How To Become A Library Assistant: What It Is and Career Path

What is a library assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Although most of us now consume knowledge through ebooks, podcasts, and online news, libraries are still highly valued for their historical knowledge storage and the sentimental value attached to the physicality of paper and its associated reading environment. As such, modern-day libraries are now becoming a center for gaining inspiration, having a cup of coffee, and a place to catch up on deep conversations.

The primary role of a library assistant is to help to facilitate the smooth operations of a library. This involves tasks such as maintaining library databases, processing library loans, as well as organizing books and other publications. Besides that, they provide research assistance, handle customer complaints, and manage electronic and physical procedures at front desks.

Employers require library assistants to have, at a minimum, a high school diploma. However, some prefer them to acquire, at least, a bachelor's degree. This role earns, on average, $13 per hour and suits individuals who have good research and organizational skills.

ScoreLibrary AssistantUS Average

Salary

2.4

Avg. Salary $30,146

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.9

Growth rate -4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.76%

Asian 6.39%

Black or African American 10.52%

Hispanic or Latino 14.42%

Unknown 4.74%

White 63.17%

Gender

female 71.01%

male 28.99%

Age - 49

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49

Stress level

4.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

3.7

Complexity level is basic

7 - challenging

Work life balance

10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a library assistant

Explore library assistant education requirements

Most common library assistant degrees

Bachelor's

59.2 %

Associate

17.5 %

High School Diploma

10.9 %

Start to develop specific library assistant skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	16.47%
Library Materials	14.79%
Circulation Desk	7.01%
Library Patrons	4.24%
Library Services	3.54%

Complete relevant library assistant training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New library assistants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a library assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real library assistant resumes.

Gain additional library assistant certifications

Library assistant certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific library assistant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for library assistants include Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant.

More About Certifications

Research library assistant duties and responsibilities

Organize and check in newly arrive reference materials, magazines, newspapers, and journals.
Assist with processing acquisitions, collection maintenance and development, retro- cataloging, copy cataloging.
Process and track inter-library loans and donations.
Set up user accounts and user rights in windows.

Prepare your library assistant resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your library assistant resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a library assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable library assistant resume templates

Build a professional library assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your library assistant resume.

Apply for library assistant jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a library assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do library assistants rate their job?

5/5

Based on 1 ratings

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Library assistant reviews

5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019

Pros

pay Invoice on spreadsheet , sort open shipment from Baker Taylor warehouse , process books and DVD , put new barcode and labels on all books and av material