Jobs at the Des Moines Public Library

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Job Title:  Professional Substitute
• Department: Information Services
• Location: All Branches
• Position Type: As Needed
• Wage/Salary: $27.95/hour
• Posting Expires: March 17, 2026

SUMMARY

Under general direction, provides information and readers' advisory services in a variety of library locations as needed. Does related professional and clerical work as required. Must have own transportation. Hours vary. Must be available for weekday daytime, evening, and weekend hours.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides exemplary customer service to library patrons.
• Answers information and readers' advisory questions.
• Trains patrons in use of online catalog and various databases.
• Checks out and receives library materials.
• Manages interactions with customers with tact and diplomacy.
• Works in a variety of locations on an on-call schedule.
• Substitutes as lead for story times, teen programs, and adult programs.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to communicate effectively.
• Sufficient vision, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to produce and review a wide variety of reports and related materials in both electronic and hard copy form.
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to access relevant library materials and operate a keyboard.
• Sufficient mobility, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to transport materials and equipment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of library policies and procedures. 
• Knowledge of a broad range of reference and readers' advisory materials. 
• Knowledge of general clerical methods and procedures. 
• Skill in using current library technology and automated systems. 
• Skill in interpreting library resources and services to the public. 
• Ability to keep records and files and compile reports.
• Ability to work in a team environment. 
• Ability to adapt to a variety of work environments and changing schedules. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others. 
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service. 
• Ability to stoop and reach well enough to retrieve materials from the shelves.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Successful customer service experience in public library work or related field is desired. Master’s degree in Library and Information Science is preferred.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Send resume, letter of application, and unofficial transcripts to:

Deputy Director Jon Hobbs

• Email: JTHobbs@dmpl.org
• Fax: (515) 237-1654
• Mail: 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309

Information must be sent by Tuesday, March 17, at 5:00 PM

Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination, drug screen, and background check.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Job Title:  Library Intern
• Department: Customer Services
• Location: Central Library & Franklin Avenue Library
• Position Type: Seasonal Part-Time
• Wage/Salary: $20.00 per hour
• Posting Expires: March 4, 2026

SUMMARY

The Des Moines Public Library (DMPL) internship is an exciting opportunity for a future library professional and will help define the intern’s passion and career objectives for librarianship DMPL is hiring for two seasonal positions at 20 hours per week with one position at the Central Library and the other at the Franklin Library. The internship is a 10-week (flexible start May-early June 2026) position to provide support for multiple projects under supervision of a Supervising Librarian. During the internship, you will learn a variety of tasks commonly performed within a public library.

As a diverse, equitable, and inclusive library system, we are lifelong learners and recognize the power of engaging and inspiring the curious through reading. We look to enhance your professional library skills through mentorship and a variety of projects to help prepare you for your future career. This position requires regular day, evening, and weekend hours.

Examples of Essential Work

• Assists in adult and youth programs.
• Interviews library users carefully to determine what information is required and provide clear, accurate and timely answers to all inquiries.
• Assists in training patrons in use of online catalog and various databases.
• Checks out and receives materials.
• Assists in collection management.
• Participates in planning and organizing work within the department.
• Assists in planning displays and exhibits.
• Additional duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Current enrollment in Master of Library Science (MLS/MLIS) preferred. 
• Excellent customer service skills with all ages. 
• Experience in a public library setting desired. 
• Bilingual Spanish/English spoken and written language skills desired. 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Send a cover letter and resume to Deputy Director Jon Hobbs. Address the following questions in the cover letter:  

• What skills do you want to gain from this experience? What skills can you offer us? 
• In what ways is your current coursework relevant to this position? 

All cover letters and resumes must be received by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Deputy Director Jon Hobbs

• Email: JTHobbs@dmpl.org
• Fax: (515) 237-1654
• Mail: 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309