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Library Associate Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Research Associate III/Scientist I, DNA Encoded Library Technology - Nurix Brisbane Position We are seeking a talented and motivated chemist to join our Discovery Chemistry team and contribute to the ...

Research Associate III/Scientist I, DNA Encoded Library Technology - Nurix Brisbane Position We are seeking a talented and motivated chemist to join our Discovery Chemistry team and contribute to the ...

Research Associate III/Scientist I, DNA Encoded Library Technology - Nurix Brisbane Position We are seeking a talented and motivated chemist to join our Discovery Chemistry team and contribute to the ...

Senior Research Associate

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Senior Research Associate Onyx Bio -- Berkeley, CA (On-site) Company Overview Onyx is building a ... PBMC thaw and prep, 10x Chromium chip loading, library construction, and QC. * Prepare and ship ...

Research Associate II - Functional Genomics Location: On-site, South San Francisco, CA Duration: 6 ... NGS library preparation and design * Single-cell genomics methods such as scRNA-seq or scMPRA What ...

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Library Associate information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$11

$25

$41

How much do library associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for library associate in Berkeley, CA is $25.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $29.42 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.

Can I work as a librarian without a degree?

Library Associate positions typically require a relevant degree, such as a bachelor's in library science or a related field, although some entry-level roles may accept relevant experience or certifications. Most librarian roles, especially those involving professional responsibilities, require a master's degree in library science or information studies. Certification or specialized training can also enhance job prospects but generally do not replace the need for formal education for librarian positions.

How much do library assistants make?

In North Carolina, library assistants typically earn an average hourly wage of around $10 to $14, depending on experience and location. Salaries can vary based on the library's size, budget, and whether the position is part-time or full-time, with some roles offering additional benefits or opportunities for advancement.

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 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.

Is it hard to get hired as a librarian?

Getting hired as a librarian can be competitive, often requiring a master's degree in library science and relevant experience. Strong organizational skills, familiarity with library management systems, and certification can improve job prospects.

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 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 Berkeley, CA? The most popular types of Library jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Associate jobs in Berkeley, CA? For Library Associate jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Associate jobs in Berkeley, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Library Associate jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Library Associate jobs? Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Library Associate job openings:
Instruction and Outreach Librarian - Bancroft Library

Instruction and Outreach Librarian - Bancroft Library

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


University Of California Berkeley rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 552 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position overview
Position title: Associate Librarian-Librarian, Career Status or Potential Career Status
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum and maximum pay, which is determined by rank and salary point at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position:
https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t26-b.pdf
A reasonable estimate for this position is $80,349 to $107,708.
Percent time: 100%
Position duration: This is a full-time potential career appointment.
Application Window
Open date: February 28, 2026
Most recent review date: Saturday, Mar 28, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Friday, Jul 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Bancroft Library seeks an inclusive, innovative, user-centered, and collaborative individual to join the Public Services team as the Instruction and Outreach Librarian. Reporting to the Head of Public Services, the Instruction and Outreach Librarian will design and lead instruction and outreach activities that engage constituent communities and promote the use of The Bancroft Library's collections. Serving as a work lead for the instruction team, which includes the Instruction Specialist, this role is responsible for collaborating cross functional teams within and outside The Bancroft (including curators, archivists, librarians, faculty, graduate students, and the general public), and coordinating the workflow for all teaching and learning activity. This role is also responsible for developing pedagogical approaches that move beyond lecture-based show-and-tell and engage users by developing critical archival literacy through inquiry-based learning, building a community of practice with archivists, educators, and community members. Through coordinating workflows and developing meaningful pedagogies, the Instruction and Outreach Librarian will promote inclusive practices and exhibit a commitment to accessibility in the development and delivery of services and programs. As a member of the Public Services team, this position is also responsible for assisting with reading room operations and answering reference questions.
The Environment
The UC Berkeley Library is an internationally renowned research and teaching facility at one of the nation's premier public universities. A highly diverse and intellectually rich environment, Berkeley serves a campus community of 33,070 undergraduate students, 12,812 graduate students, and 1,525 faculty. The Library comprises 20 campus libraries, including the Doe/Moffitt Libraries, The Bancroft Library, The C.V. Starr East Asian Library, and numerous
subject specialty libraries. With a collection of more than 12 million volumes and a collections budget of over $15 million, the Library offers extensive collections in all formats and robust services to connect users with the collections and build their research skills. Discover more about our collections and services at the UC Berkeley Library website.
The Bancroft Library of the University of California, Berkeley, is one of the largest and most heavily used libraries of rare materials in the West. Its holdings include more than 800,000 volumes, 210 million manuscript items, 9 million photographs and other pictorial materials, 86,000 microforms, 9.4 million digital files, and 25,000 maps, as well as numerous other categories of unique material. The two largest collections are the Bancroft Collection of Western and Latin Americana and the Rare Books Collection. The archival and rare book materials of the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life are also part of the Bancroft holdings. The Bancroft Library is home to three research groups: the Oral History Center (formerly the Regional Oral History Office), the Mark Twain Papers, and the Center for the Tebtunis Papyri. The Bancroft Library is an active center of teaching and research. Supporting the programs of about 30 campus departments annually, it mounts a regular series of public exhibitions, roundtable lectures, and open houses.
For additional information, please visit the Bancroft Library website.
Responsibilities
  • Leads the work of the team involved in designing instruction and outreach, which includes the Instruction Specialist, members of the curatorial team, and librarians and archivists, introducing the campus community and public to The Bancroft Library's vast holdings, critical archival literacy, and research skills.
  • Explores and implements new pedagogical approaches in experiential teaching and learning to engage users in research and critical interpretation using special collections materials.
  • Works with colleagues across the UC Berkeley Libraries, faculty across disciplines, and communities outside the University to build partnerships, share best practices, and create new resources around instruction and primary source literacy.
  • Coordinates the workflow for all teaching and learning activities at The Bancroft Library, employing new tools and redefining workflows for increased communication and efficiency.
  • Facilitates outreach programming for a broad community of users, working closely with Bancroft colleagues, including selecting and paging material, designing sessions or events, and set-up/take-down for special visits, tours, pop-up exhibitions, fellowship programs, and the filming of Bancroft's holdings, spaces, and services.
  • Creates, develops, and maintains instructional tools, aids, guides, webpages, and tutorials.
  • Collects statistics and conducts assessment documenting instruction and outreach activities, striving to establish a programmatic culture of continual improvement and adaptation.
  • Supports reading room activity by working shifts on registration, reference, or circulation desks in the reading room and answering reference questions both in-person and virtual.
  • Serves on department, Library, and/or University-wide committees, task forces, and/or working groups.
  • Contributes to the national and international reputation of The Bancroft Library and the UC Berkeley Library through professional research, service, and collaboration with appropriate colleagues and organizations.
  • Maintains up-to-date, professional knowledge of current trends and best practices in higher education, academic libraries, special collections, and information and educational technology, to encourage innovation and ensure the excellence of Bancroft Public Services.

