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Library Assistant Jobs in Elgin, 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 Elgin, IL salary details

$8

$18

$27

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in Elgin, IL is $18.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $20.91 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.

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 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.

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 Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Library jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL? For Library Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Library Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Library Assistant jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Library Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in Elgin, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,412 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
Harold Washington College Federal Work Study Student- Library Aide

Harold Washington College Federal Work Study Student- Library Aide

City Colleges of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

FEDERAL WORK STUDY - LIBRARY AIDE
HAROLD WASHINGTON CAMPUS - LIBRARY DEPARTMENT
City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), the largest community college system in Illinois, is made up of seven colleges and five satellite sites, providing more than 70,000 students each year access to a quality, affordable education.
The Federal Work Study Program (FWS) is a federally-funded financial aid program that provides subsidized part-time employment for eligible students in order to assist them with postsecondary financial needs. City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) complies with the Department of Education's regulations regarding the FWS program and allows students to benefit from this opportunity.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
The FWS program encourages students to gain experience in their prospective fields by placing them in areas and departments aligned with their area of study whenever possible. Students are able to use their wages towards educational and living expenses.
FWS jobs are available in areas such as academic departments, laboratories, libraries, administrative offices, student centers and several off-campus locations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Library Assistant will be responsible for Check-in and Check-out library items, greeting guest and answering general inquires.
• Basic reading and writing skills are required as Library Assistant will also be required to assist in clerical duties.
• Flexible Hours- Monday -Friday
QUALIFICATIONS:
Eligibility Requirements:
§ Applicants must be 16years or older, have work permit consent, and eligible to work in the United States
§ Applicants must be actively attending one of the City Colleges of Chicago
§ Applicants must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours pre-credit or credit classes
§ Applicants must be pursuing an approved educational credential, degree, or certificate
§ Applicants must have and maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA (waived for first semester new students)
§ Applicants must be in "good standing" - no City Colleges of Chicago academic restrictions
§ Applicants must not be current Full or Part-time employees of the City Colleges of Chicago
§ All positions are "employment at-will"
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must possess strong communication skills
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Word/ Data Entry
  • Excellent verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Promotes a positive role model and favorable public image as City Colleges of Chicago representative.
  • Adheres to the City Colleges of Chicago Customer Services Excellence Standards.

City Colleges of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
TBD