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Library Associate Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

The Substitute Library Assistant supports circulation services, including: * Checking items in and ... An Associate's degree in liberal arts or a related field, or an equivalent combination of ...

Reporting to Gutman Library's Senior Associate Director, the incumbent brings deep expertise in education and the behavioral sciences subject areas and aligns collection activities to meet curricular ...

Reporting to Gutman Library's Senior Associate Director, the incumbent brings deep expertise in education and the behavioral sciences subject areas and aligns collection activities to meet curricular ...

Showing results 21-40

Library Associate information

See Massachusetts salary details

$10

$22

$36

How much do library associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for library associate in Massachusetts is $22.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $26.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a library associate?

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 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.

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 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.

Can you get a job at a library with no experience?

Library associate positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is typically provided. Employers may look for strong customer service skills, organizational abilities, and a willingness to learn, making it possible for entry-level candidates to qualify. Some libraries may prefer or require a high school diploma or equivalent, but specific experience is usually not mandatory for starting roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Library jobs in Massachusetts are:

What are popular job titles related to Library Associate jobs in Massachusetts?

For Library Associate jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Library Associate jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Library Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Library Associate job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,598 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Head of Library Experience, Boston University Libraries

Boston University

Boston, MA • On-site

$86K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Boston University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description


POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Boston University Libraries seek a highly collaborative and effective leader to join the libraries as the Head of Library Experience leading all facets of the library experience program including information literacy, student engagement and reference services. A member of the Academic Engagement Leadership Team and BU Libraries' Leadership Team, this role reports to the Associate University Librarian for Academic Engagement and Special Collections and provides strategic and operational leadership of our scaffolded information literacy program, learning-object development, campus partnerships across academic and student services informing library orientation programs, student engagement, inclusion initiatives, and community-building. The incumbent leads program assessment and data-informed continuous improvement to ensure equitable access to library experience programming, and measurable student success, demonstrably connecting library resources to student life and curricular goals.
The Head supervises and mentors the Library Experience Manager and the Library Experience Coordinator and serves as the liaison to the College of General Studies and Kilachand Honors College.
Strong candidates will bring expertise in information literacy that spans published sources, data and archives as appropriate for course contexts, an ability to translate institutional priorities into concrete and achievable goals and outcomes. The incumbent will be a highly collaborative leader who will deepen partnerships with academic departments, faculty, student success programs, and student services (e.g., Newbury Center, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, First-Year Success, Wellbeing, tutoring centers) to co-create programming that integrates library resources into student success pathways. Preference will be given to candidates equipped to lead the creation, curation, and maintenance of scalable online learning objects, tutorials, course guides, videos, and modular teaching materials for integration into the Course Management System, LibGuides, and Teaching Objects repositories.
Preference will also be given to candidates demonstrating commitment to the profession through sustained and progressive scholarship, creative expression, and service at the state, regional, national, or international level.
Required Skills
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
  • Master's degree in library and/or Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, or equivalent professional experience, plus advanced degree in subject specialty.
  • 5-8 years of experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in academic library instruction, reference services, or student engagement.
  • Must have sufficient experience and expertise in library leadership, management, and the work of a team/unit/department to serve as a supervisor, advisor and mentor.
  • Strong record of program development, assessment, and cross-campus partnership building.
  • Experience with in-person and online instruction.
  • Competence with information technologies and demonstrated effectiveness in integrating technology with traditional services and resources, particularly instruction.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong presentation, and customer service skills.
  • Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team within a culturally diverse user community of faculty, students, staff, administrators, and the general public.
  • Capacity to thrive in a dynamic environment, respond effectively to shifting needs and priorities of library constituents, and afford a willingness to be flexible with liaison and selector assignments as appointed.
  • Flexible and forward-thinking approach to challenges and opportunities.
  • Demonstrable collaborative management style and commitment to exceptional user services.
  • Ability to cultivate an environment of trust, empathy, collaboration, and respect.

Preferred:
  • Advanced degree in a related field, or in curricular design.
  • Experience supervising librarians or professional staff.
  • Experience providing instructional services and outreach in an academic or research library environment. Experience with curricular mapping and aligning instruction to general education competencies.
  • Familiarity with learning management systems and LibGuides.
  • Background in data literacy, digital literacies or pedagogy related to emerging technologies.
  • Grant-writing or budget management experience.
  • Experience in a large research university environment.

For consideration, please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of professional references. The position will remain open until filled.
Working at Boston University Libraries
Boston University Libraries is a learning organization that supports BU librarians, archivists, and information and subject specialists seeking and sharing knowledge, practices, and perspectives that advance library collections services, and their own professional development. In a collaborative, supportive, and engaging work environment, BU Libraries expert staff assist multidisciplinary research and exploration, build distinctive collections and archives of enduring research value, and empower users to thrive amid an ever-changing information environment.
Located in the heart of Boston, the BU Libraries are embedded in numerous vibrant regional and national library and information specialist networks. The BU Libraries are active members within the Boston Library Consortium (BLC), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Northeast Research Libraries Consortium (NERL), HathiTrust, and the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), and library staff at BU serve as engaged thought-leaders on a wide breadth of library management and service areas across diverse communities.
Boston University, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world, with three primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the globe. Chartered in 1869, the University is home to more than 33,000 students from more than 130 countries, 375,000 living alumni, 10,000 faculty and staff, and 17 schools and colleges.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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About Boston University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Boston University is an international, comprehensive, private research university, committed to educating students to be reflective, resourceful individuals ready to live, adapt, and lead in an interconnected world. Boston University is committed to generating new knowledge to benefit society. We remain dedicated to our founding principles: that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity, in its tradition and standards of excellence, and in its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world. Boston University comprises a remarkable range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs built on a strong foundation of the liberal arts and sciences. With the support and oversight of the Board of Trustees, the University, through our faculty, continually innovates in education and research to ensure that we meet the needs of students and an ever-changing world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1839

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