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Library Assistant Jobs in Vancouver, WA (NOW HIRING)

Wacounty

Library Assistant

Hillsboro, OR

$25.70 - $31.24/hr

As a Library Assistant, on any given day, you may find yourself: * Processing books, media, and other library materials * Handling interlibrary loan requests, returns, and processing * Handling and ...

New

Multnomah County, OR

Library Shelvers

Gresham, OR · On-site

$16.80/hr

Multnomah County Library is currently hiring temporary Library Shelvers to assist with materials processing at our new East County Library. These are part time positions, working 12 to 15 hours per ...

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

Research Librarian

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$105K - $111K/yr

... * Assist with various administrative duties and projects as necessary Join us if you have: * 3+ years of legal reference and research experience, preferably in a law or corporate library * Master ...

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Library Assistant information

See Vancouver, WA salary details

$9

$19

$28

How much do library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant in Vancouver, WA is $19.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $22.16 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 are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Vancouver, WA? The most popular types of Library jobs in Vancouver, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Assistant jobs in Vancouver, WA? For Library Assistant jobs in Vancouver, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Assistant jobs in Vancouver, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Library Assistant jobs in Vancouver, WA are:
What cities near Vancouver, WA are hiring for Library Assistant jobs? Cities near Vancouver, WA with the most Library Assistant job openings:
Library Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in Vancouver, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $40,683 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Library Assistant

Wacounty

Hillsboro, OR

$25.70 - $31.24/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Note: This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.

Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Job Type:

Regular

Pay Range:

$25.70 - $31.24 Hourly

Department:

Library Services

FLSA Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

About the Opportunity:

Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) is seeking Library Assistants to join our Technical Services team. Thesefour (4)full-time positions will support our mission by ensuring that our technical services and library materials workflows deliver high-quality books and media to our community, as part of a centrally managed collection.As a Library Assistant, on any given day, you may find yourself:

  • Processing books, media, and other library materials

  • Handling interlibrary loan requests, returns, and processing

  • Handling and shipping library mail service materials for patrons who cannot visit a library on their own

  • Copy cataloging items

  • Preparing and placing orders for materials

  • Contacting vendors tomaintainefficient materials acquisition

  • Shelving, pulling holds, and checking in items on our central sorter

  • Assistingpatrons on the phoneand/or online

IdealKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

  • Basic data analysis and mathematical principles.

  • Maintain complete andaccuraterecords.

  • Effectively perform work assignments and adapt when necessary.

  • Provide excellent internal and external customer service.

  • Manage time effectively and efficiently while balancing multiple priorities while consistently meeting due dates.

  • Learn, read, and practice library policies and procedures.

  • Adapt to change and try new creative approaches.

  • Establish andmaintaincooperative working relationships with individuals and groups who come from diverse backgrounds and represent members of the public, coworkers, and/or vendors.

To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link:Library Assistant

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • One (1) year of experience performing administrative or library support work; six (6) months of the experience must have been in a library.

Additional Licenses, Certificates, Physical Abilities, and Specialty Requirements:

  • Bilingual skills are highly desired, but not a requirement for therole.

AboutWCCLS:

WCCLS is the primary funding source for public libraries in Washington County and provides the essential infrastructure that links independently operated library buildings together into one system that is accessible to all county residents. This includes library collections, technology access, the integrated library system and discovery layer, materials movement, and administering the cooperative library system, including policies, contracts, dataanalysisand reporting. The cooperative model ensures that residents incitiesbig and small, as well as rural and unincorporated areas across the county, have access to the same life-changing library services.
Washington County is located just west of Portland, Oregon. We are the second most populous county in our welcoming state and the five most spoken languages after English are Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and Russian. With a strong regional tech economy, Washington County has a high median education and income level, and there is strong community support for our public library system. In November 2025, voters supported a significant funding increase for WCCLS. WCCLS is a department of Washington County, and our Board of County Commissioners are great supporters of our library system, including our deeply held value of the freedom to read. Learn more about visiting the beautiful rural areas and the thriving cities of Washington County at tualatinvalley.org.

The Library Cooperative and Centralized Collections

These new positions for WCCLS come out of a multi-year funding and governance evaluation process that our cooperative library system has undertaken. The cooperative system is a partnership between the county, 9citiesand 3 nonprofit associations. Our 12 partnersoperate16 library locations, and historically have managed their physical collections locally, while WCCLS provided centralized digital collections. The partners have agreed to centralize collection management and technical services across print and digital by July 2027, to support the long-term fiscal sustainability of the system.Learn more about this transition and see local collection statistics.

The Library Assistants will be joining a new Technical Services team that will be part of implementing centralized collections for the cooperative. They will work closely with our Collections and Materials Movement teams at our Griffin Oaks warehouse and office, helping to support existing programs like interlibrary loan and library mail service and working with their new team to develop technical services workflows.


Selection Process:

You can review our standard selection process here.


Our commitment to you:
Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.


Veterans' Preference:
If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link:Veterans' Preference Points.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act:
Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or email:Careers@WashingtonCountyOR.gov at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.
Status of Your Application:
You will be advised by email of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email.


Notice: Washington County is currently undergoing a comprehensive classification and compensation study. The purpose of this project is to create new job descriptions and create new classification and compensation systems. Outcomes of the project will include changes to classification titles, which could impact compensation structures. No one will have their pay rate lowered because of this project. For represented positions, appropriate bargaining processes will be utilized prior to implementation.

Questions?

Recruiter:

Mia Richards

Email Address:

Mia_Richards@washingtoncountyor.gov

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