ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Library Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Library Systems & Services LLC

Archivist

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Enter and update records in archival management systems and digital repositories used by the National Agricultural Library. * Assist with quality control and metadata normalization to improve ...

Prince William County

Library Page

Woodbridge, VA

$20/hr

Library Page Position Join the heart of our library team. Are you energetic, detail-oriented, and ... Attend training and may assist with the training of new staff * May create displays, assist with ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsLibrary JobsLibrary Assistant JobsLibrary Assistant Jobs in Washington

Library Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in Washington is $21.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $23.94 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.

More about Library Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Library jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Assistant jobs in Washington? For Library Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Assistant jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Library Assistant jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Library Assistant jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Library Assistant job openings:
Library Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,011 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
T26/27 LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST (Barcroft)

T26/27 LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST (Barcroft)

Arlington Public Schools

Arlington, VA • On-site

$52K - $69.10K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Description
This position is a 1.0 FTE located at Barcroft Elementary.
Qualifications:
  • Must have or be eligible for Virginia licensure.
  • Library Media endorsement.
  • Masters in Library Science or minimum of 24 semester hours in school library media preparation.
  • Dual endorsement in English as a Second Language and/or Special Education, or in any other content area, is preferred but not required.

Experience:
  • Ability to interact with students, teachers and administrators in a positive, collaborative manner.
  • High familiarity with and use of emergent technologies in the field of Library Science and Instruction.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to professional development through membership in professional organizations, enrolling in continuing education courses, attending conferences and training workshops and working with counterparts and colleagues.

Responsibilities:
  • Provides instruction in locating, analyzing, and effectively using information resources for all curriculum needs.
  • Collaborates and partners with teaching staff to deliver ongoing instruction in the acquisition of information literacy skills, tied to APS curriculum.
  • Encourages students and teachers to maximize the use of information in various formats, including electronic as well as print, and promotes the ethical use of information technology.
  • Selects and evaluates resources which provide a wide variety of materials to meet the interests and learning needs of the entire school community.
  • Customizes instruction to serve diverse learning populations through varying instructional activities, integrating appropriate technology and promoting models of information acquisition and use.
  • Integrates fiction and nonfiction works into lesson design, is knowledgeable about children's and young adult literature, and motivates students to appreciate reading as a lifelong activity.
  • Provides orientation and training to all students and staff concerning library services and resources, including the use of all features of the APS OPAC, known as the Arlington County Online Resource Network (ACORN).
  • Serves as the Interlibrary Loan contact for the building and is a primary contact for instruction and access to various technologies, including video, audio and online resources.
  • Administers library program functions such as scheduling, budget, supplies, reports, and ongoing collection development. Maintains, manages, organizes and supervises the library collection, including the acquisition and withdrawal of materials as necessary.
  • Supervises and trains library assistants/secretaries, students and volunteers who work in the library.
  • Promotes and publicizes the use of the library as an environment for learning and enjoyment, including regular communication with the greater school community regarding library activities and programs.
  • As a school faculty member, actively participates in school committees, partners in school and community events, and serves as an advocate of the school and public library programs.
  • Arranges library programming such as Family Literacy Nights and Author visits to embed reading for choice and literacy into the school program as a whole.
  • Contributes to the planning of library construction and renovation.

Salary:
  • Salary will be based on the FY2026-27 salary schedule.

Arlington Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of the Arlington School Board, as stated in Policy G-2.30, Employee Relations - Equal Employment Opportunity - that "Employment opportunities shall not be restricted, abridged or otherwise adversely affected on the basis of race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, and/or disability.

Apply