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Library Assistant Jobs in Bristol, ME (NOW HIRING)

Bowdoin College

Processing Archivist

Brunswick, ME · On-site

... Library Job Summary Under the direction of the Archivist, the Processing Archivist works ... The Processing Archivist oversees the work of student assistants, delegating processing tasks as ...

DaVita

Administrative Assistant

Bailey Island, ME · On-site

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

You also will assist patients with transportation arrangements and physician appointments. Dialysis is serious business. That is why we encourage fun. If you love patient-centered health care with ...

Maine

Human Services Enforcement Assistant

Rockland, ME · On-site

$19.27 - $27.74/hr

The Human Services Enforcement Assistant position in Division of Support Enforcement & Recovery (DSER) is a full-time Monday-Friday, 8-5. Core Responsibilities: The Human Services Enforcement ...

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Library Assistant information

See Bristol, ME salary details

$9

$19

$27

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in Bristol, ME is $19.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $21.54 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 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 would a library assistant do?

A library assistant helps with tasks such as checking books in and out, shelving and organizing library materials, assisting patrons in locating resources, and maintaining the cleanliness and order of the library. They often use library management software and may need good customer service skills and attention to detail.

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 require basic computer skills and familiarity with library management software; additional certifications are not usually required but can be beneficial.

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 assistants typically do not need prior experience, as many employers provide on-the-job training. Basic skills such as organization, communication, and familiarity with library systems or technology can be helpful, but entry-level positions often accept applicants 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.

Is it hard to be a library assistant?

Being a library assistant generally involves tasks such as organizing materials, helping patrons, and using library management software. The job requires good organizational skills, attention to detail, and customer service abilities, but it is not typically considered physically or mentally demanding. Training is often provided, and the work environment is usually quiet and structured.
More about Library Assistant jobs
What cities near Bristol, ME are hiring for Library Assistant jobs? Cities near Bristol, ME with the most Library Assistant job openings:
Library Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in Bristol, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,562 per year, or $19 per hour.

Processing Archivist

Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Title
Processing Archivist
Posting Number
S01584JP
Department
Library
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Archivist, the Processing Archivist works collaboratively within the department to arrange and describe archival and manuscript collections of varying formats, including paper, photographic, audio-visual, and born-digital materials. The Processing Archivist employs archival standards and best practices, including inclusive description, to survey, arrange, describe, and preserve a wide variety of archival collections with a focus on born-digital materials in our backlog that are awaiting description.
  • The Processing Archivist is responsible for following local and national best practices to create EAD-encoded, DACS-compliant finding aids for these collections in ArchivesSpace.
  • The Processing Archivist oversees the work of student assistants, delegating processing tasks as appropriate. The Processing Archivist provides excellent service to users by promoting and facilitating access to collections through archival arrangement and description.

COMPENSATION
  • The hiring range for this position is expected to be: $61,500-$64,800

BENEFITS AND PERKS
  • A variety of health insurance plans (Medical, Vision, Dental)
  • Generous Retirement Plan - 401(a) and 403(b)
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off: 20 days of vacation per calendar year, 12 days of personal/sick time
  • Paid Holidays and Special Days Off: https://www.bowdoin.edu/hr/our-workplace/college-holidays-and-special-days-off.html
  • Paid Parental Leave (Available after one year of service)
  • Household access to many of the College's facilities including the gym and pool
  • Free fitness and wellness classes!
  • And more: https://www.bowdoin.edu/hr/benefits-perks/index.html

Education/Skills Requirements
Required:
  • A Master's degree from an ALA-accredited library program or an advanced degree in a related discipline with formal professional archival training or apprenticeship; or, substantial progress towards degree requirements in one of these programs that includes successful completion of coursework on archival management and theory.
  • Knowledge of current approaches to archival arrangement and description, including anti-racist archival theory and inclusive descriptive practices.
  • Familiarity with current approaches to processing and describing born-digital holdings.
  • Experience with detail-oriented work, including the ability to analyze and repurpose legacy inventories and manipulate complex spreadsheets.
  • Evidence of ability to attend to accuracy, attention to detail and discretion, and the necessity for confidentiality.
  • Knowledge of efficient archival processing practices and standards.
  • Familiarity with principles of archival appraisal

Preferred:
  • Knowledge of efficient archival process procedures and standards. Familiarity with principles of archival appraisal.

Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents
Required:
  • One year equivalent of archival processing experience, which can include paraprofessional, student, or internship experience. Facility with spreadsheets and databases, such as ILS or collections management database.

Preferred:
  • Experience with an archival collection management system, such as ArchivesSpace.
  • Project management experience, including creating processing plans.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in this posting to be considered for hire.
Standard Work Days and Hours
  • This is an exempt position requiring time commitment necessary to satisfactorily complete job requirements.
  • Hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Schedules may vary to meet operational needs.

We regret that Bowdoin College is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
Employment at Bowdoin College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks including but not limited to: criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job-related), and/or credit history (when job related).
About Bowdoin
Bowdoin embraces diversity in all forms, and the College is home to talented students, faculty and staff-with a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; religious beliefs; and gender identities, among other factors.
We encourage applications from candidates committed to the support of an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich and contribute to the College's multifaceted diversity. We value a community in which individuals of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to succeed.
Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin's reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine.
Bowdoin's campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting. Located in Brunswick, Maine, a town of approximately 20,000, the College is a short drive from the Maine coast, twenty-five miles from Portland and 120 miles from Boston.
Shift
N/A
Employment Category
Full Time Year Round
FTE
1.00
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Pay Type
Salaried
Background Check Package Requirements
Faculty/Administrative
Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Bowdoin vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job?
No
Is a pre-placement physical required for this position?
No
Posting Date
07/27/2026
Applications Accepted Until
Open Until Filled
No
Type of Posting
Internal/External
Special Instructions to Applicants
If selected as a finalist, you will be required to submit information for three references, including name, email address, phone number and how you know the reference.
EEO Information
Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses.

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