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How to hire a library associate

Library associate hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring library associates in the United States:

  • HR departments typically spend 15% of their expenses on recruitment.
  • It usually takes about 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • It typically takes 36-42 days to fill a job opening.
  • The median cost to hire a library associate is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend an average of $1,105 per library associate on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • There are currently 32,234 library associates in the US and 1,627 job openings.
  • Norfolk, VA, has the highest demand for library associates, with 3 job openings.
  • Atlanta, GA has the highest concentration of library associates.

How to hire a library associate, step by step

To hire a library associate, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a library associate:

Here's a step-by-step library associate hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a library associate job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new library associate
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a library associate do?

Library associates are professionals who perform a variety of library tasks to assist librarians and library patrons in a library setting. These associates are required to provide circulation and administrative assistance to their librarians while answering questions and issuing library cards to their patrons. They must maintain various databases as well as help organize special events and outreach programs for the community. Library associates must also track down overdue books or materials and send out overdue notices by using the library's electronic circulation system.

Learn more about the specifics of what a library associate does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your library associate job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a library associate for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A library associate's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, library associates from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    Here's a comparison of library associate salaries for various roles:

    Type of Library AssociateDescriptionHourly rate
    Library AssociateLibrary technicians and assistants help librarians with all aspects of running a library. They assist patrons, organize library materials and information, and perform clerical and administrative tasks.$12-22
    Library ClerkLibrary clerks help librarians by primarily doing sorting, shelving, updating database and files, and cataloging several library materials such as books, newspapers, magazines, and multimedia resources. They check books and other resources in and out of the library assist in the procurement of library supplies, work with audio-visual equipment most of the time... Show more$11-18
    LibrarianLibrarians are trained in the field of information science so they can assist people in search of information. They direct and develop information systems and programs for the public... Show more$18-35
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Library Materials
    • Library Services
    • Customer Service
    • Library Resources
    • Interlibrary Loan
    • Library Patrons
    • Library System
    • Circulation Desk
    • Reference Services
    • Community Outreach
    • Collection Development
    • Library Programs
    • Dewey Decimal System
    • Collection Maintenance
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Collect data, compile bibliographies, manage current contents and perform copy cataloging functions.
    • Participate in TLA focus group that evaluate OCLC's WebJunction portal for public access usage.
    • Assist guest of the facility in proficient and timely manner and troubleshoot guest with computer problems during their visit.
    • Acquire research materials for faculty and graduate students from other institutions via OCLC -ILL subsystem and various mail format request systems.
    • Recruit & supervise teen and adult community volunteers.
    • Perform original and copy cataloging of materials acquire by the library.
    More library associate duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in the library associate job description is a good way to get more applicants. A library associate salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

    For example, the average salary for a library associate in Texas may be lower than in New York, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level library associate. Additionally, a library associate with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

    Average library associate salary

    $35,851yearly

    $17.24 hourly rate

    Entry-level library associate salary
    $27,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 22, 2026

    Average library associate salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1New York$49,485$24
    2Washington$48,575$23
    3California$47,613$23
    4North Dakota$44,329$21
    5Minnesota$43,891$21
    6South Dakota$39,551$19
    7Colorado$37,599$18
    8Wisconsin$35,953$17
    9Iowa$35,678$17
    10Illinois$35,546$17
    11Virginia$35,058$17
    12Florida$34,127$16
    13Ohio$34,114$16
    14Texas$29,866$14
    15Kentucky$29,740$14
    16Georgia$29,430$14
    17Missouri$28,682$14

    Average library associate salary by company

  4. Writing a library associate job description

    A library associate job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a library associate job description:

    Library associate job description example

    HOURS PER WEEK: 20


    Under direction from management, Library Associate 2 performs a variety of moderately complex technical and paraprofessional duties at the library circulation (service) desk. Greets library patrons entering the library and provides them with excellent customer service

    RESPONSIBILITIES:
    An individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily.
    • Provides excellent customer service
    • Assists patrons with locating materials, using computers, or explaining procedures (checking out, logging onto the Internet, making copies, etc.)
    • Checks in and processes library materials as necessary
    • Accepts and processes fines, fees, or other payments
    • Provides information regarding programs, events, conference rooms, etc.
    • Shelves library materials
    • Addresses or escalates patron conduct or safety issues to appropriate management
    • Know and understand the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement and Freedom to View Statement, recognizing that freedom of access is a fundamental tenet of a public library. In addition to these freedoms, support client discretion of materials available at your local library(ies).
    • Follow all legal and policy requirements related to patron privacy and custodianship of patron records
    • Other duties as assigned

    QUALIFICATIONS:
    An individual should possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed and meet the amount of education, training and/or work experience required.
    • H.S. Diploma or GED
    • Two years of library experience preferred
    • Basic knowledge of library systems and databases preferred
    • Excellent customer service skills
    • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
    • Good communication skills, both written and verbal
    • Multilingual speaking is a plus, including American Sign Language
    • Must be able to work a flexible schedule that may include a combination of days, evenings and weekends

    Physical Requirements:

    • Must be able to move from place to place within the location; lift, push/pull, hold/carry of items weighing up to (25) pounds and occasional up to (35) pounds such as files, books, stacks of paper, and other materials.
    • Ability to sit for long periods of time and to maintain focus on projects such as computer screens or detailed paperwork.

    LS&S i s an equal opportunity affirmative action employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, genetics or any other category protected under applicable law.



    Hours Per Week: 20
  5. Post your job

    To find the right library associate for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with library associates they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit library associates who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your library associate job on Zippia to find and recruit library associate candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit library associates, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new library associate

    Once you've decided on a perfect library associate candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new library associate. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a library associate?

Recruiting library associates involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

Library associates earn a median yearly salary is $35,851 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find library associates for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $12 and $22.

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