1

Library Associate Jobs in Gainesville, FL (NOW HIRING)

ASSISTANT CURATOR

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Libraries/Museums, Humanities Department: 56020500 - NH-ENVIROMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY Classification ... associates, hundreds of undergraduates engaged in research, curation, and education, as well as ...

Library Associate information

See Gainesville, FL salary details

$8

$18

$30

How much do library associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for library associate in Gainesville, FL is $18.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $21.78 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 Gainesville, FL?

The most popular types of Library jobs in Gainesville, FL are:

What job categories do people searching Library Associate jobs in Gainesville, FL look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Associate jobs in Gainesville, FL are:

What cities near Gainesville, FL are hiring for Library Associate jobs?

Cities near Gainesville, FL with the most Library Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Library Associate job openings in Gainesville, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,656 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Library Assistant 3 - Evening and Weekend Access Services & 3D Assistant

Gainesville, FL • On-site

University of Florida
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


University Of Florida rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Library Assistant 3 - Evening and Weekend Access Services & 3D Assistant
Job no: 541100
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Libraries/Museums, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support
Department:55050100 - LB-MARSTON SCI LIB CHAIR
Classification Title:Library Assistant 3
Classification Minimum Requirements:
High School diploma or equivalent and three years of library, or relevant experience; or an associate degree and one year of relevant experience; or any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education.
Job Description:
PLEASE NOTE: The normal work schedule is Sunday through Thursday, and the hours fluctuate during the semester.
JOB SUMMARY
The Marston Science Library Access Services Assistant functions as a team member of the Marston Science Library Access Services Unit to provide excellent customer service to library patrons throughout scheduled evenings and weekends. Primary duties include providing supervisory level desk coverage at the MSL Service Desk, preservation support, building operations coordination, processing MSL Item Needed Requests and ILL items, and assisting with 3D printing services. Regular working hours for this position are Sunday through Thursday. Sunday hours are 4:00pm-1:00am (with one hour lunch break) Monday-Thursday hours are 1:00pm to 10:00pm (with one hour lunch break) for a total of 40 hours per week. May be required to vary work hours, especially when the library has extended operating hours and during intersession periods.
RESPONSIBILITIES
MSL Service Desk - Circulation Supervision
  • Works and supervises circulation desk and library operations, maintaining daily presence at circulation desk during assigned shifts.
  • Provides a high level of customer service to all groups of patrons, including answering questions, providing information/data, and solving problems.
  • Provides assistance with a variety of research tools.
  • Provides tactful and timely assistance with patron inquiries by telephone, email, and in person interaction.
  • Assists patrons in all ILS circulation functions.
  • Loans and returns library items and course reserve materials.
  • Indirectly supervises student workers during assigned desk shifts, including training, coaching, and communication of policies, providing feedback on their training and performance to the Daytime Operations Manager.
  • Creates temporary Gatorlink Guest Accounts.
  • Consults and advises patrons with questions about the Ares course reserve process.
  • Answers directional, circulation, and basic reference questions, referring when necessary.
  • Assists patrons with printers/scanners and other technology within the library as appropriate.
  • Consults with patrons regarding tools and technology-related questions associated with the equipment that is circulated at the service desk (e.g. iPads, charging cables, adapters, technology and tool library items, etc.).
  • Assists patrons with reservation system for study rooms and specialized equipment.
  • Provides backup service desk coverage and support when other staff members are absent.
  • Covers additional shifts during exam periods when the library offers extended hours.
Building Operations
  • Responsible for the service desk and building operations during desk shifts in the evenings and on Sundays.
  • Coordinates closing and securing the building with evening student workers and security guard as needed.
  • Maintains knowledge of an extensive body of rules, procedures, and operations requiring extended training and/or experience to use in decision making and problem solving.
  • Responds to emergencies and building issues that arise during weekend/evening shifts using independent judgment on each situation and develops plans of action.
  • Communicates necessary building information/issues that arise to supervisor and/or other MSL staff. Reports immediate building issues to UF Facilities.
  • Documents incidents via the Library Incident Report system.
  • Monitors exit gate alarms as patrons enter/exit the building.
3D Printing
  • Maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing 3D printers.
