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Library Assistant Jobs in Lanham, MD (NOW HIRING)

Library Systems & Services LLC

Archivist

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Enter and update records in archival management systems and digital repositories used by the National Agricultural Library. * Assist with quality control and metadata normalization to improve ...

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Library Assistant information

See Lanham, MD salary details

$8

$18

$27

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in Lanham, MD is $18.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.15 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
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What cities near Lanham, MD are hiring for Library Assistant jobs? Cities near Lanham, MD with the most Library Assistant job openings:
Library Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in Lanham, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,891 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Library Technician (Metadata and Digitization Support)

Library Systems & Services LLC

Bethesda, MD

$24.49 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Description

LAC Federal is seeking a detail-oriented Library Technician to support a federal library in Bethesda, Maryland. The Library Technician will assist with large-scale metadata cleanup, catalog maintenance, digitization support, data entry, and collections management activities supporting biomedical and scientific library collections. This position supports the accessibility, discoverability, and long-term management of library and archival resources in one of the world's leading biomedical research libraries. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience working with library metadata, digitization workflows, and technical services operations in a library, archives, or research environment.


Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform bibliographic record maintenance, metadata cleanup, and data entry activities in integrated library systems and databases. 
  • Update, edit, and verify bibliographic, holdings, and item records according to established procedures and metadata standards. 
  • Support digitization projects by preparing materials for scanning, conducting quality control review, and tracking digitized content. 
  • Assist with inventory, shelf reading, shifting, labeling, and physical organization of library and archival collections. 
  • Create and maintain spreadsheets, logs, tracking systems, and project documentation related to metadata and digitization projects. 
  • Perform authority control support and metadata normalization activities under librarian supervision. 
  • Assist with retrospective conversion, record migration, and collection remediation initiatives. 
  • Handle library materials carefully in accordance with preservation and special collections handling procedures. 
  • Support scanning, file naming, image quality review, and basic digital asset management workflows. 
  • Conduct database searching and verification activities using library catalogs, OCLC, and related systems. 
  • Assist with packaging, rehousing, and preparation of materials for preservation or digitization activities. 
  • Prepare monthly productivity reports and status updates related to assigned project activities. 


Requirements

Mandatory Qualifications

  • Associate degree or higher in Library Science, Information Management, History, Digital Humanities, Archives Management, or a related field; OR equivalent combination of education and relevant library technical services experience. 
  • Minimum of one (1) year of experience working in a library, archives, museum, records management, or information services environment. 
  • Experience performing data entry, metadata cleanup, catalog maintenance, or database support activities. 
  • Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks with a high degree of accuracy. 
  • Basic familiarity with library metadata standards or library systems, including MARC records or integrated library systems. 
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word. 
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete assigned tasks in a deadline-driven environment. 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Ability to lift and move library materials, boxes, or carts weighing up to approximately 40 pounds as part of collections support activities. 
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance and NIH badge. 


Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science, History, Archives, Museum Studies, or related discipline. 
  • Experience working in a biomedical, academic, research, or federal library environment. 
  • Familiarity with Ex Libris Alma, OCLC Connexion, CONTENTdm, ArchivesSpace, or similar systems. 
  • Experience supporting digitization, scanning, or digital collections projects. 
  • Knowledge of MARC21, Dublin Core, metadata cleanup, or authority control concepts. 
  • Experience using spreadsheet tools for metadata tracking or quality review activities. 
  • Familiarity with preservation handling procedures for rare or fragile materials. 
  • Experience performing quality assurance or quality control reviews on metadata or digital files. 
  • Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages helpful for metadata verification work. 
  • Interest in pursuing a career in librarianship, archives, or information management. 

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and move library materials, archival boxes, carts, and collections weighing up to 40 pounds as part of collections management and digitization support activities. 
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing repetitive data entry, metadata review, scanning preparation, quality control, and computer-based technical services work. 
  • Ability to perform frequent bending, reaching, shelving, sorting, and handling of library and archival materials while maintaining careful attention to preservation and organizational procedures.

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Training & Development

EEO Statement

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

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