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Library Assistant Jobs in Berwyn, IL (NOW HIRING)

The budgeted salary range for the position is $63,000 - $75,000 for a Library Assistant Professor/Team Leader. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including ...

The budgeted salary range for the position is $63,000 - $75,000 for a Library Assistant Professor/Team Leader. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including ...

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Library Assistant information

See Berwyn, IL salary details

$9

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$27

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in Berwyn, IL is $18.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $21.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do library assistants do?

Library assistants help 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 need good organizational and customer service skills. The role typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and may involve working flexible hours.

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 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; some positions may prefer postsecondary education or relevant coursework. Strong organizational skills, familiarity with library systems or cataloging software, and good communication abilities are also important. Certification is not usually required but can be beneficial for advancement.

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 get a job in a library without being a librarian?

Yes, library assistants can be hired without being licensed librarians. They typically perform tasks such as shelving, checking out materials, and assisting patrons, often requiring basic customer service skills and familiarity with library systems. Certification is not usually required, but relevant training or experience can be beneficial.

How do I become a library assistant?

To become a library assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include customer service, organization, and familiarity with library systems or cataloging software; some positions may require a postsecondary certificate or coursework in library science. On-the-job training is common, and a friendly, detail-oriented attitude is important for success in this role.

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 most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Berwyn, IL? The most popular types of Library jobs in Berwyn, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Assistant jobs in Berwyn, IL? For Library Assistant jobs in Berwyn, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Assistant jobs in Berwyn, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Library Assistant jobs in Berwyn, IL are:
What cities near Berwyn, IL are hiring for Library Assistant jobs? Cities near Berwyn, IL with the most Library Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in Berwyn, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,403 per year, or $18.9 per hour.
Library Assistant 3 (73L)

Library Assistant 3 (73L)

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Northwestern University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

113th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Apply for Job Job ID 53945
Location Evanston, Illinois
Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job

Department: NUL Access Services
Salary/Grade: NEX/13

Job Summary:

Coordinates interlibrary lending and document delivery services, through the delivery of physical items and digitization of materials from Northwestern collections. Directly supervises day-to-day paging, scanning, billing, and domestic and international physical shipping operations of Northwestern's collections. Supervises student staff, including training, assigning daily tasks, and updating documentation. Communicates with external customers regarding item availability and lending policies, oversees lending billing. Gathers and analyzes document delivery and lending statistics for reporting purposes and for service improvement. Demonstrates the ability to learn and apply emerging technologies to support and enhance interlibrary loan operations.

Specific Responsibilities:

Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery:

  • Manages timely and accurate scanning, paging, packing, and billing processes
  • Manages lending request processing in the ILL Management System, OCLC, Caiasoft, and other delivery systems. Updates/assesses requests locally in ALMA as needed, and resolves errors
  • Applies copyright law and/or the library's licensing agreements to ensure compliance
  • Maintains and orders packing supplies, office supplies, and printing supplies
  • Processes billing invoices to other borrowing institutions
  • Updates workflows regarding interlibrary loan, including packing/shipping, delivery processing, ILL requests, paging materials, document delivery scanning, and lending returns. Creates and updates documentation of workflows
  • Gathers and analyzes statistics to build reports, identifies trends in document delivery or lending, and designs improvements to faculty and student services
  • Serves as backup for processing borrowing requests

Student workers:

  • Hires, trains, schedules, and directs the daily work of 6-8 student workers
  • Oversees Resource Sharing student manual, creates new documentation and updates procedures as needed.
  • Coordinates cross-training opportunities with the Stacks Management Student Supervisor

Shipping:

  • Manages UPS and ILDS delivery, including home delivery shipments and deliveries to Qatar campus
  • Updates shipping workflows and troubleshoots shipping and receiving errors.
  • Manages master address book by importing, exporting, and utilizing various inventory management software.
  • Manages and responds to patron inquiries regarding shipments.
  • Serves as backup for preparing and unpacking interlibrary loan UPS shipments

Main Circulation Desk:

  • Provides regular desk coverage to assist patrons.
  • Serves as a resource for student workers at the Circulation Desk.
  • Provides basic interpretation of policies and procedures including access, circulation, and space usage; explains and answers questions that may arise; recommends changes.
  • Refers patrons to other library service points as needed.

Miscellaneous

Performed other duties

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

  • A 4-year college degree, or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired
  • At least two years of experience in a library circulation or delivery unit, alternately an equivalent environment delivering unique items
  • Significant customer service experience in a fast-paced library, retail, or similar environment
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
  • Demonstrated reliability in prior work experience
  • Communicates well both verbally and in writing, shares information and ideas with others, has good listening skills
  • Ability to lift and move a minimum of 20 pounds

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

  • Customer focus - Regularly monitors customer satisfaction; provides suggestions to improve quality for the customer.
  • Multi-Tasking - Demonstrates ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Adaptability - Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations.
  • Collegiality - Being helpful, respectful, approachable, and team oriented; builds strong relationships and a positive work environment.
  • Problem solving - Formulates realistic plans and contingencies and establishes appropriate measurements of anticipated results.
  • Communication - Communicates effectively one-to-one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts; writes precise, well-organized emails, letters, proposals while using appropriate vocabulary & grammar.
  • Collaboration - Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation, and teamwork within and outside of one's own team; respects the needs and contributions of others.
  • Efficiency/Dependability - Effectively performs duties and responsibilities; displays attention to detail; supports organizational policies; anticipates demands/pressures of assignments and adjusts accordingly.
  • Initiative - Exhibits energy and desire to achieve; sets ambitious goals and acts decisively; takes action that no one has requested to improve or enhance job results and avoid problems.
  • Judgment - Demonstrates logic, rationality, and objectivity; shows common sense; uses all available information to make educated decisions.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

  • Knowledge of Resource Sharing, Access Services, and/or service management
  • Familiarity with the ALMA library services platform's fulfillment and user management areas, OCLC WorldShare ILL, ILLiad and/or other interlibrary loan management software.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office and other productivity software packages.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to learn and apply emerging technologies to support and enhance interlibrary loan operations.

Target hiring pay for this position will be $25.22 per hour as per the collective bargaining unit represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 73. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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