  • Consulting on higher-level 3D printing requests, as delegated by the Makerspace Manager.
  • Organizing and keeping inventory of 3D printer supplies, materials, tools, and accessories.
  • Suggesting relevant items for purchase to the Makerspace Manager and consulting patrons on purchasing options
  • Contributing to write-ups for the website.
  • Logging stats in LibApps.
Organizing 3D print workflow, including slicing STL files, monitoring payments, supervising prints, and managing digital file organization.
Inventory Management and Access Services Support
  • Runs monthly trace request reports and completes searches on missing items.
  • Processes ILL and hold requests for items needed by patrons.
  • Processes MSL Item Needed Requests. This involves receiving requests, searching the library catalog, checking the shelves, updating records, and corresponding with patrons concerning their requests via email, telephone, and in person. This person also maintains all records involving these requests.
  • Identifies items that are damaged and in need of repair and works with the Preservation Department to coordinate repairs.
  • Makes replacement call number labels for items
  • Monitors and reports circulating technology issues to the Circulating Technology and Collections Supervisor.
  • Sorts the MSL mail and checks in items in transit from other libraries.
  • Assists with special projects, including collections projects.
  • Monitors and troubleshoots issues with public computers/printers/scanners, and reports issues via the appropriate IT ticket system.
Research Support
  • Provides research assistance in the evenings and on weekends on the MSL Service Desk. Assists users with basic research resources and methods, use of print and electronic resources, and online catalogs; provides appropriate referral to area and subject specialists, when necessary.
  • Holds regular shifts for UF's Ask-A-Librarian chat reference service and other non-traditional research services.
  • Assists patrons with locating library materials and use of library equipment.
Other Duties
  • Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
  • Attends meetings and serves on committees as appointed.
  • Participates in staff development opportunities as appropriate.
Expected Salary:
$17.23 minimum salary; The Smathers Libraries offer a salary commensurate with experience and credentials.
The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package including health, retirement, paid time off, discount programs, professional development and worklife support. Learn more.
Required Qualifications:
High School diploma or equivalent and three years of library, or relevant experience; or an associate degree and one year of relevant experience; or any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education.
Preferred:
  • Excellent customer service skills; ability to interact with all library clientele and co-workers in a professional manner.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Punctual, reliable, and capable of working independently once trained.
  • Ability to interact and collaborate effectively and professionally with colleagues to accomplish goals.
  • Flexibility, and ability to adapt and work in a rapidly changing academic environment.
  • Initiative and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Strong time management skills, organization skills, and attention to detail.
  • Ability to interpret call number schemes, retrieve items from the shelves and re-shelve items.
  • Ability to quickly learn appropriate technology.
  • Proficiency in 3D printing technologies and software.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Application Process
To apply, submit
  • a cover letter detailing your interest in, and qualifications for this position.
  • your current resume or CV
  • a list of three references including their contact information (telephone number and email address)

Apply by 11:55 pm (EST) on the application close date via the Jobs at UF online application system. Applications will be reviewed as received. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact Tina Marie Litchfield, George A. Smathers Libraries Human Resources Office, at tlitchfield@uflib.ufl.edu.
If an accommodation due to a hearing or speech disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 University of Florida Human Resources or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD).
Health Assessment Required:No
Advertised: 26 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 09 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What University Of Florida employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of Florida logo

About University of Florida

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Florida is one of the top ranked public universities in the United States (ranked top 5 amongst public universities in 2023 US news and world report). It is one of only a few comprehensive universities, having medical, veterinary, dental, nursing, public health, and engineering disciplines all co-localized on the same, contiguous campus to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Gainesville is located in the northern region of Florida, within 1-1.5 hours of each coast, and just 1.5-2 hours to Orlando and Tampa. It is a small to medium-sized city with a low cost of living, excellent public and private schools, and southern hospitality. While Gainesville is widely recognized as the home of the Gators, it is quickly becoming known as a center for innovation and a place with a lifestyle that's comfortable for families, yet attractive for young professionals.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Gainesville, FL, US

Year founded

1853