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Library Assistant Jobs in Olney, MD (NOW HIRING)

Cataloging Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site

$72K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Library of Congress classification (LCC) and subject headings (LCSH), creation of item records, and physical processing of collection materials. The Cataloger will also assist with rehousing and ...

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Library Assistant information

See Olney, MD salary details

$9

$19

$28

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in Olney, MD is $19.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $21.63 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Olney, MD?

The most popular types of Library jobs in Olney, MD are:

What job categories do people searching Library Assistant jobs in Olney, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Assistant jobs in Olney, MD are:

What cities near Olney, MD are hiring for Library Assistant jobs?

Cities near Olney, MD with the most Library Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in Olney, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,772 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Cataloging and Metadata Librarian (Part-Time)

Library Systems & Services LLC

Gaithersburg, MD • Remote

$35 - $48/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description

LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Cataloging and Metadata Librarian to support a major federal research library. This part-time remote position supports one of the nation's premier scientific research organizations by performing advanced cataloging and metadata services for technical reports, archival collections, digital objects, museum materials, and scientific publications. The successful candidate will help maintain the integrity of more than 130,000 bibliographic records while supporting digital repositories, metadata quality initiatives, and the Library's cloud-based library services platform. This position is ideal for an experienced technical services librarian with extensive MARC, RDA, authority control, and Ex Libris Alma expertise who enjoys working in a collaborative federal research environment.


Responsibilities

  • Perform original and complex cataloging using MARC21 for technical reports, archival materials, government publications, and other library resources.
  • Perform copy cataloging utilizing established metadata standards and authority records.
  • Create, edit, and maintain bibliographic and holdings records within the Ex Libris Alma library services platform.
  • Apply current cataloging standards including RDA, AACR2, BIBFRAME concepts, Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), and Library of Congress Name Authority File (LCNAF).
  • Catalog museum objects, photographs, archival materials, and historical NIST resources.
  • Prepare digital publications, images, and associated metadata for ingestion into digital repositories.
  • Conduct quality control reviews of bibliographic records and metadata to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  • Support maintenance and ongoing operation of the library's integrated library system and metadata environment.
  • Assist with metadata cleanup, enhancement, and other cataloging-related projects as assigned.
  • Collaborate closely with NIST library staff to prioritize work and meet project objectives.
  • Prepare monthly progress reports summarizing completed work, hours worked, project status, and issues requiring attention.
  • Follow established federal library policies, technical standards, quality assurance procedures, and project plans.



Requirements

  • MLS degree from accredited institution or equivalent library experience
  • At least 5 years of experience with metadata work and technical services
  • Demonstrate experience with Ex Libris Alma ILS
  • Ability to consistently apply cataloging rules and standards, including RDA, Bibframe, AACR2, and authorities including LCSH and LCNAH
  • Experience with various metadata formats including MARC21, XML, MARCXML
  • Experience with cataloging tools such as OCLC Records Manager and Connexion, MarcEdit, bibliographic formats and standards, and authority files
  • Experience with an online integrated library system and the OCLC WorldCat and Worldshare systems.
  • Experience with command line scripting, batch scripting, XSLT transformations, and regular expressions
  • Previous original and copy cataloging experience, or course work.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
  • Good knowledge of professional library theories, issues and trends.
  • Ability to problem-solve issues in cataloging.
  • Good judgment based on logical reasoning and cataloging principles is necessary.


Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience cataloging scientific, technical, engineering, or government publications.
  • Experience supporting federal libraries, research libraries, or academic research institutions.
  • Experience working with digital repositories and digital asset management systems.
  • Familiarity with metadata transformation workflows and bulk metadata remediation.
  • Experience cataloging archival collections, museum collections, or special collections.
  • Working knowledge of linked data initiatives within libraries.
  • Experience using OpenRefine or other metadata normalization tools.
  • Familiarity with APIs, metadata harvesting, or repository ingest workflows.
  • Experience working independently in a fully remote environment while meeting production deadlines.
  • Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development in cataloging and metadata standards.

Physical Requirements

  • Work is performed in a remote office environment requiring prolonged periods of sitting, frequent use of a computer, keyboard, and mouse, and sustained visual focus while creating, reviewing, and editing bibliographic and metadata records. 
  • Requires the ability to maintain attention to detail and perform repetitive cataloging and metadata tasks for extended periods, including reviewing complex bibliographic records, digital assets, and metadata for accuracy and consistency. 
  • Must be able to communicate effectively and collaborate in a virtual environment using video conferencing, email, and other online collaboration tools, while meeting production deadlines and participating in remote team meetings.

Benefits

  • Tuition Reimbursement (after 30 days of employment)
  • 401(k) Plan, 19+ years old
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Bucketlist Awards
  • Sick leave
  • Vacation leave - Yearly accrual up to 40 hours.
  • Holiday Pay at 4 hours

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.