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How much do library associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for library associate in Kansas is $18.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $21.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Library Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring library science coursework. Familiarity with library management systems, cataloging software, and basic computer applications is usually required. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills help you effectively assist patrons and support library operations. These abilities are vital for maintaining an organized, accessible library environment and ensuring a positive user experience.

Is AI replacing librarians?

AI is not replacing library associates, but it is increasingly used to assist with tasks such as cataloging, data management, and providing information. Librarians and library associates continue to play a vital role in customer service, research assistance, and managing library resources, often using digital tools to enhance their work.

Can I work as a librarian without a degree?

Typically, a librarian position requires a master's degree in library science or information studies. However, some library support roles or paraprofessional positions may be available with a high school diploma or associate's degree, often requiring relevant skills and certifications. Requirements vary by library type and location.

What is the difference between Library Associate vs Library Technician?

AspectLibrary AssociateLibrary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer post-secondary educationAssociate degree in library technology or related field
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special libraries; customer service focusSimilar environments with more technical and cataloging responsibilities
Employer UsageCommonly employed in public and academic libraries for assisting patronsOften involved in cataloging, shelving, and technical support tasks
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between a Library Associate and a Library Technician lies in their educational requirements and technical responsibilities. Library Associates typically have a high school diploma and focus on customer service and daily library operations. In contrast, Library Technicians usually hold an associate degree and handle more technical tasks like cataloging and collection management. Both roles are vital in library settings, but Library Technicians often require more specialized training and perform more technical duties.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

Jobs that pay $400 an hour are typically highly specialized roles such as experienced consultants, senior legal or financial advisors, specialized medical professionals, or top-tier executive positions. These roles often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and certifications, and they may involve freelance or contract work with flexible schedules.

What are Library Associates?

Library Associates are staff members who assist with the daily operations of a library. They help patrons locate materials, check out and return books, organize resources, and may assist with library programs or events. Library Associates often provide customer service, answer basic reference questions, and support librarians in maintaining an organized and welcoming environment. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the size and type of library, but they play a vital role in ensuring smooth library operations.

What are some common challenges Library Associates face when assisting patrons, and how can they effectively address them?

Library Associates frequently encounter challenges such as helping patrons locate specific materials, assisting with technology (like printers or public computers), and managing multiple requests during busy periods. To address these challenges effectively, it's important to develop strong communication and problem-solving skills, stay up-to-date with library catalog systems, and remain patient and resourceful when guiding patrons. Collaborating closely with librarians and other staff members also ensures that patrons receive comprehensive support and that workloads are balanced during peak times.

What do you need to be a library associate?

To become a library associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong organizational and customer service skills, and familiarity with library systems and technology. Some positions may require previous experience working in libraries or related environments. Certification is not usually mandatory but can be beneficial for advancement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Kansas? The most popular types of Library jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Library Associate jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Library Associate job openings:
Library Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Associate job openings in Kansas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Full Time, and 90% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,052 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Library Associate, Manuscript Processor

Library Associate, Manuscript Processor

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

Other

Posted yesterday

University Of Kansas rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 538 rated colleges and universities

Job description

70% - Manuscripts Processing:
This position primarily handles more complex and/or larger archival and manuscript collections. Collections may require specialized technical expertise, including processing foreign language materials, an ability to read older forms of English, or working with special formats such as born-digital materials. Key responsibilities include:
  • Surveys, arranges, and rehouses original primary source materials as assigned by supervisor. This work ranges from minimally processing collections through detailed and complex processing of archival and manuscript collections, following national best practices and locally developed procedures specific to KSRL's levels of processing. 
  • Describes collections using national and local best practices, including Describing Archives: A Contents Standard (DACS) and relevant metadata standards, in the collections management tool, ArchivesSpace, to generate online, publicly available finding aids.
  • Conducts research online as well as within collection materials and other readily available resources to write biographical and historical notes and other contextual information for finding aids.
  • Creates finding aids for undescribed or under-described legacy collections in an online environment.
  • Consults with conservation and curatorial staff as appropriate.
  • Suggests subject headings and identifies relevant agents to be associated with finding aids and catalog records.
  • Creates agent records in ArchivesSpace following national and local metadata standards.
15% - Special Projects:
Assists with one or more special projects within the Department. Special projects may be long-term or short-term depending on departmental and library priorities at any given time. Also included here are activities that occur on an infrequent basis. This position currently works on the following projects:
  • Creates finding aids for undescribed or under-described large legacy collections requiring extensive organization and research to process.
  • Cleans up standard and complex legacy metadata/EAD finding aids to facilitate better access to manuscript collections housed at KSRL.
  • Serves as a resource to other processors particularly when Archives & Manuscripts Coordinator is not available.
  • Participates in departmental and cross-unit projects to clean-up and enhance the metadata of digitized collections.
10% - Project Management:
This work requires in-depth knowledge of local and national standards, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to improve and/or re-engineer practices from previous projects to streamline workflows for optimal efficiency.
  • Monitors and adjusts workflows for complex collection processing projects. 
  • Frequently resolves and/or proposes solutions to archival processing problems.
  • Keeps supervisor and team members informed of progress for each project.
  • Maintains internal documentation about processing and preservation decisions to collection materials.
5% - Teamwork and Professional Development:
  • Attends and participates in Libraries, Department and Unit meetings along with other team building activities. Engages in ongoing professional development related to the position and commits to positive, solution-oriented problem solving.
,The Cataloging & Archival Processing Department of the University of Kansas Libraries is responsible for the cataloging and processing of all resources for the Libraries, including print and electronic monographs, print and electronic serials, maps, multimedia, government documents and archival/manuscript materials. In addition, the Department is heavily involved in the inventory of books and the updating of records associated with materials being moved to the Library Annex. The Department consists of 28 FTE staff members in a variety of classifications along with student assistants and has offices in both Watson and Kenneth Spencer Research Libraries.
Reporting to the Archives & Manuscripts Coordinator, this full-time position is in the Processing Department at the Kenneth Spencer Research Library (KSRL). KSRL houses KU's distinctive collections which includes rare books and archival material acquired across four collecting areas: Kansas Collection, Special Collections, University Archives and the Wilcox Collection. Following national standards and local policies, this position primarily physically processes complex manuscript collections, born-digital records, and photographic collections. This involves surveying and inventorying collection material, managing processing plans and internal documentation, and doing extensive research both within and outside the collections to generate multilevel descriptions in ArchivesSpace. This position will also assist with cleaning up and enhancing more challenging legacy metadata/EADs and contribute to training materials and processing manuals.
KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

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