Business Specialist Librarian

Indianapolis Public Library; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Pension plan

11 holidays per year

Paid time off

Job summary

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association seeks a Business Specialist Librarian at Central Library to guide business research, outreach, and programming for entrepreneurs. You will manage reference services, develop resources, and strengthen partnerships with local business groups to promote library services.

Requirements include a Master’s in Library Science, 3–5 years librarian experience, Indiana State Librarian Certificate 3, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science is required.
• Three to five years of librarian experience.
• Indiana State Librarian Certificate 3 - Professional Assistant is required.
• Valid Driver’s License required.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on business research, market analysis, and industry trends.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local business organizations and chambers of commerce.
• Plan, promote, and evaluate business-related programs and newsletters.
• Serve as liaison to the small business community to promote library services.
• Assist entrepreneurs with business plans and funding resources.

Skills

Customer service

Community outreach

Business research

Public speaking

Education

Master’s degree in Library Science

Indiana State Librarian Certificate 3 - Professional Assistant

Valid Driver’s License

Job description

Position Details

• Title: Business Specialist Librarian
• Location: Central Library
• Hours: Full-time, 40 per week
• Schedule: May vary but will include a combination of day, evening, and/or weekend hours (including occasional Sundays)
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Starting Hourly Rate: $23.65
• Submission Deadline: November 11, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Position Summary

Under general guidance, the Business Specialist Librarian performs professional librarian duties providing customer service, program development, training, outreach and direction to library patrons, community partners and staff members with a specific emphasis on businesses and entrepreneurs. The Business Specialist Librarian maintains an extensive knowledge of technology, specialized print and electronic resources in the business subject area, maintaining that collection and providing specialized reference assistance. The Business Specialist Librarian fosters community partnerships and serves as a liaison with the small business community to promote and improve library services.

A successful candidate will have…

• Master’s degree in Library Science
• Three to five years of librarian experience
• Indiana State Librarian Certificate 3 - Professional Assistant.
• Valid Driver’s License

What does the job look like?

• Using library databases and resources, provide expert guidance on business research, market analysis, and industry trends.
• Assist entrepreneurs and small business owners with creating business plans, accessing funding opportunities and developing marketing strategies through one-on-one appointments.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local business organizations, chambers of commerce, and economic development agencies (including but not limited to SCORE, SBA, ISBDC, Indy Chamber, BOI, etc.)
• Represent the library at public and outreach events that serve small business and job seeking communities. Serve as the face of business services to media for interviews, etc.
• Plan, promote and evaluate the Small Business Series (and other business-related) programs every year, utilizing business partnerships and contacts as well as developing original programming.
• Maintain the business collection of printed materials as well as provide expertise on business database acquisitions. Evaluate materials for condition and usefulness and recommend new materials to selectors.
• Create book displays and Bibliocommons lists promoting the business collection.
• Create and maintain a mailing list of business patrons for newsletter distribution.
• Produce a business newsletter (4 x a year) offering articles on specific business topics as well as a calendar of events at Central and local small business organizations.
• Work as needed on the reference desks.
• Able to cope with daily job-related stress.
• Able to adapt and respond professionally to different behaviors and personalities of patrons and staff.
• A commitment to a high level of customer service and patron satisfaction.
• Able to work a flexible schedule including weekdays, evenings and weekends.

Note: This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position

What’s In It for You?

We offer our employees a robust compensation package! Our comprehensive benefits include: medical, dental and vision insurance coverage; 100% company-paid long term disability, employer paid basic group life insurance, generous amounts of PTO, 11 paid holidays per year, and a Library paid pension plan. The Library proudly promotes from within as part of a strong commitment to providing career growth opportunities for employees of all levels.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and may perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.