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Interlibrary Loan Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Technician plays a critical role in supporting the University Libraries' interlibrary loan and document delivery services. Using resource sharing and library platforms ...

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Interlibrary Loan information

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How much do interlibrary loan jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for interlibrary loan in the United States is $20.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an interlibrary loan?

Interlibrary loan jobs involve managing the process of borrowing and lending library materials between different libraries. Staff in these roles help patrons access books, articles, and other resources that their home library does not own by coordinating requests, tracking items, and ensuring timely delivery. They often communicate with other libraries, handle shipping and receiving of materials, and use specialized library systems or software. These positions require attention to detail, customer service skills, and familiarity with library databases and cataloging. Interlibrary loan jobs are essential in expanding access to resources for library users.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interlibrary loan specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Interlibrary Loan Specialist, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with library science principles, often supported by a library science degree or relevant experience. Proficiency with interlibrary loan management systems (such as ILLiad or OCLC WorldShare), cataloging databases, and document delivery tools is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills help facilitate collaboration between libraries and assist patrons effectively. These abilities ensure efficient and accurate resource sharing, supporting user access to materials and fostering interlibrary cooperation.

What are some typical challenges faced by interlibrary loan staff, and how can they be addressed?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) staff often encounter challenges such as locating rare or specialized materials, managing complex copyright regulations, and coordinating timely delivery between multiple institutions. To address these, ILL professionals rely on strong communication skills, robust library networks, and up-to-date knowledge of resource sharing systems. Staying organized and proactive in tracking requests, as well as building collaborative relationships with partner libraries, can greatly improve efficiency and user satisfaction.

What is the difference between Interlibrary Loan vs Library Technician?

AspectInterlibrary LoanLibrary Technician
Required CredentialsTypically no formal degree, some certificationsAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentLibraries, educational institutions, public and academic librariesLibraries, archives, information centers
Primary ResponsibilitiesFacilitating borrowing between libraries, managing interlibrary requestsAssisting with cataloging, shelving, customer service, and basic library operations

Interlibrary Loan specialists focus on managing and coordinating the borrowing of materials between libraries, often requiring knowledge of library systems and customer service. Library Technicians support daily library operations, including cataloging and assisting patrons. While both roles work within library environments, Interlibrary Loan roles are more specialized in resource sharing, whereas Library Technicians handle broader operational tasks.

More about Interlibrary Loan jobs

What cities are hiring for Interlibrary Loan jobs?

Cities with the most Interlibrary Loan job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Interlibrary Loan jobs?

The most popular types of Interlibrary Loan jobs are:

What states have the most Interlibrary Loan jobs?

States with the most job openings for Interlibrary Loan jobs include:

Infographic showing various Interlibrary Loan job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,128 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Head, Interlibrary Loan

The University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

465th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The University of Iowa Libraries is seeking to hire a Head, Interlibrary Loan (Library Specialist PLC3/4A) in the Unified Access Services department. Under the direction of the Director of Unified Access Services, this position provides leadership and operational oversight for the Main Library's Interlibrary Loan and Article Delivery Services. The role supports efficient, reliable access to information resources for users locally, nationally, and internationally by overseeing borrowing, lending, document delivery, and related shipping and receiving activities.

This position ensures that workflows, service standards, and problem-resolution practices support timely and effective service delivery, while providing leadership for interlibrary loan operations that connect users with resources across the globe.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND SPECIFIC JOB TASKS:
Acquire, Organize, Digitize, Preserve, and Provide Information Resources and Services
    Manage the development of workflows for interlibrary loan, document delivery, and shipping services.
    Process requests and manage the document delivery service, ensuring PDFs provided meet the appropriate standards. 
    Process requests and manage scanning requests submitted via Leganto for course reserve, working closely with course reserve staff to ensure prompt delivery and problem resolution.  
    Serve as HathiTrust's Accessible Text Request Service provider, utilizing PDFs from this resource to provide accessible PDFs to campus.

Instruction, Consultation, and Public Services
    Manage interlibrary loan services and solve complex problems related to systems and workflows within and across library resource sharing units worldwide.
    Process complex interlibrary loan borrowing requests. 
    Communicate and interpret ILL service policies and procedures to students, faculty, and staff as well as to customers & colleagues outside of the University.  

Leadership/Staff and Resource Management/ Financial Responsibility
    Manage the interlibrary loan unit, including borrowing, lending, article delivery, and shipping services. 
    Lead and develop the Interlibrary Loan team, fostering accountability, collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement, and effective stewardship of human resources while empowering team members to advance their areas of responsibility.  
    Develop and recommend library unit and department-wide policies/procedures and set priorities. Ensure procedure manuals and training documents, largely found on sharepoint are regularly reviewed and updated.
    Manage interlibrary loan overdues, fines, billing, user follow-up, lending library communication, invoices, and payment records. 
    Coordinate workflows, policies, procedures, and implement sustainable service models that ensure efficient access to library collections.  Collaborate with Acquisitions on Article Galaxy Scholar for journals and purchase on demand for books.
    Interpret Interlibrary Loan and Library policies and procedures, making exceptions as needed. 
    Assist with strategic planning for interlibrary loan, document delivery, and shipping services.
    Build and maintain productive relationships with vendors, interlibrary loan borrowing libraries, and access services staff across the Libraries.

Continuous Learning & Skills Development
    Stay informed about innovations, trends, and developments in interlibrary loan.
    Acquire and maintain up-to-date job skills and professional standards related to copyright, interlibrary loan software, and consortia agreements.

Required Qualifications
    Master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
    Minimum of two-years related experience in a lead or supervisory role.
    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively and professionally with colleagues, library users, and campus partners.
    Experience using library software products (Alma, ILLiad, Tipasa, RapidILL, etc).
    Supervisory experience, including hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, and performance management of staff and/or student employees.
    Ability to troubleshoot and resolve operational and service issues, exercising sound judgement and decision making.

Desired Qualifications
    Ability to efficiently learn and perform technical and complex tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
    Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively.
    Experience working in an academic or research library environment.
    Experience coordinating day-to-day operations, workflows, or service delivery in a complex service environment.


Application Details: 
Applications are only accepted through the Jobs@UIOWA website.
In order to be eligible for interview, applicants must upload the following and mark them as "relevant files" when you upload the documents:
1.    Cover letter that clearly addresses how you meet each of the required and any desired qualifications of this position. To ensure strongest consideration, applicants are encouraged to review all required qualifications and state directly how they meet each of them. 
2.    Current resume 
This job ad will be posted through at least September 21, 2026, and may be removed from posting and filled any time after that date.

Please contact andrea-rost@uiowa.edu if you have any questions about the position. 
The hiring salary range for this Library Specialist position is $55,000 - $70,000 based on experience.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. 
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
 

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Library Specialist
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 4A
  • Starting Salary Minimum: 55,000
  • Starting Salary Maximum: 70,000
Contact Information
  • Organization: Libraries
  • Contact Name: Andrea Rost
  • Contact Email: andrea-rost@uiowa.edu

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