How to hire a library services assistant

How to hire a library services assistant, step by step

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

What does a library services assistant do?

Post a library services assistant job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   The library services assistant hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A library services assistant's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, library services assistants 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 services assistant salaries for various positions.

   Type of Library Services Assistant	Description	Hourly rate
   Library Services Assistant	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 Page	A library page is a professional who is responsible for organizing all returned books and other items while putting them in their proper places on the shelves. This library page must retrieve materials that are kept in secured areas and checking items that are returned from patrons... 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:

   • Library Services
   • Library Policies
   • Interlibrary Loan
   • Library Patrons
   • Customer Service
   • Library System
   • Readers Advisory
   • Computer Software
   • Library Resources
   • Circulation Desk
   • Cataloging
   • Public Library
   • Library Materials
   • Reference Services

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Maintain student files by entering intake paperwork into database, while maintaining confidentiality through HIPAA and FERPA.
   • Evaluate and select database for serials management.
   • Contribute to the SCRC blog and create a digital library guide using LibGuides on SCRC research strategies: http: //researchguides.library.syr.edu/scrcresearchstrategies.
   • Return DVDs to shelves and maintain proper alphabetical organization.

   More library services assistant duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, library services assistants' average salary in missouri is 50% less than in massachusetts.
   • Seniority. Entry-level library services assistants 41% less than senior-level library services assistants.
   • Certifications. A library services assistant 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 services assistant's salary.

   Average library services assistant salary

   $16.46hourly

   $34,232 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level library services assistant salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 18, 2025

   Average library services assistant salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Massachusetts	$53,659	$26
   2	California	$49,154	$24
   3	Minnesota	$43,776	$21
   4	Connecticut	$42,756	$21
   5	Delaware	$40,540	$19
   6	Montana	$38,935	$19
   7	Maryland	$37,544	$18
   8	Oregon	$34,890	$17
   9	Wisconsin	$34,013	$16
   10	Michigan	$33,933	$16
   11	Utah	$33,824	$16
   12	Iowa	$33,767	$16
   13	Virginia	$32,106	$15
   14	Florida	$29,809	$14
   15	North Carolina	$29,762	$14
   16	Tennessee	$28,910	$14
   17	Georgia	$27,754	$13
   18	Texas	$27,266	$13

   Average library services assistant salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Dartmouth	$55,243	$26.56
   2	University of Wisconsin System	$46,765	$22.48	3
   3	Yale University	$46,177	$22.20	4
   4	UMass Dartmouth	$43,431	$20.88	1
   5	The University System of Maryland Foundation	$41,348	$19.88
   6	City of Georgetown	$40,228	$19.34
   7	City of Bozeman	$39,105	$18.80
   8	PSEA	$37,817	$18.18	2
   9	Washington County	$37,737	$18.14	4
   10	Franklin	$37,471	$18.01
   11	City of Rochester MN	$35,001	$16.83	1
   12	Fort Bend County	$34,119	$16.40	15
   13	Chattahoochee Valley Community College	$33,832	$16.27
   14	Duke University Health System	$33,700	$16.20	4
   15	University of Florida	$33,404	$16.06	7
   16	Avenu Insights & Analytics	$33,233	$15.98
   17	University of Delaware	$32,944	$15.84	3
   18	City of Norfolk	$32,651	$15.70	2
   19	Minnesota Limited	$32,584	$15.67	2
   20	Cambridge City Hall, Minnesota	$31,978	$15.37	1

4. Writing a library services assistant job description

   A good library services assistant job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a library services assistant job description:

   Library services assistant job description example

   Do you want to be a part of the team that helps make the City of Boca Raton one of the best places to live, work and play? We provide world class services, parks, beaches, and public safety. This can only happen when the best, brightest, and most committed individuals come to work for our City. We encourage like-minded individuals to apply and be part of our team! Come join us #WorkforBoca
   SCHEDULE
   
   Must be available to work 20 - 25 hours per week including nights and weekends as needed.
   
   GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:
   
   Performs a variety of specialized library work at one of the City's public library facilities. Work is performed under general supervision.
   
   ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
   
   Account ServicesSection
   
   Interacts with patrons in order to assist them in using library services/equipment, programs, and facilities, collect/cancel fines or fees as appropriate, answer questions, identify patron service needs or locate materials.
   
