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Federal Library Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lake Ridge Schools

Library Clerk

Gary, IN · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Maintain accurate budget, circulation, Federal program records and files such as the card catalog ... Maintain the library as an educational center. Ensure teachers and students make the greatest use ...

City of Chicago

LIBRARY ASSOCIATE - HOURLY

Chicago, IL · On-site

$32.30/hr

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT LIBRARY ASSOCIATE - HOURLY (MULTIPLE VACANCIES SYSTEMWIDE) CHICAGO PUBLIC ... Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local ...

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All JobsFederal Library JobsFederal Library Jobs in Chicago, IL

Federal Library information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.4K

$75.2K

$127.7K

How much do federal library jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal library in Chicago, IL is $75,184.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,700.00 and $88,100.00 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 Chicago, IL? For Federal Library jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Federal Library jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Library jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Federal Library jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Federal Library job openings:
Federal Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Library job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,184 per year, or $36.1 per hour.
Harold Washington College Federal Work Study Student- Library Aide

Harold Washington College Federal Work Study Student- Library Aide

City Colleges of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 10 days ago

City Colleges Of Chicago rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

FEDERAL WORK STUDY - LIBRARY AIDE
HAROLD WASHINGTON CAMPUS - LIBRARY DEPARTMENT
City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), the largest community college system in Illinois, is made up of seven colleges and five satellite sites, providing more than 70,000 students each year access to a quality, affordable education.
The Federal Work Study Program (FWS) is a federally-funded financial aid program that provides subsidized part-time employment for eligible students in order to assist them with postsecondary financial needs. City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) complies with the Department of Education's regulations regarding the FWS program and allows students to benefit from this opportunity.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
The FWS program encourages students to gain experience in their prospective fields by placing them in areas and departments aligned with their area of study whenever possible. Students are able to use their wages towards educational and living expenses.
FWS jobs are available in areas such as academic departments, laboratories, libraries, administrative offices, student centers and several off-campus locations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Library Assistant will be responsible for Check-in and Check-out library items, greeting guest and answering general inquires.
• Basic reading and writing skills are required as Library Assistant will also be required to assist in clerical duties.
• Flexible Hours- Monday -Friday
QUALIFICATIONS:
Eligibility Requirements:
§ Applicants must be 16years or older, have work permit consent, and eligible to work in the United States
§ Applicants must be actively attending one of the City Colleges of Chicago
§ Applicants must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours pre-credit or credit classes
§ Applicants must be pursuing an approved educational credential, degree, or certificate
§ Applicants must have and maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA (waived for first semester new students)
§ Applicants must be in "good standing" - no City Colleges of Chicago academic restrictions
§ Applicants must not be current Full or Part-time employees of the City Colleges of Chicago
§ All positions are "employment at-will"
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must possess strong communication skills
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Word/ Data Entry
  • Excellent verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Promotes a positive role model and favorable public image as City Colleges of Chicago representative.
  • Adheres to the City Colleges of Chicago Customer Services Excellence Standards.

City Colleges of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
TBD

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