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Library Assistant Jobs in Ridley, PA (NOW HIRING)

City of Philadelphia

Library Coordinator

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$64K - $82K/yr

Employees in this class advise and assist librarians in various program areas and facilities to carry out the municipal library system's services. Work is performed under the general direction of a ...

City of Philadelphia

Library Coordinator

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$64K - $82K/yr

Employees in this class advise and assist librarians in various program areas and facilities to carry out the municipal library system's services. Work is performed under the general direction of a ...

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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.

More about Library Assistant jobs
What cities near Ridley, PA are hiring for Library Assistant jobs? Cities near Ridley, PA with the most Library Assistant job openings:
Library Assistant jobs near you
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.
Reference Library Intern

Reference Library Intern

The University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • On-site, Remote

$15 - $20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

University Of Pennsylvania rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been consistently ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
Posted Job Title
Reference Library Intern
Job Profile Title
Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt
Job Description Summary
The University of Pennsylvania Libraries seeks an energetic reference intern to participate as a member of our academic engagement and departmental libraries teams, receive mentoring by a progressive and seasoned team of professional librarians, and jump start their careers as information professionals.
The reference intern will have the opportunity to help shape reference for Penn Libraries while also further developing their skills by working on projects ranging from systematic reviews, outreach programming, exhibits, collections analysis, etc.
Job Description
Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Support the Reference Services Task Force in conducting a holistic analysis of general reference services across the libraries.
  • Assist with analyzing 2 - 3 years of chat reference data to identify trends, patterns, and implications for staffing and service hours
  • Conduct spot reviews of chat transcripts and tickets to identify opportunities for improving service quality, consistency, and documentation
  • Assist in developing recommendations for one - time and ongoing training for reference providers
  • Participate in an environmental scan of peer institutions and review current literature on evolving reference services

Qualifications:
  • Current graduate student in an ALA-accredited library or information science program or another graduate studies program.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong service orientation and willingness to troubleshoot.
  • Desire to learn, adapt quickly, and work independently.
  • Desire to work in libraries and support a diverse academic community.
  • Flexibility regarding work location.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Ability to work onsite in the library spaces.

This is a 1 year term position.
Application Requirement:
A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV; multiple documents are allowed.
Budgeted Pay Range:
$15.00 - $20.00 commensurate with education and experience.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
University Library
Pay Range
$7.25 - $20.00 Hourly Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Special Requirements
A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
University Benefits
  • Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare.
  • Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.

What University Of Pennsylvania employees say

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About University of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Employers By State in 2021.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

1740

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