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Library Assistant Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

The Library Assistant must perform these duties in a manner that reflects positively on the City and the Department. This position is scheduled to work 15 hours per week. Examples Of Essential Duties ...

$15.25 - $17.84/hr

Must be able to perceive, inspect, assess, and compare information to assist patrons with requests. Occasionally moves books and/or other library materials weighing up to 10 pounds. Position is ...

Oversee and coordinate library facility room requests and maintain room reservation Outlook Calendar. * Assist in staffing the front desk and maintain library circulation activities which include ...

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Library Assistant information

See Alaska salary details

$9

$20

$29

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in Alaska is $20.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do library assistants do?

Library assistants help with daily library operations, including checking out and returning books, organizing materials, assisting patrons, and maintaining the library's collection. They often use library management software and need good organizational and customer service skills. The role typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and may involve working flexible hours.

What are Library Assistants?

Library Assistants are support staff who help ensure the smooth operation of libraries. They assist patrons with finding materials, check books in and out, organize and shelve library items, and help maintain library records. Their duties often include answering basic questions, processing new materials, and supporting librarians in daily tasks. Library Assistants play an important role in making the library a welcoming and organized space for everyone.

What is the difference between Library Assistant vs Library Technician?

AspectLibrary AssistantLibrary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer post-secondary courseworkPost-secondary education or certification in library technology or related field
Work EnvironmentPublic, school, or academic libraries; routine tasks assisting patrons and organizing materialsMore technical tasks, cataloging, managing digital resources, supporting library systems
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in public and educational libraries; entry-level positionFound in larger libraries, academic institutions, and specialized settings; requires more technical skills

The main difference between a Library Assistant and a Library Technician lies in their responsibilities and required qualifications. Library Assistants handle routine patron service and organization tasks, often with minimal formal education. In contrast, Library Technicians perform more technical duties like cataloging and managing digital resources, requiring additional training or certification. Both roles are essential in supporting library operations, but Library Technicians typically have a higher level of technical expertise and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges Library Assistants face, and how can they effectively handle them?

Library Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of patron requests, maintaining accurate organization of materials, and adapting to new library technologies. To handle these effectively, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, practice clear communication with patrons and colleagues, and stay up to date with library management systems. Regular training and seeking support from senior staff can also help Library Assistants navigate busy periods and technology updates with confidence.

What qualifications do you need for a library assistant?

Library assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer postsecondary education or relevant coursework. Strong organizational skills, familiarity with library systems or cataloging software, and good communication abilities are also important. Certification is not usually required but can be beneficial for advancement.

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

To thrive as a Library Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles preferring library science coursework or experience. Familiarity with library cataloging systems, integrated library software (like Koha or Aleph), and basic computer applications is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork abilities help Library Assistants effectively support patrons and library staff. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient library operations, ensuring accurate resource management, and providing a welcoming environment for users.

Can you get a job in a library without being a librarian?

Yes, library assistants can be hired without being licensed librarians. They typically perform tasks such as shelving, checking out materials, and assisting patrons, often requiring basic customer service skills and familiarity with library systems. Certification is not usually required, but relevant training or experience can be beneficial.

How do I become a library assistant?

To become a library assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include customer service, organization, and familiarity with library systems or cataloging software; some positions may require a postsecondary certificate or coursework in library science. On-the-job training is common, and a friendly, detail-oriented attitude is important for success in this role.

What Does a Library Assistant Do?

Library assistants support the head librarian in operating the library and maintaining its materials. Other responsibilities include cataloging books, movies, audio resources, reference materials, slides, and microfilm. Library assistants inspect these items regularly for damage or missing pieces, especially while they are checking out resources to library patrons. As a library assistant, you must enjoy helping visitors locate materials, as well as providing technical assistance as needed. While a library assistant job does not require education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent, job seekers pursuing a career as a librarian will need a master’s degree in library science or a related field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Alaska? The most popular types of Library jobs in Alaska are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Assistant jobs in Alaska? For Library Assistant jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Assistant jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Library Assistant jobs in Alaska are:
What cities in Alaska are hiring for Library Assistant jobs? Cities in Alaska with the most Library Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in Alaska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,849 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

$17.85/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Thank you for considering employment with the City and Borough of Sitka. The following information is provided to give potential applicants awareness regarding the job. If a range of pay is advertised, starting pay dependent on experience and qualifications aligned with job requirements.

