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Library Assistant Jobs in Edison, NJ (NOW HIRING)

The GEO Group

LIBRARY CLERK

Newark, NJ

$18.31/hr

Organize and maintain the circulation of library materials. * Assist in training and directing detainee library aides. * Help patrons select library books, periodicals, and materials. * Conduct ...

The GEO Group

LIBRARY CLERK

Newark, NJ

$18.31/hr

Organize and maintain the circulation of library materials. * Assist in training and directing detainee library aides. * Help patrons select library books, periodicals, and materials. * Conduct ...

The GEO Group

LIBRARY CLERK

Newark, NJ · On-site

$18.31/hr

Organize and maintain the circulation of library materials. * Assist in training and directing detainee library aides. * Help patrons select library books, periodicals, and materials. * Conduct ...

KPF

Architectural Intern (Interiors)

New York, NY · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Research interior-specific materials for KPF's physical and digital library * Assist with furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) selections and documentation * Contribute to team effort through ...

Rutgers University

Clerical Assistant

Newark, NJ · On-site

$15.92 - $21/hr

... library assistant or related experience depending on the duties to be performed. • An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for the experience requirement.

Rutgers University

Clerical Assistant

Newark, NJ · On-site

$15.92 - $21/hr

... library assistant or related experience depending on the duties to be performed. • An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for the experience requirement.

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Library Assistant information

See Edison, NJ salary details

$9

$19

$28

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in Edison, NJ is $19.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $21.92 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.

More about Library Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Edison, NJ? The most popular types of Library jobs in Edison, NJ are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Assistant jobs in Edison, NJ? For Library Assistant jobs in Edison, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Assistant jobs in Edison, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Library Assistant jobs in Edison, NJ are:
What cities near Edison, NJ are hiring for Library Assistant jobs? Cities near Edison, NJ with the most Library Assistant job openings:
Library Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in Edison, NJ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,229 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
LIBRARY CLERK

LIBRARY CLERK

The GEO Group

Newark, NJ

$18.31/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

The GEO Group rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 41 rated prisons

Job description

Overview

Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working for the industry's global leader in evidenced based rehabilitation.

Who We Are:

GEO provides complementary, turnkey solutions for numerous government partners worldwide across a spectrum of diversified correctional and community reentry services. From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and evidence-based rehabilitation to the post-release reintegration and supervision of individuals in the community, GEO offers fully diversified, cost-effective services that deliver enhanced quality and improved outcomes.

Why Work for GEO:

  • We believe that work is more than a place you go to every day. It is about being inspired and motivated to achieve extraordinary things.
  • Employee benefits play an important role in making The GEO Group a great place to work. At GEO, we believe in the three pillars of employee wellbeing: physical, emotional, and financial. With comprehensive benefits and competitive wages, we trust that you will find all the resources you need here to be successful.

Responsibilities

Your main tasks:

  • Organize and maintain the circulation of library materials.
  • Assist in training and directing detainee library aides.
  • Help patrons select library books, periodicals, and materials.
  • Conduct library inventories.
  • Keep accurate records on circulation, inventory, newspapers, and magazines.
  • You may help instructors with library orientation.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent certification required.
  • Bachelor’s degree in library sciences or related field or provisional/professional Librarian Certification preferred.
  • Experience and/or training preferred in assisting in the operation of a small institutional library preferred.
  • You'll spend most of your time walking and standing in a comfortable library setting.
  • Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
  • Must be fluent in Spanish.

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