How to hire a library paraprofessional

How to hire a library paraprofessional, step by step

Here's a step-by-step library paraprofessional 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 paraprofessional job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new library paraprofessional
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post a library paraprofessional job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a library paraprofessional, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A library paraprofessional's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, library paraprofessionals 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.

   This list presents library paraprofessional salaries for various positions.

   Type of Library Paraprofessional	Description	Hourly rate
   Library Paraprofessional	Library 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.	$12-21
   Library Clerk	Library 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
   Library Aide	A library aide is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of libraries. Typical duties include assisting customers in finding books, shelving books according to categories, and updating and maintaining customer profiles... Show more	$10-17

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Paraprofessional
   • Library Resources
   • AV
   • Library Books
   • Circulation Desk
   • Library Collection
   • Library Services
   • Collection Development
   • Cataloging
   • Audio-Visual Equipment
   • Reference Services
   • Library Database
   • Interlibrary Loan
   • OCLC

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Review new materials for conformity of cataloging specifications and report errors.
   • Develop system to streamline classroom media requests resulting in more efficient distribution of materials.
   • Assess and discard non-fiction collections as assigned.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your library paraprofessional job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A library paraprofessional can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, library paraprofessionals' average salary in arkansas is 42% less than in new york.
   • Seniority. Entry-level library paraprofessionals 42% less than senior-level library paraprofessionals.
   • Certifications. A library paraprofessional with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a library paraprofessional's salary.

   Average library paraprofessional salary

   $16.80hourly

   $34,937 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level library paraprofessional salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 22, 2025

4. Writing a library paraprofessional job description

   A library paraprofessional 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 paraprofessional job description:

   Library paraprofessional job description example

   Paraprofessional (Highly Qualified Educational Assistant)
   
   Responsible To: Appropriate Teacher(s)/Administrator(s)
   
   Evaluated By: Administrator
   
   Terms of Employment: 180 Days, Classified
   
   Qualifications: Must have current Illinois Paraprofessional License or higher Illinois educator license. (To qualify for Illinois paraprofessional license, must meet Federal NCLB Requirements of at least 60 semester college credits, or an AA degree or higher degree, or passing score on the state paraprofessional exam.)
   
   General Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of a certified teacher or administrator, performs a variety of tasks: assisting the teacher in the development of an instructional program by working with students individually or in small/large groups, preparing instructional materials, assisting in implementation of classroom discipline, independently administering up to 6 extended intervention periods, and conducting planned activities using teacher-designated methods and materials. Some positions may require aptitude and skill in working with the particular disabilities or learning needs of students. Some positions may require aptitude and skill in the use of technology and specialized software programs. Some positions may require a combination of intervention periods along with other specialized duties. Will support and rotate as needed to diffrent schools of the District.
   
   Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
   
   1. Assist teachers in the planning and implementation of learning experience of students enrolled in programs; confer with teacher to provide feedback on student performance, progress and testing activities;
   
   2. Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities;
   
   3. Assist in monitoring classroom management in accordance with the district's discipline procedures, which may include the physical restraint, physical movement, lifting and carrying of students;
   
   4. Supervise students in and outside of the classroom with an understanding of and provision for a safe environment;
   
   5. Perform various clerical functions in student record keeping, monitor assignments, IEP development, maintain accurate files and other related functions;
   
   6. Assist with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies and play periods;
   
   7. Assist with large group activities such as drill work, reading aloud and story telling;
   
   8. Read to students, listen to students read, and participate in other forms of oral communication with students;
   
   9. Check notebooks, corrects papers, and supervises testing and make-up work as assigned by the teacher;
   
   10. Alert the teacher or administrator to any problem or special information about an individual student;
   
   11. Serve as a source of information and support to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher;
   
   12. Assist with record keeping to monitor students' daily and monthly data on instructional and behavioral progress;
   
   13. Assist classroom teacher in diagnostic testing and reporting;
   
   14. Provide remedial instruction as requested;
   
   15. Perform clerical duties such as data entry, copying, filing and record keeping.
   
   16. Provide supervision of students in buildings or other school areas and school-related activities (i.e., hall duty, at assemblies, in lunch and playground areas, or with school buses as required);
   
   17. Assist the classroom teacher in maintaining class and student records;
   
   18. Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students and staff;
   
   19. Other duties as assigned.
   
   KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
   
   Knowledge of:
   
   * English usage, mathematics, and a basic understanding of the subjects in which this position is to provide assistance;
   * Basic child guidance principles and practices;
   * Safe practices in classroom and playground activities;
   * Reading and writing communication skills;
   * Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy;
   * Record-keeping techniques.
   
   Ability to:
   
   * Work harmoniously with others and to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) with students and staff;
   * Understand and follow oral and written instructions;
   * Maintain confidentiality of students and their records;
   * Supervise individual or groups of students in an instructional setting without constant teacher oversight; work in a team situation;
   * Deliver instructional programs to students who have learning and physical disabilities and/or social behavior problems;
   * Work effectively in an environment which can be both physically and emotionally fatiguing; perform physically demanding requirements of the job;
   * Demonstrate standards of moral character and behavior to serve as an effective role model for students;
   * Demonstrate a positive attitude in working with children with special needs;
   * Possess and maintain a valid First Aid card;
   * Understand basic provisions of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA);
   * Understand basic elements of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
   * Occasionally work with students who may exhibit aggressive behavior, as required of specific job assignment;
   * Occasionally work with students who require attention to basic feeding and personal hygiene needs, as required by specific job assignment;
   * Occasionally support students with medical or health needs;
   * In an ESL/Bilingual position, if specified by the administration, ability to be bilingual in Spanish, English or other languages (speak, read and write);
   * Occasionally perform physical activities which may include: moving and/or lifting of students with physical disabilities; moving, lifting, and/or physically restraining of students with emotional and/or behavioral disabilities;
   * Perform physical activities which may include frequent standing, walking, bending, and/or lifting;
   * Monitor and discipline students according to approved policies and procedures.
   * Relate sensitively to a diverse student population.
   
   WORKING CONDITIONS:
   
   Environment: School sites; indoor and outdoor settings.
   
   Physical Abilities: Standing for extended periods of time; bending at the waist to assist students; reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; hearing and speaking to exchange information; seeing to monitor student activities and behavior; dexterity of hands and fingers to demonstrate activities and prepare materials.
   
   This job description in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the position incumbent.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right library paraprofessional 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 paraprofessionals they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit library paraprofessionals 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 paraprofessional job on Zippia to find and recruit library paraprofessional candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with library paraprofessional candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of 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 paraprofessional

   Once you've decided on a perfect library paraprofessional 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 equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is 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.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a library paraprofessional?