UC Berkeley librarians are expected to participate in library-wide planning and governance, and work effectively in a shared decision-making environment. Advancement is partially based upon professional contributions beyond the primary assignment; the successful candidate will show evidence or promise of such contributions to the Library, campus, UC System, and profession.
The UC Berkeley Library is committed to supporting and encouraging respect and empathy, and nurturing a culture where all employees thrive. The Library seeks candidates who recognize and appreciate one another's contributions, expertise, and accomplishments, and will strive to provide equitable access to a diverse set of collections and services. For more information, please see the UC Berkeley Library Statement of Values.
UC professional librarians are academic appointees and are represented by an exclusive bargaining agent, the University Council - American Federation of Teachers (UC-AFT). This position is in the bargaining unit. Librarians are entitled to appropriate professional development leave, vacation leave, sick leave, and all other benefits granted to non-faculty academic personnel. The University has an excellent retirement system and sponsors a variety of group health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans in addition to other benefits.
UC Berkeley Library Website: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/
Bancroft Library Website: https://www.lib.berkeley.edu/visit/bancroft
UC Berkeley Library Statement of Values: https://www.lib.berkeley.edu/about/library-values
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Advanced degree or enrolled in an advanced degree program
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
  • Advanced Degree
  • Two years of experience in library instruction and developing curriculum using primary sources at a special collections library/archive
  • Two years of experience working with students in an academic setting

Preferred qualifications
  • Master's degree from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent international degree
  • Highly effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to address and manage competing priorities and expectations of different stakeholders within and outside of the library (faculty, staff, library users, and community members).
  • Demonstrated knowledge of research and teaching trends, methods, and best practices in archives and special collections and a strong commitment to equitable access and user-centered services for all constituencies.
  • Experience leading teams, working on cross-functional teams, training and mentoring staff and student workers.
  • Effective at meeting deadlines, adjusting priorities, and working on multiple projects simultaneously with keen attention to detail and affinity for project tracking and recordkeeping.
  • Ability to be organized, productive, and effective in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with the capacity to engage with others to identify challenges/opportunities and work collaboratively on solutions.
  • Knowledge of best practices for handling fragile collection materials and the ability to identify potential preservation concerns.
  • Experience with Aeon collection management system, ArchivesSpace, and/or Springshare tools including LibAnswers and LibGuides.
  • Working knowledge of North American, Latin American, British, and European literature and cultural history.
  • Experience gathering, analyzing, and sharing statistical evidence concerning special collections programs and operations.
  • Ability to work in languages other than English (Spanish preferred).
  • Experience balancing the needs of archival security, confidentiality, intellectual property, and access rights.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the Library's values .

Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)

References will only be contacted for individuals under serious consideration.
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05303
Help contact: richard.brown@berkeley.edu
About UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy ( APM 210 1-d ). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community , which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy .
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Berkeley, CA

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