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Library Assistant Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

City of Grimes, IA

Part-Time Library Filer

Grimes, IA · On-site

$12/hr

Library - Part-Time Opening Date: 07/20/2026 Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Central Job Summary ... Responsible for shelf reading stacks and addressing shelving situations. * Assist with opening and ...

State of Iowa

Circulation Assistant

Norwalk, IA · On-site

$17.40/hr

Library Opening Date: 07/21/2026 Closing Date: 8/11/2026 11:59 PM Central Love Libraries? Enjoy ... As a Substitute Circulation Assistant, you'll provide outstanding customer service at the front ...

City of Norwalk, IA

Circulation Assistant

Norwalk, IA · On-site

$17.40/hr

Library Opening Date: 07/21/2026 Closing Date: 8/11/2026 11:59 PM Central Love Libraries? Enjoy ... As a Substitute Circulation Assistant, you'll provide outstanding customer service at the front ...

City of Norwalk (IA)

Circulation Assistant

Norwalk, IA · On-site

$17.40/hr

Love Libraries. Enjoy Helping People. Join Our Team. The Norwalk Easter Public Library is looking ... As a Substitute Circulation Assistant, you'll provide outstanding customer service at the front ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Circulation Assistant

Norwalk, IA · On-site

$17.40/hr

The Norwalk Easter Public Library is looking for friendly, dependable, and customer-focused individuals to join our team as Substitute Circulation Assistants. If you enjoy working with people ...

City of Norwalk, IA

Circulation Assistant

Norwalk, IA · On-site

$17.40/hr

The Norwalk Easter Public Library is looking for friendly, dependable, and customer-focused individuals to join our team as Substitute Circulation Assistants. If you enjoy working with people ...

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 ...

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Library Assistant information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$8

$18

$26

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in Des Moines, IA is $18.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $20.62 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 are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Des Moines, IA? The most popular types of Library jobs in Des Moines, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Assistant jobs in Des Moines, IA? For Library Assistant jobs in Des Moines, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Assistant jobs in Des Moines, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Library Assistant jobs in Des Moines, IA are:
What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Library Assistant jobs? Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Library Assistant job openings:
Library Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,923 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Part-Time Library Filer

City of Grimes, IA

Grimes, IA • On-site

$12/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Salary: $12.00 Hourly
Location : Grimes, IA
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 202400044
Department: Grimes Public Library
Division: Library - Part-Time
Opening Date: 07/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Summary
The Filer is responsible for duties pertaining to the filing of materials and the general condition of the stacks.
This position requires availability one night per week and one out of every four weekends. This position is a great opportunity for individuals looking to gain valuable early work experience, including high school students.
Essential Duties
  • File materials correctly and efficiently.
  • Straighten all sections of the library at the end of every shift.
  • Responsible for shelf reading stacks and addressing shelving situations.
  • Assist with opening and closing procedures
  • File materials quickly and accurately.
  • Performs other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned.
Periodic Responsibilities
  • Refill displays, ask to do basic collection development tasks, help patrons find materials in the library per librarian instruction or by keeping an eye out for patrons needing assistance.

Qualifications
Education/Experience
At least 14 years old or able to obtain a work permit (ability to work past 7:00 p.m. during school year).
Knowledge and Skills
  • Basic knowledge of libraries and the Dewey Decimal System.
  • Excellent visual skills, excellent customer service skills, ability to listen carefully, take instruction, and learn procedures quickly.
  • Above average computer skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
  • Sedentary/light work. Exerts up to 20lbs of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
  • Work is performed primarily in office setting with periodic field visits involving intermittent physical activity.
  • Sufficient clarity of speech, hearing, vision and other communications capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation which enables the individual to communicate effectively.
  • Must also possess manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, to operate a personal computer and associated office tools and equipment.
  • Must be able to reach with hands and arms, stand, sit, walk, use hands to finger and grasp, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and talk or hear.
  • Must be able to occasionally climb, balance, stoop, and crouch.

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