Atlanta-specific cover letter highlighting your interest in serving local communities.
5. Consider volunteering:
   • Volunteering at a branch in your neighborhood can give you a direct look at the work and connect you with staff.

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.