Primary Purpose of Job & Essential Duties/Responsibilities Primary Purpose of Job The primary purpose of this position is to (1) assist the pubic, staff, and volunteers in the use of library facilities, equipment, computers, programs, services, collections, online catalog, and other resources over the phone, on-line, and in person and to (2) perform the full range of basic library support tasks such as collecting cash, data entry, maintaining statistics, receiving and processing library materials, recordkeeping while maintaining a safe and secure environment through monitoring of the patron's adherence to library policies, procedures, and guidelines. Under the direct supervision of the Library Director, the employee works independently on assigned duties and responsibilities. Essential Duties and Responsibilities All levels of Library Assistants perform the following duties and responsibilities: Serves as the initial contact for all patrons Prepares Library for opening and closing and maintains building security Performs circulation desk duties to assist patrons with their requests and directing patrons to the location of books and other library materials Provides reference services to patrons on a wide variety of subjects and educational levels Arranges and maintain library materials to ensure proper order on shelves Responds to questions and inform the public about library policies and procedures Resolves or refer patron problems and complaints Searches the library catalog and collections for holdings Performs basic maintenance to library materials and identifies materials in need of repair Performs basic maintenance repairs to library materials Performs routine technical processing and collection management tasks as assigned Performs other duties as assigned Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Knowledge of: Differs depending on level of Library Assistant Library Assistant I General knowledge about books, reading, and use of libraries, obtained at the high school level English language alphabet and numbers in order to learn and use the Dewey Decimal system and other basic alpha-numeric systems Library Assistant II and III English language alphabet and numbers to organize materials using the Dewey Decimal system and other basic alpha-numeric systems Standard library practices and procedures, including searching techniques.

Equipment used in library operations, including office equipment, electronic resources, media formats Integrated Library System and Internet services Skills In: Operating a personal computer using standard software applications appropriate to assigned tasks, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint and other customized library-related software Providing strong customer service to a diverse group of people with varying cultures and backgrounds Dealing with a wide range of persons, including situations in which individuals may be upset over some issue where they are upset or disagree with a decision General mathematics, including the handling of cash Multi-tasking but still able to focus on details Organizing and prioritizing tasks Writing correspondence, professional emails, and reports of a professional nature Ability to: Provide communicate information and interact effectively to co-workers and the public to maintain library policies and public safety Empathize and manage sensitive or contentious issues with patrons professionally Recognize and maintain confidential information Maintain professional and effective relationships with co-workers and in the community Work as a team with results-driven approach Communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language Understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures and instructions Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under pressure of time sensitive deadlines and changing priorities Quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge Minimum Qualifications & Other Job Requirements/Expectations Minimum Qualifications Library Assistant I High School Diploma or GED; and Some work experience which includes contact with the public; or Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work Library Assistant II High School Diploma or GED; some college credits, preferred; and Two years of experience working as Library Assistant I; or Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work Library Assistant III High School Diploma or GED; Associate's Degree, preferred; and Two years of experience working as a Library Assistant II; or Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work Movement to the next level may occur once an employee has the required years of experience at the Sitka Public Library so long as the employee has had an overall performance rating of satisfactory or better for the prior two-year period as determined by the Library Director. Other Job Requirements or Expectations Requires working some split shifts and on evenings, weekends, and holidays Working Conditions & Physical Requirements Working Conditions: Indoors, in a library Specific Physical Requirements: Frequent stooping, bending, reaching, and stretching when performing work such as rearranging furniture or putting away library books and other materials Lifting boxes weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance of proper equipment or the help from another Pushing fully loaded book trucks which weigh up to 50 pounds but can weigh more Standing or sitting at a workstation majority of shift General Physical Requirements: Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits the employee to communicate effectively Sufficient vision and powers of observation which permits the employee to review a wide variety of written documents, fulfill patron requests, and related material in both electronic and hardcopy form and to ensure the safety and security of the library and its patrons Sufficient manual dexterity and strength which permits the employee to operate a keyboard and produce hand-written materials and notations and move books, materials, and other library equipment Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to perform the duties associated with retrieving and reshelving library books and materials Please reach out to the City and Borough of Sitka Human Resources Office at the below information if you have any questions or concerns.