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What is a music library assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

A music library assistant helps librarians in managing materials related to music. They help librarians organize library resources related to music and related media and ensure that their materials are readily available to library patrons. A music library assistant helps users find information regarding various music genres and offers help with questions and locating certain artists or musical groups. These library professionals also help check out materials at the circulation desk, lend and collect music materials, keep track of musical inventory, and make recommendations to management regarding the purchase of new collections.

Most music library assistants have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. However, many have advanced degree in library science, music, or a related field. These individuals have a broad knowledge of a variety of music types, and some may be musicians themselves. A music library assistant should possess strong communication, organizational, and customer service skills, as well as being comfortable guiding users when it comes to library music collections.

If you love music and working in a library setting, a position as a music library assistant can be both a rewarding and fun career. A music library assistant can make up to $49,000 per year. However, the career field is expected to dip slightly by 3% in the next ten years.

ScoreMusic Library AssistantUS Average
Salary
2.8

Avg. Salary $35,866

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.9

Growth rate -4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.76%

Asian 6.49%

Black or African American 9.41%

Hispanic or Latino 14.62%

Unknown 4.75%

White 63.96%

Gender

female 57.29%

male 42.71%

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

Music library assistant career paths

Key steps to become a music library assistant

  1. Explore music library assistant education requirements

    Most common music library assistant degrees

    Bachelor's

    73.7 %

    Master's

    8.3 %

    High School Diploma

    7.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific music library assistant skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Photoshop20.70%
    Music Theory14.75%
    Expense Reports14.51%
    Travel Arrangements6.85%
    Circulation Desk5.50%
  3. Complete relevant music library assistant training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New music 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 music library assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real music library assistant resumes.
  4. Research music library assistant duties and responsibilities

    • Perform elementary descriptive cataloging using automate bibliographic database.
    • Perform elementary descriptive cataloging using automate bibliographic database.
  5. Prepare your music library assistant resume

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

    Build a professional music 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 music library assistant resume.
    Music Library Assistant Resume
    Music Library Assistant Resume
    Music Library Assistant Resume
    Music Library Assistant Resume
    Music Library Assistant Resume
    Music Library Assistant Resume
    Music Library Assistant Resume
    Music Library Assistant Resume
    Music Library Assistant Resume
  6. Apply for music library assistant jobs

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

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

How did you land your first music library assistant job

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Average music library assistant salary

The average music library assistant salary in the United States is $35,866 per year or $17 per hour. Music library assistant salaries range between $26,000 and $48,000 per year.

Average music library assistant salary
$35,866 Yearly
$17.24 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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