Description

The Milwaukee Public Library is seeking dynamic Library Services Managers and Library Services Assistant Managers to lead two vibrant community branches: Bay View and Zablocki Libraries. These roles offer a unique opportunity to combine visionary leadership, community engagement, and innovative service in environments that truly matter to the neighborhoods they serve.

The Library Services Manager/ Library Services Assistant Manager-Branches will bring a proven track record of leadership and management, along with an innovative approach to library service. The ideal candidate will possess:

• Visionary Leadership: Sees the big picture and anticipates future trends in library services.
• Community Engagement Expertise: Excels in fostering meaningful community relationships by understanding diverse community needs.
• Creative Programming Skills: Thrives on developing innovative programs that meet the diverse needs of our patrons.
• Inclusivity Champion: Demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring equitable access to resources for all.
  Change Management: Leads with creativity, inspires teams to excel, and navigates change with confidence.
   

Bay View Branch

Located at 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue, the Bay View Branch is a contemporary, open, and light-filled space. Its bright, welcoming environment supports collaboration, creativity, and strong community connections in one of Milwaukee’s most active neighborhoods.

Zablocki Branch

Located at 3501 W. Oklahoma Avenue, the Zablocki Branch has deep community roots. Originally opened on August 12, 1963, as the Oklahoma Avenue Library, it was renamed in April 1984 to honor Clement J. Zablocki for his strong community advocacy. Today, it stands as a trusted neighborhood anchor with a proud legacy and an exciting future.

The names of eligible candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the highest-level eligible list for which they qualify. Eligible lists may be used to fill similar vacancies.

Essential Functions:

Operational Oversight and Performance Management:

• Direct the work of and collaborate with branch staff to provide library services to visiting patrons.
• Oversee reference and readers’ advisory services by providing books, audiovisual materials and identification of computerized databases for patrons.
• Develop and direct librarians, library reference assistants and librarian associates who perform reference, bibliographic, community work, programming and collection weeding.
• Counsel staff on the provision of high-quality service, professional development, and library best practices.
• Seek opportunities to develop and enrich library services and set priorities to maintain effective service programs consistent with MPL and City goals.
• Interview, onboard, train, evaluate, organize, schedule, and oversee the work assignments of reference and circulation staff.
• Provide staff training in effective access to library databases.
  Manage performance; issue commendation notices, make effective recommendations for disciplinary action and track and analyze data.

Development of Resources, Community Services and Education:

• Manage collection in accordance with MPL selection criteria, as applied to the neighborhood served.
• Maintain branch collection profiles to ensure they are useful and desirable to those living in the neighborhood.
• Direct work on replacements, rebinds, choices of duplicate and alternate titles, and inventories.
• Promote the use of MPL services and its collections through displays, book talks, booklists, reviews, blogs and bibliographies.
• Participate in library sponsored TV and radio presentations.  
• Write bibliographic articles and contribute to or approve articles about library services.
• Plan and present programs on a variety of subjects of community interest.
• Initiate contacts in the community and work with community organizations on library-connected programs. Form partnerships with neighborhood organizations and businesses for the enrichment of the communities that the library serves.
• Represent the library in community organizations, including speaking at meetings and keeping community leaders aware of library resources and services conducive to civic programs.
  Oversee community group use of meeting room.

Library Administration:

• Participate in staff recruitment and selection, including transfers and promotions.
  Follow and enforce safe work procedures and accident prevention practices.
• Assist the library in promoting its diversity and inclusion commitment.
• Assist in the coordination of general maintenance and security of the assigned branch property.
• Participate in system wide teams and committees and in implementation of long-range strategies.
• Gather information on best practices from other libraries; prepare and present narrative and statistical studies, studies of use, reports and plans; and handle correspondence.
• Keep apprised of library literature and contribute to the growth and development of the library by participating in conferences, professional associations, and community affairs; correlate these activities to serve the goals of the library.

Conditions of Employment:

The Library Services Manager/ Library Services Assistant Manager-Branches must be willing and able to do the following:

Work beyond standard business hours on occasion.
Work rotating shifts during Library operating hours which are Mondays and Tuesdays from 12:00 – 8:00pm, Wednesday through Friday 10:00am – 6:00pm, Saturdays 9:00am – 5:00pm, and Sundays 1:00 – 5:00pm

Current Salary:

Library Services Manager:

The current starting salary is $87,973, and the resident incentive starting salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $91,492 annually. 

Library Services Assistant Manager:

The current starting salary is $79,976 annually, and the resident incentive starting salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $83,175 annually. 

How to Apply:

Interested individuals must apply by submitting an application through the City of Milwaukee's website. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 20, 2026.

Requirements

Library Services Manager

1. Master's degree in Library Science or Library Information Science from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited library school.
2. Five years of progressively responsible post-MLIS professional librarian experience, including performing complex bibliographic, reference, and readers' advisory work.
3. One year of lead or supervisory experience related to the essential functions above (may be concurrent with #2 above).

Library Services Assistant Manager

1. Master's degree in library science or library information science from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited library school
2. Four years of progressively responsible post-MLIS professional librarian experience, including performing complex bibliographic, reference, and readers' advisory work.