ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Library Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Diocese of Joliet

2026-2027 Part Time Librarian

Lisle, IL · On-site

$15 - $23/hr

School Service Staff/Library Media Assistant Date Posted: 4/15/2026 Location: St. Joan of Arc ... High School diploma is required, associate or bachelor's degree preferred. * Successful experience ...

NFP

Wealth Advisor Success Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Advisor Success Associate plays a key role in supporting our growing advisor network and ... Maintain and enhance the Advisor Library and related intranet resources, creating new sites or ...

Group One Trading

Compliance Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Chicago, IL Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000 Group One Trading is seeking a Compliance Associate to ... Update and maintain the compliance procedure library * Follow established compliance policies and ...

Group One Trading

Compliance Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Chicago, IL Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000 Group One Trading is seeking a Compliance Associate to ... Update and maintain the compliance procedure library * Follow established compliance policies and ...

Group One Trading

Compliance Associate

Chicago, IL

$75K - $90K/yr

Chicago, IL Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000 Group One Trading is seeking a Compliance Associate to ... Update and maintain the compliance procedure library * Follow established compliance policies and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsLibrary Associate JobsLibrary Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Library Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$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.
Director of Access Services

Director of Access Services

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday

Northwestern University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 529 rated colleges and universities

Job description

POSITION: Director of Access Services
DEPARTMENT: Access Services
REPORTS TO: Associate University Librarian for Collections and Access
EFFECTIVE: 5/1/2026
Summary: Northwestern University Libraries seeks a forward-thinking, user-focused and collaborative leader to provide strategic direction and operational leadership for the Access Services department. Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Collections & Access, the Director of Access Services oversees a portfolio of mission-critical services, including circulation, interlibrary loan, document delivery, course reserves, and stacks management. Together, these services ensure the reliable and efficient access to library materials to Northwestern's faculty, students, and researchers.
This role blends visionary leadership with operational excellence. The Director drives innovation, bold experimentation, and the thoughtful adoption of emerging technologies (e.g., workflow automation, AI) to improve the user experience and shape the future of access services in academic libraries.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS
  • Direct and manage a forward-thinking Access Services department, with oversight of circulation, course reserves, interlibrary loan, document delivery, and stacks management operations. Provide strategic leadership in reimagining access services in a rapidly evolving research environment, ensuring that services adapt to changes in user expectations and technologies.
  • Provide overall direction for a team of full-time staff, librarian faculty, and student workers. Directly supervise 3 FTE, including the area supervisors of course reserves, circulation, and interlibrary loan and stacks manager. Coordinate the department's work. Provide mentorship, advocacy and support to all department staff and foster professional engagement and growth
  • Lead the exploration, evaluation, piloting, and implementation of next-generation workflows, service models, and technologies, including automation and AI-driven tools, to enhance operational efficiency and the overall user experience
  • Promote a culture of innovation, shared purpose, data-informed decision making, and continuous improvement within Access Services to anticipate and respond to user needs
  • Develop, communicate, and assess policies related to access services in collaboration with library and campus units, and external partners
  • Represent the library in initiatives related to access services, including the Big Ten Academic Alliance. Monitor and contribute to national conversations on the future of access services in research libraries
  • Contribute to the library's leadership role in the field through projects, presentations, scholarship, and active participation in relevant professional organizations
QUALIFICATIONS
  • ALA-accredited master's degree in library and information science or equivalent education and experience.
  • Minimum of five years of professional experience in an academic or research library
  • Supervisory experience in a library or higher education setting.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and improve complex service operations, analyze workflows, and implement change.
  • Experience with integrated operations and systems to support access to and management of library materials, including circulation, course reserves, and interlibrary loan functions and related systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to use assessment, data, and user feedback to guide service improvements.
  • Experience or strong interest in applying emerging technologies to enhance library services, resource accessibility, and instructional support.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across departments and locations, build partnerships, and contribute to a positive, user-centered culture.
  • Commitment to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment for students, researchers, and employees.
  • Excellent communication and collaborative skills.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience exploring, piloting, or implementing new processes or technologies in a library environment, especially automation solutions or AI-enabled tools.
  • Experience leading the redesign of service workflows or operational transformations.
The budgeted salary range this position is $100,000 - $115,000
Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal comparators; and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
  • Please read ALL instructions and make preparations before proceeding to the application page:
  • Applications will only be accepted via online submission (see link below).
  • Please prepare all documents in advance as Adobe PDF files, and please be sure all information is entered correctly and accurately (especially names and email addresses), as there will be no opportunity for online revision after your application has been submitted.
  • Please also prepare a list of names and email addresses for your external academic references; your references will be contacted directly by the online system and invited to upload their letters on your behalf.
  • All required fields in the application form are marked with an asterisk and must be filled before clicking the Submit button.
  • Be aware that incomplete applications cannot be saved.
Applications accepted here: Apply for Job
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .

What Northwestern University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply