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Library Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Library Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 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 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.

How much do librarians make?

Librarians in Connecticut typically earn an average annual salary of around $60,000, though this can vary based on experience, education, and the type of library. Salaries may be higher for those with advanced degrees or specialized skills in library management or information technology.

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. Relevant skills include good communication, organization, and familiarity with library management software; some positions may require prior customer service experience or a background in library science or related fields.

What schooling do you need to be a library assistant?

To become a library assistant, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Some positions may prefer or require post-secondary education or coursework in library science or related fields, along with good organizational and customer service skills.

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 be a library assistant with no experience?

Library assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is typically provided. Basic skills such as organization, communication, and familiarity with library systems or technology can be helpful, but many entry-level roles are open to candidates without previous experience.

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.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,011 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Biomedical Reference Librarian

Biomedical Reference Librarian

Library Systems & Services LLC

Bethesda, MD

$65K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Description

LAC Federal is seeking a knowledgeable and service-oriented Biomedical Reference Librarian to provide general and specialized reference, research, and information services within a federal biomedical research library environment in Bethesda, Maryland. This position supports the advancement and dissemination of biomedical knowledge by delivering expert research assistance, literature searching, instructional support, and outreach services across a wide range of biomedical and health sciences disciplines.

The ideal candidate will possess strong reference and customer service skills, expertise with biomedical research resources, and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, research-focused environment supporting scientists, clinicians, researchers, federal staff, students, and public users.


Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide general and specialized reference and research assistance to NLM patrons including researchers, clinicians, scientists, students, federal staff, and public users. 
  • Conduct advanced literature searches using biomedical and scientific databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. 
  • Respond to reference inquiries received in person, by email, telephone, chat, or virtual reference platforms. 
  • Assist users with locating, accessing, and utilizing print and electronic biomedical information resources. 
  • Provide instruction and training on biomedical databases, citation management tools, research strategies, and information literacy topics. 
  • Develop research guides, instructional materials, FAQs, and outreach content to support user engagement and education. 
  • Support systematic reviews, evidence synthesis projects, and complex research inquiries as assigned. 
  • Maintain awareness of emerging biomedical information resources, research tools, and scholarly communications trends. 
  • Assist with collection maintenance, resource evaluation, and usage tracking activities. 
  • Participate in outreach initiatives, workshops, exhibits, and educational programming supporting NLM services and resources. 
  • Document reference transactions, service metrics, and project activities and prepare periodic reports as required. 
  • Collaborate with librarians, researchers, technical staff, and program stakeholders on special projects and service improvements. 


Requirements

  • Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited institution. 
  • Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience providing reference, research, or information services in a biomedical, academic, research, or federal library environment. 
  • Demonstrated experience conducting literature searches using biomedical and scientific research databases including PubMed/MEDLINE. 
  • Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills. 
  • Experience providing instruction, training, or user support related to library resources and research tools. 
  • Proficiency using electronic information resources, integrated library systems, and online research platforms. 
  • Ability to communicate effectively with scientific, technical, and general audiences. 
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. 
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance and NIH badge. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in a biomedical, health sciences, or federal research library environment. 
  • Familiarity with NIH, NLM, or federal scientific research programs and information resources. 
  • Experience supporting systematic reviews, evidence-based medicine, or clinical research activities. 
  • Knowledge of citation management tools such as EndNote, RefWorks, Zotero, or Mendeley. 
  • Experience developing online tutorials, LibGuides, webinars, or instructional materials. 
  • Familiarity with bibliometric, research impact, or scholarly communications support services. 
  • Undergraduate or graduate coursework in biology, medicine, public health, chemistry, or another scientific discipline. 
  • Experience providing virtual reference or online user support services. 
  • Membership in the Medical Library Association (MLA) or Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP). 
  • Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages relevant to biomedical or historical collections. 

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while conducting research, providing reference assistance, preparing instructional materials, and working with computer-based library and research systems. 
  • Ability to perform repetitive hand and wrist movements associated with prolonged computer use, including literature searching, data entry, report preparation, and virtual reference support. 
  • Ability to occasionally lift, carry, and transport library materials, presentation equipment, or office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds within a library or research environment.

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Training & Development


EEO Statement

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

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