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Federal Library Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

County of Chester, PA

Library Assistant

West Chester, PA · On-site

$16.78/hr

Libraries P/T Opening Date: 06/30/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Weekly Hours: 20 Shift: Varies ... federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Policy or its authorized agent ...

County of Chester

Library Assistant

West Chester, PA · On-site

$16.78/hr

... federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent ... Respond to library customers' problems with computers and computer software including: printing ...

County of Chester

Library Assistant

West Chester, PA

$16.78/hr

... federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Policy or its authorized agent ... Issue library cards to in County and out-of-County/State residents. Locate and check out materials ...

County of Chester

Library Assistant

West Chester, PA

$16.78/hr

The Part-Time Library Assistant at the John W. Jacobs Technology Center (JTC) provides direct ... federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent ...

County of Chester, PA

Library Assistant

West Chester, PA · On-site

$16.78/hr

... federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent ... Respond to library customers' problems with computers and computer software including: printing ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Library Assistant

Exton, PA · On-site

$16.78/hr

... federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent ... Respond to library customers' problems with computers and computer software including: printing ...

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Federal Library information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$28.8K

$73.6K

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How much do federal library jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal library in Philadelphia, PA is $73,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $86,300.00 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 Philadelphia, PA? For Federal Library jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Federal Library jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Library jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Federal Library jobs? Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Federal Library job openings:
Federal Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Library job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,647 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Library Assistant

County of Chester, PA

West Chester, PA • On-site

$16.78/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary: $16.78 Hourly
Location : Chester County Library - Exton, PA
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 04615
Department: Library
Division: Libraries P/T
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Weekly Hours: 20
Shift: Varies, includes nights & weekends
Summary
The Chester County Library has an opening for a Part Time Library Assistant who is responsible for performing Circulation procedures to ensure quality customer service and a smooth, accurate flow of library materials to and from customers, including following Library and County policies in order to maintain the public service image of the library.
Responsibilities:
Provide front line customer service assistance, handle general account issues, complaints, grievances, delinquent accounts and accounts in collection.
Requirements:
This position requires excellent organizational and oral communications skills, flexibility, a genuine enjoyment of the public, a commitment to public service, and the ability to handle stressful situations. The position also requires the ability to master basic and specialized online circulation functions, and demonstrate current PC proficiency including internet, email and Microsoft Office skills. Previous customer service or retail experience preferred.
Physical abilities:
Handle, lift, or move library materials weighing up to 25 lbs.; stand at a computer terminal for up to 4 hours; wheel book trucks weighing up to 125 lbs.; and to stand, sit, walk, stoop or reach within a confined area.
All library positions require the following criminal background and child abuse clearances: Report of criminal history form the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP); Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse); and Fingerprint based federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Policy or its authorized agent (FBI).
All employees of the Chester County Library are considered a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse under the Child Protective Services Law (Title 23 Pa. C.S.A. Chapter 63).
Essential Duties
  • Greet, direct and provide basic assistance with directional, instructional and informational inquiries for patrons at the circulation check-out desk.
  • Issue library cards to in County and out-of-County/State residents.
  • Locate and check out materials to patrons.
  • Inspect returned materials for damage.
  • Compute, record, and receive overdue fines.
  • Review records to compile list of overdue books, and issue overdue notices to borrowers.
  • Process and maintain reserve materials and interlibrary loans.
  • Sort returned materials according to classification code and need for repair, and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
  • Answer inquiries of a non-professional nature and refer persons requiring professional assistance to librarian.
  • Assist patrons in using electronic equipment.
  • Update patron and material records in library ILS as necessary.
  • Answer phones and provide basic assistance to inquiries.
  • Operate cash registers and credit card machine with accuracy.
  • Assist with Library opening and closing procedures as needed.
  • Participate in community outreach initiatives and fulfill continuing education requirements.
  • Stay current with County and library policies.
  • Perform duties and provide service in compliance with County and library policies and procedures.
  • Know and execute library emergency and incident response protocols.
  • Use a variety of software applications to circulate special collections and for payroll and other County employee accounts.
  • Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience
  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
  • Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and possess strong communication, customer service and computer skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to work alone or as part of a team.
  • Basic office skills (typing, filing, answering phones, etc.).
  • PA criminal background check.
  • PA child abuse clearance.
  • FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:
  • Prior customer service work experience.
  • Previous experience working in a library with computerized systems.
  • Some college preferred.
  • Knowledge of library operations and Chester County policies and procedures.

Additional Information
Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.
Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:
  • Basic Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Explorer).
  • Basic Outlook Skills (email and calendar)
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit; walk; stand; bend at the waist while working; kneel, stoop, crouch or squat; talk or hear; handle and lift up to 25 pounds; push a cart of books that weighs up to 75 pounds; and sit at a computer terminal for up to 4 hours at a time. Occasionally, the employee will need to work with arms above shoulders or reach above shoulder height.
The specific vision requirements for this position are as follows:
  • Close vision.
  • Color vision.
  • Ability to read, alphabetize and place items in numeric order.
Work Environment:
  • The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet to moderately noisy.
Other:
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends on rotation, as necessary.
  • Library is open seven days a week (total of 65 hours).

01
What is your highest level of education?
  • No formal Education
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • Doctorate or higher (includes Juris Doctorate and Medical Doctorate)

Required Question

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