1

Library Assistant Jobs in Ridley, PA (NOW HIRING)

Summary The Henrietta Hankin Branch Library is seeking a Part Time Library Assistant who will be responsible for performing Circulation procedures to ensure quality customer service and a smooth ...

Library Assistant This part-time position is responsible for assisting patrons in the Youth Services Department and for shelving children's and young adult materials. The Page helps keep the children ...

Library Page

West Chester, PA · On-site

$15.68/hr

Answer inquiries of a non-professional nature and refer persons requiring professional assistance to librarians. * Assist patrons in locating library materials. * Assist patrons in using the library ...

Answer inquiries of a non-professional nature and refer persons requiring professional assistance to librarians. * Assist patrons in locating library materials. * Assist patrons in using the library ...

Answer inquiries of a non-professional nature and refer persons requiring professional assistance to librarians. Assist patrons in locating library materials. Assist patrons in using the library ...

Library Page

West Chester, PA · On-site

$15.68/hr

Answer inquiries of a non-professional nature and refer persons requiring professional assistance to librarians. * Assist patrons in locating library materials. * Assist patrons in using the library ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Library Assistant information

See Ridley, PA salary details

$8

$17

$25

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in Ridley, PA is $17.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $20.05 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.

What cities near Ridley, PA are hiring for Library Assistant jobs? Cities near Ridley, PA with the most Library Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in Ridley, PA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,827 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Library Assistant

Chester County of Pennsylvania

Chester Springs, PA • On-site

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Part Time Library Assistant

The Henrietta Hankin Branch Library is seeking a Part Time Library Assistant who will be responsible for performing circulation procedures to ensure quality customer service and a smooth, accurate flow of library materials to and from customers. This position requires the ability to follow library and county policies and to maintain the high standard customer service established by the library.

Responsibilities: Provide front line customer service assistance, handling general account issues, complaints, grievances, delinquent accounts and accounts in collection, and assist reference and youth services librarians with programming. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements: Excellent organizational and verbal communications skills, flexibility, genuine enjoyment of the public, commitment to public service, and the ability to handle stressful situations. The ability to master basic and specialized online circulation functions, and demonstrate current PC proficiency including internet, email, and Microsoft Office skills. Previous customer service or retail experience is preferred. Physical abilities: Handle, lift, or move library materials weighing up to 25 lbs.; stand at a computer terminal for up to 4 hours; wheel book trucks weighing up to 125 lbs.; and stand, sit, walk, stoop or reach within a confined area. This position requires the following criminal background and child abuse clearances: Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP); Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse); and Fingerprint based federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent (FBI).

Essential Duties
  • Issue library cards.
  • Enter and update patron data into the integrated library system.
  • Check circulating materials out and in, including books, audiovisual items, interlibrary loans, hot spots, and museum passes.
  • Receive fees and overdue fine payments and handle general account issues.
  • Operate a credit card machine and a cash register.
  • Inspect returned materials for damage.
  • Sort returned materials according to classification code and need for repair.
  • Clear hold shelves.
  • Empty indoor and outdoor book drops when pages are not available.
  • Periodically place holds for patrons and help locate materials.
  • Perform shelf checks for missing books.
  • Answer patron inquiries when possible, and refer persons requiring additional assistance to the Reference or Youth Services desk.
  • Answer phones.
  • Check-in and process mail.
  • Serve as a trainer for new hires and mentor at the Circulation Desk.
  • Assist with library opening and/or closing when needed.
  • Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.
Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience
  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
  • Basic office skills (typing, filing, answering phones, etc.).
  • PC proficiency including use of the internet, email, and Microsoft Office suite
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • Accurate and detail oriented.
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team to complete objectives.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Considerable organizational skills.
  • Strong time management skills.
  • Some experience working in a library with computerized systems.
  • Some experience working with online library resources.
  • Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.
  • Ability to remain focused on daily operations.
  • Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
  • PA criminal background check.
  • PA child abuse clearance.
  • FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience: Prior customer service work experience. Previous experience working in a library with computerized systems. Some college preferred. Knowledge of library operations and Chester County policies and procedures.

Additional Information

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy. Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

  • Basic Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Explorer).
  • Basic Outlook Skills (email and calendar)

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit; walk; stand; bend at the waist while working; kneel, stoop, crouch or squat; talk or hear; handle and lift up to 25 pounds; push a cart of books that weighs up to 75 pounds; and sit at a computer terminal for up to 4 hours at a time. Occasionally, the employee will need to work with arms above shoulders or reach above shoulder height. The specific vision requirements for this position are as follows:

  • Close vision.
  • Color vision.
  • Ability to read, alphabetize and place items in numeric order.

Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet to moderately noisy.

Other: Ability to work extended hours and weekends on rotation, as necessary. Library is open seven days a week (total of 65 hours).