Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our Working at the Library page, which is linked in the "About Us" section at the bottom of our website.

Then click on the "Current Openings" link. Open positions are categorized on this page by branch or department.

You must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a 12-hour Shelver position.

Please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page for information regarding volunteering at the Library.

The Library does offer internship/practicum opportunities for students. Individuals pursuing degrees in the library field are welcome to submit a proposal for practicums. Such proposals should be submitted to Human Resources for review along with a résumé and the school’s internship or practicum guidelines, or call 513-369-6946 for more information. Individuals involved in practicums at the Library must comply with all Library policies and are not compensated by the Library. The Library reserves the right to cancel any practicum if the individual does not comply with Library policies.

Once an applicant submits an online application, an Human Resources Representative and/or Hiring Manager reviews the applications received and the most qualified candidates are contacted to come in for an interview. Interviews are behavior-based and questions are asked based on the applied-for position. References may be checked at any stage of the selection process. If a candidate is selected, a background check and drug test are conducted. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, drug test, and new hire paperwork. Once hired, most new employees attend an orientation at the Downtown Main Library.

Many interviews are conducted at the Downtown Main Library in Cincinnati, however interviews for branch positions are often conducted at their respective branches.

The Library often has advancement opportunities, and we engage in and encourage internal advancement.

Yes, the Library offers numerous management programs/trainings including, but not limited to; mentoring, a leadership program (a leadership journey that increases team cohesiveness and productivity, communication skills, and assists in conflict and problem resolution), Tomorrow’s Manager Program, and in-house/external training opportunities.

A list of benefits offered can be found on our Benefits page.

The Library has various programs and teams that promote staff recognition and engagement.

Every position is assigned a pay grade based on the degree of knowledge, accountability, and problem-solving required for it. Each pay grade has a range of pay from minimum to maximum. Progression within the pay scale is based on performance.

The Library is a fast-paced organization focused on friendly, excellent, pro-active customer service at all levels within the organization. If you are innovative, service-oriented, and enjoy working in a diverse, dynamic, challenging environment, you will be successful at the Library.

You should receive an acknowledgement of application via email. You then are contacted if selected for an interview.

If problems occur during the application process, please contact our Human Resources Department by phone at 513-369-6968, option 1, or by email.  

Most positions are posted for at least one week; every effort is made to remove job postings as soon as interviews are scheduled or, in some situations, once a candidate has been selected.

Internal applications can be submitted through RUFUS (the staff intranet). Hover over “Our Organization” → ”Human Resources” and click on “Job Openings,” which is under the Recruitment and Selection category. Click on the position for which you wish to apply and follow the application process. An online application/résumé must be submitted for any position in which you are interested.

You should receive an immediate acknowledgement of application via email when your application has been submitted successfully. A Human Resources Representative then reaches out to you, most times via the email you provided on your application, if you are invited to interview.

Applications remain in the database for a minimum of two years. A new application must be submitted for each position to which you wish to apply.

— Submit an application

— If selected for an interview, you are contacted via email or phone.

— If selected for a position, an offer is made and is contingent upon passing a drug screening, background check, and verified references.

Yes, call 513-369-6968 or email Human Resources.

Call 513-369-6968 or email Human Resources.

Visit the Downtown Main Library or branch in which you are interested in working. Prepare by having examples of your past customer service interactions and outcomes. Be prepared to answer questions regarding past work history.