ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Library Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

University of Iowa

Collections Care Associate

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

Maintain emergency response kits throughout all library locations. Assist as needed with book repair, mending, and other collection care duties. Update and maintain Environmental Health and Safety ...

Chevron

Administrative Assistant

Ames, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

The Administrative Assistant provides highlevel administrative, operational, and digital support to ... Develop, organize, and maintain SharePoint sites, document libraries, and team resources to improve ...

Chevron

Administrative Assistant

Ames, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

The Administrative Assistant provides high-level administrative, operational, and digital support ... Develop, organize, and maintain SharePoint sites, document libraries, and team resources to improve ...

Chevron

Administrative Assistant

Ames, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

The Administrative Assistant provides high-level administrative, operational, and digital support ... Develop, organize, and maintain SharePoint sites, document libraries, and team resources to improve ...

HCAOA

CNA

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

A library of senior care reference materials and resources in the office and online. * On-the-job ... What you will do as a CNA: * Provide light housekeeping, do laundry, make meals. * Transport ...

HCAOA

CNA

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

A library of senior care reference materials and resources in the office and online. * On-the-job ... What you will do as a CNA: * Provide light housekeeping, do laundry, make meals. * Transport ...

New

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsLibrary JobsLibrary Assistant JobsLibrary Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Library Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$17

$25

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in Iowa is $17.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.86 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 Iowa?

The most popular types of Library jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Library Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Library Assistant job openings:

Library Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,499 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Collections Care Associate

Iowa City, IA • On-site

The University Of Iowa
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about The University Of Iowaexternal

$17 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 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

Job description

The University of Iowa Libraries seeks to hire a Collections Care Associate (Senior Library Associate PLC2/3A) to work in the Conservation and Collections Care department. Under the direction of the Collections Care Coordinator, the Collections Care Associate performs a variety of interventions for preventive care and remediation of physical materials, in all formats and across all library locations.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND SPECIFIC JOB TASKS

Acquire, Organize, Digitize, Preserve, and Provide Information Resources and Services 
    Perform materials processing workflows: prepare materials for patron use, including assessing for shelf readiness, metadata work, rehousing or other preventive interventions required, marking, and delivery.
    Manage centralized commercial bindery operations out of Main Library, including inventory management, packing and unpacking shipments, and conducting quality control. Coordinate with staff at other library locations for distributed bindery workflows.
    Manage deacidification workflow: plan and communicate with vendor, prepare and ship materials. 
    Request page replacements for damaged items through ILL.
    Provide collections care support for materials moving from Main Library and other library locations to remote storage at off-site high-density storage facility.
    Serve as administrative supervisor and/or provide functional supervision for 1-3 student employees in the department. Tasks include hiring, training, evaluating performance, and coordinating workflows and priorities.
    Create, update, and maintain documentation, and collect statistics for measuring impact and efficiency, making recommendations for continuous quality improvement.
    Perform annual updates on the Collection Emergency Response Plan and maintain documents on SharePoint. Maintain emergency response kits throughout all library locations. 
    Assist as needed with book repair, mending, and other collection care duties.
    Update and maintain Environmental Health and Safety forms and documentation for CCC staff. 
    Serve on disaster response and recovery team as needed in the event of materials emergency.
    Engage in other departmental duties as assigned to support preservation activities and mandates.

Instruction, Consultation, and Public Services 
    Respond to inquiries and referrals from library staff regarding collections care, prioritizing items where collections care issues may interfere with patron access.
    Acts as primary contact and manager for the departmental website. Updates information on staff, interns, events, and resources. Monitors the LIB-Pres-Cons email account and responds to inquiries.

Continuous Learning & Skills Development 
    Engage in relevant library or university-wide activities and committees. 
    Participate in additional responsibilities such as monitoring listservs, attending department meetings, training, or staff development sessions.

Required Qualifications
    Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience
    Minimum of one-year related experience
    Experience working with physical collections (e.g., libraries, archives, museums)
    Knowledge of basic collections care, preservation, or conservation principles
    Strong organizational and attention-to-detail skills for inventory, documentation, and quality control
    Ability to manage multiple workflows and prioritize tasks effectively
    Experience using basic office and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, email systems)
    Strong communication skills (written and verbal) for responding to inquiries and coordinating with vendors and internal departments
    Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, packing, and moving library materials


Desired Qualifications
    Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or related field
    Experience with materials processing workflows (e.g., metadata handling, preparation for circulation, rehousing)
    Hands-on experience with book repair, conservation, or preservation treatments
    Experience maintaining web content or departmental websites
    Experience with excel, data tracking, and statistics collection
    Experience working in an academic or research library environment
    Ability to train, supervise, or coordinate work of student employees or staff


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 for a minimum of 14 days 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 Senior Library Associate position is $45,500 - $52,000 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: Senior Library Associate
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 3A
  • Starting Salary Minimum: 45,500
  • Starting Salary Maximum: 52,000
Contact Information
  • Organization: Libraries
  • Contact Name: Andrea Rost
  • Contact Email: andrea-rost@uiowa.edu

What University Of Iowa employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply