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Library Associate Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Development Associate TheLuminosFund, an international nonprofit bringing education opportunities ... Jacobs Best Practice Prize, the Library of Congress International Literacy Award, the Lipman Family ...

Development Associate

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Development Associate TheLuminosFund, an international nonprofit bringing education opportunities ... Jacobs Best Practice Prize, the Library of Congress International Literacy Award, the Lipman Family ...

Development Associate

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

The Development Associate role includes providing systematic and administrative support for all ... Jacobs Best Practice Prize, the Library of Congress International Literacy Award, the Lipman Family ...

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Library Associate information

See Boston, MA salary details

$10

$22

$36

How much do library associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for library associate in Boston, MA is $22.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $26.11 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.

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Library jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Library Associate jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Library Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Associate job openings in Boston, MA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,351 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Head of Resource Acquisitions & Management (Boston)

Boston College Libraries

Boston, MA โ€ข On-site

$84.10K - $105.10K/yr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Overview

Boston College Libraries is seeking a Head of Resource Acquisitions & Management to join our enthusiastic, collaborative, and supportive leadership team. Weโ€™re looking for someone who can lead a talented and diverse staff, manage the Libraryโ€™s materials budget and collection acquisitions workflows, and implement forward-looking resource management practices at a major research library.

Responsibilities
  • Oversee a staff of 10 library workers: 3 direct reports, 7 indirect
  • Report to the Associate University Librarian for Technology and Technical Services
  • Be a member of the Libraryโ€™s leadership team; engage in collaborative visioning and strategic planning
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across the library and university, including other library Heads (Collections, Access, Metadata, and special libraries), subject librarians, and the Universityโ€™s budget and finance offices
  • Engage with colleagues across Boston College, the Boston Library Consortium, and the wider academic library community
  • Stay informed of and communicate trends and best practices in collection management, fiscal management, acquisitions, and open access

Boston College Libraries operate in accordance with our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion values statement (library.bc.edu/edi), which is central to our mission. We acknowledge historical, structural, and systemic injustices and are actively working to build a culture that recognizes, values, and empowers all people and provides space for discourse and growth. We expect applicants for this position to demonstrate a commitment to sustaining a respectful, accountable, and intentionally inclusive culture.

This is an in-person position on the Main Boston College Campus in Chestnut Hill, MA.

Hiring range: $84,100 to $105,100; salary commensurate with relevant experience

Requirements

Masterโ€™s degree in Library Science, Information Science, or equivalent required

Additional Qualifications
  • Experience managing people; ability to train, mentor, support, recruit and retain talented and diverse staff
  • Strong knowledge of both electronic and print library acquisitions workflows
  • Knowledge of emerging open-access models (e.g. transformative agreements) is a plus
  • Experience negotiating and building relationships with vendors
  • Knowledge of budgeting practices, preferably in a library setting
  • Ability to work collaboratively across units
  • Excellent communication skills

Have questions or want to know more? Feel free to reach out to Emily Singley at singleye@bc.edu

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