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Academic Library Assistant Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Library Assistant

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$64K/yr

Library Assistant The Museum of Modern Art is currently accepting applications for a Library ... in an academic, research, or special library environment. A master's degree in library or ...

The Museum of Modern Art is currently accepting applications for a Library Assistant in its ... in an academic, research, or special library environment. A master's degree in library or ...

New

Library Assistant

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$64K/yr

The Museum of Modern Art is currently accepting applications for a Library Assistant in its ... in an academic, research, or special library environment. A master's degree in library or ...

Commitment to helping visitors to the library explore and assist patrons in finding what they need About the School Founded in 1884, Brearley's mission has long combined outstanding academics with an ...

Senior Library Assistant

Paramus, NJ ยท On-site

$42K - $47K/yr

Senior Library Assistant The Senior Library Assistant will assist in all basic operations of ... academic use * Assists patrons in using online catalog and locating reserve materials * Assists ...

Senior Library Assistant

Paramus, NJ ยท On-site

$42K - $47K/yr

Senior Library Assistant The Senior Library Assistant will assist in all basic operations of ... academic use * Assists patrons in using online catalog and locating reserve materials * Assists ...

Senior Library Assistant

Paramus, NJ ยท On-site

$42K - $47K/yr

The Senior Library Assistant will assist in all basic operations of Library Access Services, Media ... academic use * Assists patrons in using online catalog and locating reserve materials * Assists ...

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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 New York are hiring for Academic Library Assistant jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Academic Library Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Academic Library Assistant job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Library Assistant

Manhattan, NY โ€ข On-site

$64K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Library Assistant

The Museum of Modern Art is currently accepting applications for a Library Assistant in its Archives, Library, and Research Collections Department. Reporting to the Head of Library Services, the Library Assistant offers support in the following library functions: reader services, acquisitions, resource sharing/interlibrary loans (ILL), cataloging, and serials.

This position is based at MoMA QNS in Long Island City, with occasional duties at the Museum's midtown Manhattan location.

Additional responsibilities include:

  • Provides service to Museum staff and Library patrons as needed relating to library circulation, reference, and services provided by the Library.
  • Maintains stack areas, including assisting with space planning, performing shelf-reading, and troubleshooting any issues that arise within the print collection.
  • Supports reference and circulation staff by assisting with shifts at the circulation desk.
  • Supports the daily operation of the Library, including handling incoming mail; paging and shelving library materials; checking-in new acquisitions and checking for duplicates; contributing to the development and maintenance of circulation and reference policies and procedures; processing library materials with labels after cataloging; coordinating circulation activity in ILS and sending reminders to Museum staff; processing inter-library loan requests for internal and external users; etc.
  • Participates in library-related projects as needed.
  • Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree preferred with a minimum one to two years library experience, preferably in an academic, research, or special library environment. A master's degree in library or information science is welcome but not required.
  • Knowledge of global modern and contemporary art is preferred.
  • Familiarity with integrated library systems, circulation functions, reference services, handling special collections, copy cataloging, and a general understanding of library classification systems preferred.
  • Experience handling fragile library materials.
  • Demonstrated understanding of best practices in the areas of collection handling, transporting, and shelving.
  • Demonstrates outstanding team orientation and flexibility. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills. Detail oriented with ability to organize and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects concurrently.
  • Ability to collaboratively manage long-term projects in a continually evolving environment.
  • Ability to deal effectively and pleasantly with museum staff and library patrons.
  • Ability to lift 30 pounds and to reach high and low shelves.
  • Reading knowledge of a language, in addition to English, is desirable.

Salary: The salary for this position is currently $64,023 per annum

Application instructions: To apply, please visit MoMA Jobs. Applicants should submit a resume and a statement of interest. Applications without cover letters will not be considered.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement: Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the Museum, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, familial status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, or any other protected category as established by applicable law, including the New York City Human Rights Law ("NYCHRL").

This is a unionized position at MoMA with covered employees represented by Local 2110, UAW, AFL-CIO.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.