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

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Library Clerk - AJC-Library

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$20/hr

As the JLB is a dual-language library with materials in both English and Hebrew, applicants should possess sufficient familiarity with the Hebrew language to assist patrons in locating and using ...

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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All 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 Jul 4, 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 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
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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
Library Technician

Library Technician

Library Systems & Services LLC

Bethesda, MD

$21 - $23/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description

 LAC Federal is seeking a detail-oriented Library Technician to support a dissertations processing team at a nationally recognized federal research library in Bethesda, MD.This position is ideal for early-career library professionals, MLIS students, or candidates with strong humanities backgrounds seeking hands-on experience working with scholarly research materials in a structured federal environment.

The Library Technician will assist with reviewing, processing, and preparing dissertation materials for long-term preservation and discoverability. The role includes reviewing metadata in Alma, comparing records to physical materials, and completing standard physical processing tasks.

Because this role supports dissertation materials, candidates must have familiarity with academic theses or dissertations and reading familiarity with at least one of the following languages: German, French, or Latin. Fluency is not required; the ability to interpret titles and basic publication information is sufficient.


Responsibilities

  • Search and review bibliographic records in Alma.
  • Compare metadata (titles, authors, publication details) to physical dissertation materials.
  • Update bibliographic, holdings, and item records in accordance with established standards.
  • Perform physical processing tasks such as labeling, barcoding, and rehousing materials.
  • Follow cataloging and preservation workflows.
  • Identify potential duplicate materials for review.
  • Meet production expectations while maintaining high accuracy.

Requirements

  • At least 1 year of library, academic, or research support experience (coursework may count).
  • Familiarity with academic theses or dissertations.
  • Reading familiarity with at least one of the following languages: German, French, or Latin.
  • Basic knowledge of MARC21 or cataloging principles (academic coursework acceptable).
  • Familiarity with library systems or databases (Alma experience preferred but not required).
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow structured workflows.
  • Ability to work onsite in Bethesda, MD.
  • Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and work with archival materials.

Preferred Qualifications

  • MLIS degree completed or in progress.
  • Coursework in cataloging or metadata.
  • Experience working with scholarly publications.
  • Experience handling fragile or archival materials.

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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