ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Library Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Library Assistant III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$24.90 - $31.13/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Library Assistant will work under limited supervision and in partnership with other catalogers and archivists to sort and catalog the collection according to library standards and best practices.

GovernmentJobs.com

Library Assistant III

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$5.2K - $7.3K/mo

Library Assistant III Salary: $5,202.00 - $7,362.00 Monthly Location: Irvine Valley College - Irvine, CA Job Type: IVC - Staff (Full-Time) Opening Date: 08/06/2026 Closing Date: 8/24/2026 11:59 PM ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsLibrary JobsLibrary Assistant JobsLibrary Assistant Jobs in California

Library Assistant information

See California salary details

$8

$18

$27

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in California is $18.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a library assistant?

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 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 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.

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 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.

Can you be a library assistant with no experience?

Library assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills such as organization, communication, and familiarity with library systems or tools can be helpful, but many employers consider entry-level candidates and provide training to develop necessary skills.

How hard is it to get a job as a library assistant?

Getting a job as a library assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience with customer service or administrative tasks. Many positions are entry-level and may not require formal certifications, but familiarity with library systems and good communication skills can improve chances. Competition varies by location and library size, but overall, it is generally accessible for those with the appropriate qualifications.

What degree do I need to be a library assistant?

A library assistant typically does not require a specific degree, but a high school diploma or equivalent is usually sufficient. Some positions may prefer or require postsecondary education or coursework in library science or related fields. Strong organizational skills and familiarity with library systems are also beneficial.

What do you do as a library assistant?

A library assistant helps 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 may perform clerical tasks or help with events. Strong organizational and customer service skills are important for this role.

What qualifications do you need for a library assistant?

Library assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions may require basic computer skills and familiarity with library management software; additional certifications are not usually required but can be beneficial.
More about Library Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in California?

The most popular types of Library jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Library Assistant jobs in California?

For Library Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Library Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Library Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Library Assistant job openings:

Library Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,350 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Library Assistant III

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$24.90 - $31.13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Job Summary
The Getty Research Institute seeks a full-time Library Assistant III for a 2-year limited-term position. This position is focused on processing the library of art historian Robert Farris Thompson, one of the foremost scholars of the artistic and linguistic connections and continuities within the African Diaspora and Afro-Atlantic world. The library consists of between 5,000 and 7,000 volumes, covering a wide range of topics supporting Thompson's interests and research. The Library Assistant will work under limited supervision and in partnership with other catalogers and archivists to sort and catalog the collection according to library standards and best practices. Specializing primarily in monograph cataloging functions, this position will create, maintain, and update bibliographic, holdings, item, and authority records. Copy cataloging work will range from simple to complex and will require bibliographic searching or use of reference sources to complete or verify data. Duties will include other processing tasks such as building archival enclosures, rehousing ephemera, preparing labels, data entry, preparing and receiving shipments from storage, and paging materials from storage.
Major Job Responsibilities
  • Applies knowledge of cataloging rules (AACR2R and/or RDA) and MARC records to search for and identify matching records in OCLC.
  • Applies local guidelines to determine how to treat each item, and subsequently route the item or perform complex copy cataloging.
  • Applies knowledge of Library of Congress Name Authority File, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and Library of Congress Classification System to perform authority control and shelf-list checks on all items cataloged.
  • Performs physical processing of materials (e.g., labeling, marking, stamping, and housing).
  • May help in unpacking, organizing, and distributing materials.
  • Assists in development and maintenance of job-related data and procedures.
  • Uses various library software applications to execute moderately complex transactions.
  • Participates in section meetings and other meetings as appropriate.
  • Engages in continuing professional development by attending and participating in professional conferences and training opportunities related to position responsibilities.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in art history or related discipline preferred
  • Minimum 3 years related experience
  • Some supervisory and training experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Experience copy cataloging preferred
  • Experience using OCLC Connexion and/or ExLibris Alma preferred
  • Experience performing authority control preferred
  • Experience with LCCS and/or LCSH preferred
  • Strong communication, organization, study, and problem-solving skills
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • Experience with industry standard software suites as appropriate to assigned duties
  • Experience handling fragile or brittle materials preferred
  • Physical activity for extended periods at various times throughout the day, including lifting library materials weighing up to 40 pounds and pushing heavy book carts
  • Ability to climb industrial ladders required in order to page and shelve from the collections stored on 12-foot high bookshelves
  • Good manual dexterity required
  • Ability to work in partnership with others

Benefits and Perks
Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
  • 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
  • Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
  • Educational Assistance and professional development
  • Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Many positions have bi-weekly off-Fridays
  • On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
  • Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.

Apply