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Library Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant-Law Library

Visalia, CA · On-site

$48.73K - $59.39K/yr

Tulare County Law Library Opening Date: 05/16/2026 Closing Date: 6/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific RESEARCH ASSISTANT - LAW LIBRARY The Tulare County Law Library is currently recruiting for the position of ...

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Library Assistant information

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How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,350 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
Library Student Assistant 3

$17.90/hr

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION:

Library Student Assistants, Level 3, work closely with staff at The Claremont Colleges Library in serving its users. They receive the highest level of student worker training in a designated library department or unit, working independently, taking on special projects, organizing and supporting library events, participating in assessment projects, serving on consortium and library committees, and leading other student workers in training and setting priorities for each shift.

Essential Functions:

  • Opportunity to work in a specialized department in the library with the highest level of student assistant training.

  • Provide leadership to other student assistants, which includes training, mentoring, and setting priorities for each shift.

  • Work on special projects, such as creating training materials, gathering data for assessment projects, developing new services, and organizing library events and workshops, etc.

  • Work independently on tasks or at service points with or without library staff in the building.

  • Serve on Claremont Colleges Library committees.

  • Provide a high level of customer service to all users, whether over the phone, in person, or processing requests.

  • Read all communication from library staff and remain current on library policies and procedures.

  • Arrive on time for scheduled shifts and pick up additional shifts as needed.

  • Attend student assistant program meetings/socials and additional training sessions as needed or required.

  • Adhere to the strict confidentiality policies of the library.

  • Record usage statistics and gather additional data as requested.

  • Contribute to one-time and continuing data-gathering, analysis, and assessment projects.

  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Essential Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled and attending one ofThe Claremont Colleges.

Required Knowledge and Critical Skills: Individuals must possess knowledge, skills, and the ability to successfully learn and perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).

  • Strong customer service focus.

  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

  • Ability to learn and perform new tasks quickly and effectively.

  • Punctuality, dependability, and flexibility.

  • Attention to detail.

  • Ability to work independently and take initiative.

  • Skilled in technology used by the library to share information and create training materials.

  • Ability to lead, train, and mentor other student workers.

  • Ability to set priorities for each shift and make sure necessary tasks are completed.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: All student assistants will receive regular training to provide them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.

  • Knowledge of techniques necessary to identify and meet the research and service needs of library patrons.

  • Expertise with the online catalog, electronic resources, and technology used in the library.

  • Familiarity with events, facilities, collections, services, and policies at the Claremont Colleges Library, the Claremont Colleges, and The Claremont Colleges Services (TCCS).

  • Advanced knowledge of technology for assisting patrons, creating training materials, etc.

Work Schedule:

Students average 8-19 hours weekly, including evenings and weekends. Shifts may be available during breaks from classes on request.

COMPENSATION

Pay: $17.90 per hour.

Disclaimer:

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. When duties and responsibilities change and develop, The Claremont Colleges Services will review this job description and make changes of business necessity. TCCS reserves the right to modify job duties or assign additional duties as needed.

ADA/OSHA:

This job description defines the essential job duties of this position. The Claremont Colleges Services expects that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Equal Opportunity Employer:

TCCS is an equal opportunity employer. TCCS managers make employment decisions on the basis of merit, with the aim of having the best available person in every job. TCCS prohibits discrimination based on all characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance or regulation. TCCS also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of these characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of these characteristics. All such discrimination is unlawful.