ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Library Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLibrary JobsLibrary Assistant JobsLibrary Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Library Assistant information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$9

$19

$28

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Library jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Library Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Library Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Library Assistant jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Library Assistant job openings:
Library Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 71% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $40,171 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Cataloging Librarian

Cataloging Librarian

Library Systems & Services LLC

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description

LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Cataloging and Metadata Librarian to work for a major Federal Agency in the Silver Spring, MD area. The selected individual will assist in the management of digital collections, reference support and metadata creation. This is a one-year full-time (40 hours a week; Monday to Friday) benefited contract position with option to extend.  


Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform original and copy cataloging of monographs and serials in Ex Libris Alma and OCLC Connexion per RDA, AACR2, MARC21, and local practices.
  •  Edit and upgrade existing records to conform to RDA, MARC21, and updated local practices
  •  Assign controlled subject terms using Library of Congress Subject Headings
  •  Assign controlled headings for series names and corporate authors
  •  Create, update, and modify holding and item records as directed
  •  Create, update, and modify serial publication patterns and frequency
  •  Maintain detailed metrics to provide regular reports on activities

Requirements

  • Master's degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited institution
  •  Minimum three (3) years of experience in library technical services operations, specifically in the cataloging/metadata unit, working on original and copy cataloging/metadata.
  •  Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  •  Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with library cataloging staff.
  •  Ability to solve problems in cataloging.
  •  Good judgment based on logical reasoning and cataloging principles is necessary.
  •  Ability to consistently apply cataloging rules and standards.
  •  Knowledge of online database searching, technical processing, bibliographic utilities, and library physical processing and preservation.
  •  Considerable experience in library technical services.
  •  Recent original and copy cataloging experience.
  •  Experience with integrated library systems (ALMA) and the OCLC system.
  •  Experience with cataloging tools such as OCLC Connexion, AACR2R, RDA, LCSH, NACO, MARC21, LCRI and LC Classification bibliographic formats and standards, and authority files.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and use hands and fingers for extended periods of time in an office or library environment. Ability to operate standard office equipment and computer systems, including keyboards, monitors, telephones, scanners, printers, and other electronic equipment, for prolonged periods. 
  • Ability to occasionally lift, carry, move, and transport books, files, library materials, boxes, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, and travel throughout library, office, meeting, and storage areas as needed.

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.

Apply