   Trains staff in the use of a variety of databases, activities, policies/ procedures, and office equipment in order to ensure that employees complete assignments correctly and use the equipment properly.
   
   Supports staffing of the Check-Out Desk(s) in order to assist patrons in checking materials in or out, placing holds, registering patrons, taking fines and fees, and resolving problems.
   
   Processes requests for library materials/information received by phone, fax, email, or in person in order to provide patrons with requested materials/information.
   
   Supports circulation technology including the circulation module, scanners and printers.
   
   Supports the collection and reporting of circulations and other statistics as assigned.
   
   Collection Services Section
   
   Assists in the identification, selection and purchasing of library materials and resources. Assists with the selection of vendors and arranging for standing orders.
   
   Prepares and submits requisitions and purchase orders; processes orders via the integrated library system or directly with vendors; processes invoices for payment by the City Finance Department; monitors fund account balances.
   
   Assists with cataloging and classification of library materials, including editing MARC cataloging records in all formats in online bibliographic utility for transfer to local integrated library system; may perform original cataloging. Identifies and performs cataloging and classification clean-up projects as needed, including global changes and authority work.
   
   Processes labels, covers, and security of library materials. Maintains inventory of processing supplies.
   
   Shelves materials, shifts collections, and maintains the order of all types of resources including circulation returns, new acquisitions, and browsed material.
   
   Assists with marketing programs and materials displays.
   
   Collects and reports collection statistics as assigned.
   
   Program Services Section
   
   Assists in the planning, marketing, conducting and facilitating programs for adults at all library locations, including researching, contacting, and negotiating with potential program presenters and performers.
   
   ?Utilizes excellent time management skills to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and responsibilities simultaneously.
   
   Designs and creates flyers and pamphlets for print and digital media.
   
   Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Adobe Photoshop software experience preferred.
   
   Coordinate programs to work into library initiatives, departmental objectives, city and community events and partnerships.
   
   InstructionalServices Section
   
   Assists patrons in locating and selecting information and materials.
   
   Assists and instructs patrons in the use of both print and online information retrieval tools; Answers research and instructional questions for patrons in person, by telephone, by mail, and by e-mail.
   
   Assists with the evaluation of research and instructional sources and materials; compiles bibliographies and assembles materials on special subjects.
   
   Performs interlibrary loan functions; performs tasks related to the management of periodicals and serials.
   
   Youth Services Section
   
   Plans, develops, promotes and conducts programs and activities for children and teens; develops and creates educational displays.
   
   Provides research and instructional assistance and readers advisory to children, teens, and caregivers; aids children, teens, and caregivers in the selection of books and other materials on special subjects.
   
   Answers specific research and instructional questions for patrons in person, by telephone, and by mail; oversees and assists in the production of subject or age-level materials including bibliographies.
   
   Introduces and instructs children and teens in the use of information retrieval tools, the Library's online catalog, and various computer software applications.
   
   RELATED TASKS:
   
   Performs related work as required.
   
   KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
   
   Awareness of library principles, methods, materials, programs, and practices.
   
   Advanced skills in the use of personal computers, basic software applications, peripheral devices, and the Internet.
   
   Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other library employees.
   
   Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with library patrons.
   
   Ability to understand, follow and explain a variety of library policies and procedures.
   
   Ability to learn/perform a variety of work activities with the assigned Department/Division.
   
   Ability to explain/demonstrate procedures for performing a variety of work activities.
   
   Ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
   
   EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
   
   An Associate's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent (60 college or university credits). Bachelor's degree preferred.
   
   Minimum of one (1) year work experience working in libraries, bookstores, educational or cultural organizations preferred.
   
   Minimum of one (1) year experience working with the public or supporting public services.
   
   POST-OFFER BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS:
   
   The background check process for this position may include:
   
   * Criminal Background Check
   * Employment Verification
   * Reference Checks

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find library services assistants for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any library services assistants they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level library services assistants with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your library services assistant job on Zippia to find and recruit library services assistant candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting library services assistants requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   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 services assistant

   Once you have selected a candidate for the library services assistant position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new library services assistant first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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 services assistant?