ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Academic Library Assistant Jobs in Massachusetts

Marblehead

Teen Librarian

Marblehead, MA

$6/wk

... and academic support resources. * Designs, promotes, and delivers innovative and specialized ... Assistant Director, and supervises the work of library personnel and volunteers assigned to the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAcademic Library JobsAcademic Library Assistant JobsAcademic Library Assistant Jobs in Massachusetts

Academic Library Assistant information

What is an academic library assistant?

Academic Library Assistants are support staff who help manage the daily operations of college or university libraries. They assist students and faculty in finding and borrowing materials, organize and shelve books, maintain records, and may help with cataloging or interlibrary loan requests. Their role is essential in ensuring the library runs smoothly and patrons have access to the resources they need for research and study.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an academic library assistant?

To thrive as an Academic Library Assistant, you generally need organizational skills, attention to detail, familiarity with library practices, and at least a high school diploma or an associate degree. Experience with library cataloging software, integrated library systems (ILS), and digital databases is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork skills help you effectively support students and faculty. These skills ensure efficient library operations, positive patron experiences, and the accurate management of resources in an academic environment.

What are some common challenges academic library assistants face in managing multiple requests from students, faculty, and staff?

Academic Library Assistants often juggle diverse tasks such as assisting with research queries, checking out materials, and supporting library events, which can lead to a fast-paced and occasionally demanding environment. Balancing these responsibilities while maintaining accuracy and offering helpful service can be challenging, especially during peak times like midterms or finals. Effective time management, clear communication, and familiarity with library systems are crucial for success. Collaborating closely with librarians and other staff helps distribute workloads and ensures patrons' needs are met efficiently.

What is the difference between Academic Library Assistant vs Library Technician?

AspectAcademic Library AssistantLibrary Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer post-secondary educationPost-secondary certificate or associate degree in library technology
Work EnvironmentAcademic libraries, educational institutionsLibraries, archives, educational settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting patrons, shelving, cataloging, basic administrative tasksProcessing materials, maintaining catalog systems, technical support

The main difference between an Academic Library Assistant and a Library Technician lies in their education requirements and technical responsibilities. Academic Library Assistants typically perform clerical and patron service tasks, while Library Technicians handle more technical cataloging and processing duties. Both roles are essential in supporting library operations within educational institutions.

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Academic Library Assistant jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Academic Library Assistant job openings:

Academic Library Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Academic Library Assistant job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Temporary Library Assistant

Boston, MA • On-site

Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Massachusetts College of Art and Designexternal

$20/hr

Other

Posted 29 days ago

Job description


Temporary Library Assistant
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Morton R. Godine Library
Title: Temporary Library Assistant
Department: Library
Massachusetts College of Art and Design is seeking a temporary part-time library assistant. The Library Assistant will assist on various projects such as course reserves, gifts processing, serials processing, and Title II compliance. This position will also provide reference services and circulation desk coverage.
The candidate must be able to work three weekday mornings starting at 8:00 am. This position is an 18 hour per week position.
$20.00 per hour.
The contract is for September 2026 through May 2027.
Supervision Received: Reports to Librarian II
Examples of Duties:
  • Assist with processing physical and digital course reserves, by scanning, utilizing OCR software, and creating short records for required texts.
  • Assist with gifts processing by physically sorting books and other materials, searching library holdings for potential additions to the collection, and providing acknowledgement letters and inventories for donors.
  • Assist with serials processing, including check-in and shelves maintenance. Retrieving and sorting mail.
  • Provides reference and circulation services to patrons.
  • Assess and edit digital documents, especially PDFs, for Title II compliance.
  • May assist with other projects as needed.
Requirements:
Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of methods used in performing library research.
  • Experience with online library systems, preferably with patron and circulation data.
  • Experience scanning documents and working with Adobe Acrobat.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace or Microsoft Teams.
  • Accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Flexibility appropriate for a dynamic work setting.
  • Physical ability to move packages and shelve books and other library materials.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with Title II accessibility standards and tools.
  • Experience processing physical and digital course reserves.
  • Experience working in an academic library environment.
Additional Information:
Please note MassArt:
  • Does not support employment-based visa sponsorship or non-student exchange visitor visa sponsorship.
  • Is not an E-Verify institution.

Selected candidates must be eligible to work in the US at the time of employment, complete all onboarding tasks including a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) background review and provide proof of eligibility to work in the US by completing the Form 19, Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
You are required to show proof of your identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of the start of your employment. You will not be authorized to work in any capacity until all paperwork has been completed. For a list of all acceptable documents please click here.
MassArt provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, or membership in any other legally protected class.
MassArt complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the college operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
Application Instructions:
Please provide a resume and cover letter.

Apply