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Library Assistant Jobs in Gurnee, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Library Assistant information

See Gurnee, IL salary details

$8

$17

$26

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in Gurnee, IL is $17.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $20.29 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 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 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 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 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.

Can you be a library assistant with no experience?

Library assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills such as organization, communication, and familiarity with library systems or tools can be helpful, but many employers consider entry-level candidates and provide training to develop necessary skills.

How hard is it to get a job as a library assistant?

Getting a job as a library assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience with customer service or administrative tasks. Many positions are entry-level and may not require formal certifications, but familiarity with library systems and good communication skills can improve chances. Competition varies by location and library size, but overall, it is generally accessible for those with the appropriate qualifications.

What degree do I need to be a library assistant?

A library assistant typically does not require a specific degree, but a high school diploma or equivalent is usually sufficient. Some positions may prefer or require postsecondary education or coursework in library science or related fields. Strong organizational skills and familiarity with library systems are also beneficial.

What do you do as a library assistant?

A library assistant helps 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 may perform clerical tasks or help with events. Strong organizational and customer service skills are important for this role.

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.
More about Library Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Gurnee, IL?

The most popular types of Library jobs in Gurnee, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Library Assistant jobs in Gurnee, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Assistant jobs in Gurnee, IL are:

What cities near Gurnee, IL are hiring for Library Assistant jobs?

Cities near Gurnee, IL with the most Library Assistant job openings:

Library Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in Gurnee, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,297 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Library Assistant - Technical

Harper College

Palatine, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Harper College rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Education: LTA Certificate or Associate degree required.

Experience: Must have proficient knowledge of technology (devices and software) and Microsoft products including Word, Teams, and Excel. Library service experience and evidence of organizational and multi-tasking skills preferred.

Facilitates the Technology Loan Program by serving as program lead.

Continuously tracks inventory and usage of Chromebooks, graphing calculators, and wi-fi hotspots; maintains library statistics, curates data, and compiles reports to support student and library user needs.

Verifies student demand for hotspots; tracks trends and makes suggestions for hotspot loan policies.

Regularly monitors wi-fi hotspot activity: tracks data usage via the hotspot vendor portal; suspends hotspot service when devices are overdue, lost, or stolen; keeps the Circulation Supervisor informed when devices must have service suspended, resumed, and/or terminated.

Continuously responds to and troubleshoots student hotspot connectivity issues; communicates with the hotspot vendor when issues arise.

Maintains the physical condition and functioning of devices; communicates technology replacement needs with the Circulation Supervisor.

Identifies supplies needed to maintain technology collections with the Resources for Learning Administrative Assistant.

Communicates with appropriate personnel regarding low technology inventory; monitors technology waitlists and informs the Circulation Supervisor, as needed.

Assists the Circulation Supervisor with the refreshing and upgrading of Technology Loan Program devices.

Works with the IT Department to ensure proper vetting of technology inventory shelf life and to address significant technology device issues and damage.

Sends regular communications to students regarding technology issues and to recover outstanding Technology Loaner Program devices.

Monitors the Reserves technology inventory (phone chargers, laptop chargers, headphones, HDMI cords, etc.); maintains the labeling and physical organization of these collections at service points in the library.

Maintains the physical storage, organization, and safekeeping of technology inventories.

Maintains and creates technology manuals, user guides, tutorials, and other materials.

Troubleshoots, maintains, provides support for, and anticipates technology needs that support students and other library users. Identifies ways to improve the Technology Loaner Program.

Reports technology issues to the Circulation Supervisor.

Responsible for opening and/or closing procedures and daily operations of the library.

Registers and updates user accounts.

Responsible for circulating all library materials and collecting fines and fees.

Attends to public library equipment.

Supports students and other library users with navigating and troubleshooting issues with Microsoft Suite, Blackboard, Google Workspace, and other general computer questions; refers students to other resources as needed.

Anticipates future technology needs of students.

Interacts with students and other library users at service points throughout the library; assists students and other library users in person, online, and by telephone; makes referrals as needed.

Assists Circulation Supervisor in hiring, training, supervising, scheduling, and assigning projects to library student employees.

Helps maintain and promote the library space and collection; restocks supplies as needed and creates displays.

Supports library programming, marketing, and outreach initiatives including creating content for the library website and social media channels. Participates in campus initiatives.

Collaborates with other departments as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

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