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Library Associate Jobs in South Dakota (NOW HIRING)

Document Management Specialist

Madison, SD · On-site

$19.57 - $30.88/hr

This person should have an associate's degree and two years of prior experience in clerical support ... Scan, file, and retrieve all invoices in and out of the optical library. * Act in accordance with ...

Document Management Specialist

Madison, SD · On-site

$19.57 - $30.88/hr

This person should have an associate's degree and two years of prior experience in clerical support ... Scan, file, and retrieve all invoices in and out of the optical library. * Act in accordance with ...

This person should have an associate's degree and two years of prior experience in clerical support ... Scan, file, and retrieve all invoices in and out of the optical library. * Act in accordance with ...

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Library Associate information

See South Dakota salary details

$9

$20

$33

How much do library associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for library associate in South Dakota is $20.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $24.04 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 South Dakota?

The most popular types of Library jobs in South Dakota are:

What job categories do people searching Library Associate jobs in South Dakota look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Associate jobs in South Dakota are:

What cities in South Dakota are hiring for Library Associate jobs?

Cities in South Dakota with the most Library Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Library Associate job openings in South Dakota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,667 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Data Services Librarian

The University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


University Of South Dakota rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Logo
Institution
The University of South Dakota
Working Title
Data Services Librarian
Posting Number
F01867P
Department
USD-Libraries
Physical Location of Position (City)
Vermillion
Posting Text
The University Libraries of the University of South Dakota seeks a motivated individual to serve as a core team member of the Digital Scholarship and Research Services initiative.
The successful candidate will proactively collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to support their information and data needs, helping them transform information into scholarship.
As a member of the University Libraries faculty, the Data Services Librarian:
  • Joins the University Libraries' Digital Scholarship and Research Services initiative to develop and offer workshops on data analysis, data visualization, data management, and more.
  • Serves on the University Libraries' Instruction team to teach information literacy sessions that support the University's General Education curriculum.
  • Excels as a liaison to divisions, centers, and programs within the Beacom School of Business and other assigned academic programs.

Specific responsibilities include:
  • Advancing the University Libraries' Digital Scholarship and Research Services initiative by developing and delivering workshops on data science tools and skills, helping to manage and promote the Virtual Reality Lab, and staying up-to-date on emerging trends and changes in technologies related to data science (i.e., AI).
  • Providing statistical and other data-related support for the USD Sanford School of Medicine graduate and residency programs, including holding regular office hours for consultations.
  • Promoting the NIH's All of Us biomedical database by keeping up-to-date on developments, maintaining Controlled Access by completing the annual trainings, and teaching various groups and departments about storing and analyzing data with the Researcher Workbench.
  • Serving as a liaison to the Beacom School students and faculty by promoting and supporting the discovery, use, and management of data; conducting reference and research assistance consultations; providing course-integrated instruction; and creating and maintaining research guides, online tutorials, and other teaching and learning tools.
  • Assisting students and faculty in transforming information into research-ready formats.
  • Promoting services that advance and support Open Access (OA) publishing and Open Data initiatives.
  • Faculty of the University Libraries carry service assignments and may be assigned research and scholarship loads.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program or a master's degree in a related field such as data science, statistics, computer science, or a relevant discipline;
  • A minimum of two years of professional experience in an academic or research library or in a data-focused role;
  • Demonstrated experience with statistical analysis and data science tools and software (e.g., R, Python, SPSS, Stata, or similar);
  • Evidence of effective teaching or instructional experience, including workshops, classroom instruction, or one-on-one consultations;
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups and departments;
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Qualifications:
  • Experience providing research data services in an academic library or similar environment;
  • Experience with scholarly publishing at institutions of higher education;
  • Familiarity with research data management practices, including data management plans and funder requirements;
  • Knowledge of data curation, preservation, and sharing, including FAIR data principles;
  • Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) or GIS platforms;
  • Demonstrated experience supporting faculty and students in data-intensive research;
  • Experience developing and delivering data literacy or data science instruction;
  • Familiarity with open science practices, including open data, OA, and OER;
  • Experience assessing user needs and developing data-related services or programs.

Position reports to the Associate Dean for Teaching, Learning, and Research Services.
Application Procedure: Apply on-line at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu/ by submitting a curriculum vita, a letter addressing required qualifications, and complete contact information for at least 3 professional references.
Posting Date
06/01/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
First Consideration Date
07/01/2026
Advertised Salary
$65,000-$75,000
Duration of the Term
12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent
100%
Tenure Status
Librarian
Proposed Rank
Assistant Librarian
Work Hours
Typically Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. Some evenings and weekends required.
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
40-45
Appointment Type
Regular
Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
Founded in 1862 and the first university in the Dakotas, the University of South Dakota is the only public liberal arts university in the state, with undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Education, Knudson School of Law, Sanford School of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Beacom School of Business, and College of Fine Arts. In research, USD is among the nation's Doctoral Universities with High Research Activity (Carnegie Classification).
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.
Contact Information
USD Human Resources, hr@usd.edu

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