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Library Assistant Jobs in Gary, IN (NOW HIRING)

Purdue University

Library Assistant

Westville, IN · On-site

$15/hr

Library Assistant City: Westville Overview of Library Assistant The University Library on the Westville Campus is seeking a Library Assistant to join their team! Under the guidance of the Library ...

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How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in Gary, IN is $18.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $21.06 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
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Library Assistant jobs near you
Library Assistant

Library Assistant

Purdue University

Westville, IN • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

275th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Library Assistant
City: Westville
Job Description:
Overview of Library Assistant
The University Library on the Westville Campus is seeking a Library Assistant to join their team! Under the guidance of the Library Director and part of circulation services, Library Assistant performs library opening and closing procedures, including evenings and weekends. Responsible for maintaining the functional operation for the Public Services Desk. Supervise and train Library Student Assistants.
The Library Assistant provides Interlibrary Loan services by preparing materials for patron use. Provide services to faculty, staff, students, and community borrowers using the Library Management System. Assist in the use of library collections, equipment, and technology. Provide reference service to the patrons, assist with social media postings, resolve patron complaints, provide clerical support to library staff, prepare reports and correspondence. The library recognizes and values diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. We seek a colleague who shares the library's commitment to diversity and who will be a dedicated staff member and mentor for students with diverse backgrounds and career goals. Must be willing to travel between campuses.
This position does have the opportunity for a flexible work schedule but does require a strong on-campus presence.
Pay:
  • $15.00/hour

Schedule:
  • Monday - Friday with 1 - 2 weekends during the fall and spring semester

Duties and Responsibilities of Library Assistant
  • Assist faculty, staff, students and community borrowers in the use of the library services, equipment and technology needs
  • Provide reference assistance to the patrons with research and class assignment questions
  • Assists the university archivist on special projects
  • Supervise, train, provide feedback for evaluations and give direct supervision to library student assistants on all areas of the library
  • Process Interlibrary Loans using current OCLC systems to lend and borrow items from various institutions for faculty, staff and students to determine appropriate methods to submit requests
  • Work with OCLC support to resolve any service issues
  • Assist in statistical record-keeping and tracking of Interlibrary Loan and document delivery transactions
  • Assist with emergency procedures when evacuation is required
  • Serve as back up for reserves and billing process requests
  • Participates in professional development activities including conferences, seminars, and workshops
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of the University Library

Benefits of Library Assistant
  • Full benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more
  • Ten paid vacation days first year of employment
  • Ten paid holidays
  • University paid and matching contribution to retirement
  • University contribution to Health Savings Account -
    • Plus, a chance to earn more through participating in University Wellness Initiatives
  • Employee Wellness Programs
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition remission for you, your spouse and dependent children at any Purdue campus

For more information on our excellent benefit package, please visit: https://www.pnw.edu/human-resources/benefits/
Education of Library Assistant
  • Requires a high school diploma/GED

Experience of Library Assistant
  • Three years of experience providing customer service in direct contact with clients, in an office setting
  • University and/or library experience preferred

Core Competencies of Library Assistant
  • Must be able to work rotating shifts and weekends occasionally
  • Have the ability to use good judgement, multitask, and meet deadlines
  • Provide good verbal and written communication and organizational skills
  • The ability to take initiative and work at times with little direction and under minimal supervision
  • The ability to maintain confidentiality and work effectively with diverse groups of individuals
  • The ability to navigate databases and other computer programs
  • Basic knowledge of library classification systems preferred
  • Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers and ability to interpret and communicate University policies and procedure
  • Able to adapt well to changes and willing to learn new things
  • The ability to conduct oneself in a positive and professional manner
  • Supervise student workers. Must be able to travel between campuses

Additional Information
Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
Professional references will be verified prior to any offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background check along with a motor vehicle records check if applicable.
Purdue University Northwest is an equal opportunity/equal access university.
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana in the greater Chicago area and near the Indiana Dunes National Park, PNW serves approximately 9,000 students, including 6,000 core students, in a wide range of academic programs at the baccalaureate, master's and applied doctoral levels.
Purdue Northwest employs more than 1,000 faculty and staff members for operations at its main campus in Hammond, Ind., and its branch campus in Westville, Ind., plus additional sites in Northwest Indiana including the Gabis Arboretum near Valparaiso, Ind. PNW's values reflect the university's commitment to respect, innovation, a student-centric university, and excellence.
PNW is consistently ranked among the best public regional universities in U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Colleges report and is recognized as a First Scholars institution as well an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. With its vision to cultivate leaders, inspire excellence, and impact our world, PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development.
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

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