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Federal Library Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Federal Library information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$72K

$122.4K

How much do federal library jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal library in California is $72,028.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $84,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a federal library, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in federal libraries often encounter challenges such as adapting to evolving government information policies, managing large and diverse collections, and meeting the varied needs of federal employees and the public. Navigating strict security protocols and handling sensitive or classified materials may also be part of the job. Building strong communication skills, staying current with library technology, and participating in ongoing professional development can help address these challenges and ensure effective service delivery.

What is a Federal Library?

A Federal Library is a library that is operated or funded by a federal government agency. These libraries provide information resources and services primarily to government employees, researchers, and sometimes the public, depending on the library's mission. Federal Libraries support the work of government agencies by offering specialized collections, research support, and access to digital and physical materials. Examples include the Library of Congress, the National Library of Medicine, and the National Agricultural Library.

What is the difference between Federal Library vs Public Library?

AspectFederal LibraryPublic Library
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent, specialized knowledge of federal collectionsMLS or equivalent, focus on community services
Work EnvironmentGovernment buildings, federal agencies, specialized collectionsCommunity centers, city or town facilities, public spaces
Employer & Industry UsageFederal government agencies, national archives, military, government researchLocal government, city or county governments, community outreach
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding federal library roles, job requirements, and career pathsLearning about local library jobs, services, and community engagement

Federal libraries serve government agencies and national collections, requiring specialized credentials and working within federal institutions. Public libraries focus on serving local communities, with a broader emphasis on public access and community programs. While both roles involve library science skills, their work environments, employer types, and user focus differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Librarian, you need a master's degree in library science (MLS/MLIS), strong research abilities, and knowledge of information organization and retrieval. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital databases, government document management tools, and cataloging standards like MARC is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and customer service skills help librarians effectively serve diverse users and collaborate with colleagues. These skills ensure accurate information access, regulatory compliance, and high-quality support for federal agency missions.
What are popular job titles related to Federal Library jobs in California? For Federal Library jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Federal Library jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Library jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Federal Library jobs? Cities in California with the most Federal Library job openings:
Federal Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Library job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,028 per year, or $34.6 per hour.
Library Student Assistant 3

Library Student Assistant 3

The Claremont Colleges Services (TCCS)

Claremont, CA

$17.90/hr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION:
Library Student Assistants, Level 3, work closely with staff at The Claremont Colleges Library in serving its users. They receive the highest level of student worker training in a designated library department or unit, working independently, taking on special projects, organizing and supporting library events, participating in assessment projects, serving on consortium and library committees, and leading other student workers in training and setting priorities for each shift.
Essential Functions:
  • Opportunity to work in a specialized department in the library with the highest level of student assistant training.
  • Provide leadership to other student assistants, which includes training, mentoring, and setting priorities for each shift.
  • Work on special projects, such as creating training materials, gathering data for assessment projects, developing new services, and organizing library events and workshops, etc.
  • Work independently on tasks or at service points with or without library staff in the building.
  • Serve on Claremont Colleges Library committees.
  • Provide a high level of customer service to all users, whether over the phone, in person, or processing requests.
  • Read all communication from library staff and remain current on library policies and procedures.
  • Arrive on time for scheduled shifts and pick up additional shifts as needed.
  • Attend student assistant program meetings/socials and additional training sessions as needed or required.
  • Adhere to the strict confidentiality policies of the library.
  • Record usage statistics and gather additional data as requested.
  • Contribute to one-time and continuing data-gathering, analysis, and assessment projects.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Essential Requirements:
  • Currently enrolled and attending one of The Claremont Colleges.
Required Knowledge and Critical Skills: Individuals must possess knowledge, skills, and the ability to successfully learn and perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
  • Strong customer service focus.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
  • Ability to learn and perform new tasks quickly and effectively.
  • Punctuality, dependability, and flexibility.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and take initiative.
  • Skilled in technology used by the library to share information and create training materials.
  • Ability to lead, train, and mentor other student workers.
  • Ability to set priorities for each shift and make sure necessary tasks are completed.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: All student assistants will receive regular training to provide them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.
  • Knowledge of techniques necessary to identify and meet the research and service needs of library patrons.
  • Expertise with the online catalog, electronic resources, and technology used in the library.
  • Familiarity with events, facilities, collections, services, and policies at the Claremont Colleges Library, the Claremont Colleges, and The Claremont Colleges Services (TCCS).
  • Advanced knowledge of technology for assisting patrons, creating training materials, etc.

Work Schedule:
Students average 8-19 hours weekly, including evenings and weekends. Shifts may be available during breaks from classes on request.
COMPENSATION
Pay: $17.90 per hour.
Disclaimer:
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. When duties and responsibilities change and develop, The Claremont Colleges Services will review this job description and make changes of business necessity. TCCS reserves the right to modify job duties or assign additional duties as needed.
ADA/OSHA:
This job description defines the essential job duties of this position. The Claremont Colleges Services expects that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Equal Opportunity Employer:
TCCS is an equal opportunity employer. TCCS managers make employment decisions on the basis of merit, with the aim of having the best available person in every job. TCCS prohibits discrimination based on all characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance or regulation. TCCS also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of these characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of these characteristics. All such discrimination is unlawful.

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