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Library Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Millerknoll

Sample Librarian

Chicago, IL

$21 - $24/hr

... Associate by sending tear sheets, memo samples, etc., as directed to the client * Maintain marketing and sales tools throughout the showroom and reorder when needed * Maintain tear sheet library ...

MillerKnoll

Sample Librarian

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

... Associate by sending tear sheets, memo samples, etc., as directed to the client * Maintain marketing and sales tools throughout the showroom and reorder when needed * Maintain tear sheet library ...

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Library Associate information

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$21

$34

How much do library associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for library associate in Chicago, IL is $21.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.76 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Library jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Library Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Library Associate job openings:
Library Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,953 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
ADULT AND TEEN SERVICES SPECIALIST - PROGRAMMING (PART-TIME)

ADULT AND TEEN SERVICES SPECIALIST - PROGRAMMING (PART-TIME)

Fountaindale Public Library

Bolingbrook, IL • On-site

$18.67 - $28/hr

Part-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description:

Part-time position: Non-exempt position, 25 hours per week.


Hourly Wage Range: $18.67 - $28.00, with a starting wage of $18.67/hour


Benefits:

  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Holidays, Personal, Sick)
  • Pension through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
  • NCPERS Voluntary Life Insurance
  • 457(b) Plan
  • Staff Library Card
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Professional Development


Closing Date: Until position is filled


DUTIES

• Provides consistent, gracious and friendly service to internal and external customers.

• Understands and enforces District policies and procedures while safeguarding intellectual freedom and patron privacy.

• Perform all duties at all the Adult and Teen Services public desks, including the reference desk, media desk, computer commons desk and covering the young adult area.

• Monitors the use of the library computer area. Diagnoses equipment and software related problems and performs preventative and routine maintenance with limited instruction.

• Assists patrons and fellow staff members in the use of online catalogs, online databases, online services, Internet, software, hardware and other equipment available for public use.

• Plans, prepares, and conducts Adult & Teen programs and classes. Participates in cross departmental programs. Hires performers with guidance from the Adult & Teen Services Management team and Programming Librarians, as needed.

• Creates bibliographies, flyers, blogs and other print or online library promotional materials, under guidance of the Adult & Teen Services management team.

• Assists in maintenance of adult & teen collections, as assigned.

• Assists with proctoring, study room and local history room reservations, as needed.

• Helps to implement the use of technology.

• Keeps work areas neat and orderly. Cleans computer hardware.

• Participates in library wide committees for special projects, strategic planning and new library initiatives. Serves as liaison for library in programming initiatives with external agencies.

• Research, order, inventory and maintain program supplies for the Adult & Teen Services Department.

• Prepares and submits required records, purchase requests and reports in keeping with the policies and procedures of the library. Collects daily statistics and prepares monthly departmental statistical reports.

• Serve as a notary public for the library.

• Keeps informed of current information and trends at the local library level.

• Participates in professional development activities relating to areas of responsibility.

• Performs other miscellaneous duties as assigned.


Requirements:

Education: Requires expertise acquired through completion of a LA/LTA certification in an Associate’s degree program, a two year Associate’s degree or a minimum of two years completed in a higher education program.


Experience: At least one year of related experience in a comparable business, school, organization, or library preferred.


Skills:

  • Basic knowledge of productivity suites and integrated library systems.
  • Basic knowledge of current technology trends, reference techniques and digital information retrieval.
  • Ability to incorporate technology into programming and other public services.
  • Basic knowledge of Adult and/or Teen literature, popular materials and reference materials in a variety of formats.
  • Ability to exercise reasonable and independent judgment and discretion.
  • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Ability to analyze and synthesize data to produce new or revised processes and procedures.
  • Ability to effectively use a variety of tablets and similar devices.
  • Ability to adapt to change.

Communication:

  • Communicates effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
  • Speaking skills in other languages, particularly Spanish, is a plus.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and public.
  • Ability to stay calm and effective in difficult situations.
  • Ability to empathize and relate to the needs of all patrons.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None


CONTACTS

Internal: Library staff and management

External: Patrons, school personnel, performers, vendors and personnel from other libraries.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Physical requirements for this position include: good speaking, hearing and vision ability, ability to push carts of library materials weighing up to 100 pounds rarely, lifting materials weighing up to 50 pounds rarely and lifting materials up to 25 pounds occasionally.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical library environment. Part-time position. Requires some weekend and evening work.


To view all available positions: https://www.fountaindale.org/get-involved/employment/


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