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Library Associate Jobs in Northampton, MA (NOW HIRING)

Td

Credit Management Associate III (US)

Springfield, MA · On-site

$25.50 - $36/hr

The Associate will be involved in origination requests and ongoing portfolio administration ... area libraries, references from other banks, credit agencies, as well as accessing information ...

Smith College

Gifts & Records Coordinator

Northampton, MA · On-site

$24.02 - $29.35/hr

... libraries, and ITS to complete regular tasks, trouble shoot specific issues, and stream-line ... Associate's Degree Preferred Skills: * Experience with data management in a fundraising or other ...

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Library Associate information

See Northampton, MA salary details

$9

$20

$33

How much do library associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for library associate in Northampton, MA is $20.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $23.94 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 Northampton, MA? The most popular types of Library jobs in Northampton, MA are:
What cities near Northampton, MA are hiring for Library Associate jobs? Cities near Northampton, MA with the most Library Associate job openings:
Library Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Associate job openings in Northampton, MA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 65% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 34% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,499 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Acquisitions Specialist

Acquisitions Specialist

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY

Springfield, MA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Western New England University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

172nd of 530 rated colleges and universities

Job description

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION:

The Acquisitions Specialist (AS) is responsible for the accurate and timely purchase and receipt of Library materials and equipment and the maintenance and monitoring of the Library budget information. The AS serves as the primary contact for various vendor representatives. Additionally, the AS provides a variety of administrative support duties including preparing confidential material, scheduling meetings, maintaining records and files, and other similar duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Please list in order of importance, with the first duty being the most important.

  1. Maintains Library budget information in III Acquisitions module; reconciles Library budget with University system on a monthly basis; researches any discrepancies and notifies the Associate Director if unable to resolve.

  2. Orders new acquisitions and all Library supplies. Maintains Library serials and database subscriptions.

  3. Makes budget transfers in University system; adjusts budget lines in III Acquisitions module. Performs Fiscal Year Close in III; enters new budget information

  4. Meets with vendors and assists with negotiating contracts.

  5. Maintains Library Purchasing Card receipts; reconciles with the monthly Credit Card Report.

  6. Participates in budget meetings with the Associate Director and Associate Dean for Library and Information Resources.

  7. Provides administrative support and maintains confidential files for the Associate Dean for Library and Information Resources.

  8. Drafts official Library correspondence for Associate Dean for Library and Information Resources.

  9. Assists in compilation of ABA annual statistics.

  10. Initiates Library work tickets and follows up on outstanding tickets.

  11. Researches problems related to orders, invoices, claims, missing materials, and IP address issues; contacts appropriate vendors for resolution.

  12. Ensures all invoices are inputted in III Acquisitions module; processes invoices for payment either directly through the vendor or by sending to the Procurement Department.

  13. Handles major Library projects, such as those involving complex cancellation issues; follows through with other staff to ensure all necessary steps are completed.

  14. Coordinates retrieval of new faculty scholarship and arranges displays of new scholarship.

  15. Maintains Library service contracts for all Library equipment.

  16. Prepares and tracks purchase orders for Library products and equipment.

  17. Monitors Librarian review process; prepares materials for distribution to Cataloging Department.

  18. Prepares Fund Activity Report. Compiles statistics related to the order, cancellation, and return of materials.

  19. Maintains the Library's database subscriptions spreadsheet and license agreements; contacts vendors with database access issues; notifies vendor of IP changes.

  20. Acts as Accounts Receivable for the Library. Receives all incoming funds and deposits funds in appropriate Library account.

  21. Prepares material returns. 

MARGINAL DUTIES:

  1. Assigns work to student employees.

  2. Assists in other areas of the Library as needed.

  3. Creates and designs forms, form letters, and documents for the Library.

  4. Performs other duties as assigned. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly regarding accounting matters. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Must be flexible and able to prioritize.  Ability to handle confidential information, i.e., budget and personnel information. Knowledge of accounting/ bookkeeping procedures is preferred. Experience with automated Library systems is preferred.    


QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:Some college preferred. Prior Library experience preferred. Prior accounting/bookkeeping experience preferred. No special license is required.

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS: 
Requires full range of normal body motion to include standing, walking, and sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, balancing and keyboarding. Corrected vision and hearing to normal ranges. The ability to reason and speak intelligibly, and to handle heavy public contact in person, by telephone, and online. Occasionally lifts up to 30 pounds, carries up to 30 pounds, and pushes book trucks weighing up to 75 pounds. Hand dexterity to type, use computer keyboard, open boxes of various sizes, file microfiche into paper sleeves and in cabinet drawers, and shelve material of various sizes..


HOURS:

Normal business hours, Monday-Friday.

Western New England University is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging by acknowledging and embracing diversity of thought, opinion, and approach with colleagues regardless of background, culture, and organizational level. WNE encourages diversity in our job applicants to ensure the best culture and work outcomes.

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