ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Academic Library Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wheaton College

Assistant Professor-Library

Wheaton, IL

$63K - $75K/yr

Serves as subject librarian to assigned academic disciplines. * Builds relationships with faculty ... The budgeted salary range for the position is $63,000 - $75,000 for a Library Assistant Professor ...

Wheaton College

Assistant Professor-Library

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$63K - $75K/yr

Serves as subject librarian to assigned academic disciplines. * Builds relationships with faculty ... The budgeted salary range for the position is $63,000 - $75,000 for a Library Assistant Professor ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsAcademic Library JobsAcademic Library Assistant Jobs

Academic Library Assistant information

See salary details

$8

$18

$27

How much do academic library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for academic library assistant in the United States is $18.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Academic Library Assistant, and why are they important?

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 are Academic Library Assistants?

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 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 are hiring for Academic Library Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Academic Library Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Academic Library Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Academic Library Assistant jobs include:
Academic Library Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Academic Library Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,859 per year, or $18.7 per hour.
Library Assistant, Stacks Maintenance and Retrieval

Library Assistant, Stacks Maintenance and Retrieval

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

$18 - $26.62/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Duke University rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

434th of 530 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Duke University:
Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.
Library Assistant, Stacks Maintenance and Retrieval
Be You.
At Duke University Libraries, we value individuals who bring care, curiosity, and a commitment to service. In this role, you will help maintain the integrity and accessibility of our physical collections while supporting a welcoming environment for all library users.
Be Bold.
This position plays a vital role in ensuring Duke Libraries remain organized, accessible, and responsive to user needs. You will work across library spaces, support evolving collections, and contribute to a service-focused culture grounded in collaboration and inclusion.
What You'll Do
  • Assist with the planning, coordination, and daily execution of stacks maintenance activities across all floors of Perkins & Bostock Libraries.
  • Inspect library floors daily to retrieve, return, and reshelve materials used by patrons.
  • Check in new materials using the Alma Library Management System; sort returned items and prepare shelving trucks.
  • Maintain appropriate shelf space by shifting collections and updating stack signage as needed.
  • Monitor and report the condition of stacks and library floors to supervisors and appropriate staff.
  • Provide direct assistance to patrons in locating materials within the stacks and sorting areas.
  • Staff the Perkins Service Desk on a regular schedule, supporting and training student employees while delivering customer-focused service.
  • Assist with training and oversight of student employees assigned to stacks maintenance.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned in support of library operations.

What You'll Bring
  • Two years of post-secondary education or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • At least three months of related work experience.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Basic proficiency with standard office and productivity technologies.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete daily tasks efficiently.
  • Demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding customer service.
  • Preferred: experience in a large academic library, knowledge of Library of Congress call numbers, customer service training, or experience with online databases.

Choose Duke.
Duke University Libraries are guided by a commitment to exceptional service, collaboration, continuous learning, and diversity. Staff are expected to uphold the Duke Libraries User Service Philosophy by fostering respectful, empathetic, and inclusive interactions with all members of our community.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join Duke University Libraries and contribute to the stewardship of world-class collections while supporting a vibrant academic community.
Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.00 to USD $26.62. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).

What Duke University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Duke University logo

About Duke University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US

Year founded

1838

View All Duke University Jobs

Apply