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Library Associate Jobs in Randolph, MA (NOW HIRING)

Kelly Science is seeking an Associate Scientist for a cell and gene therapy focused client located ... library sequencing, preclinical and clinical samples for research grade and GLP/GCP compliant ...

The Radio Associate Producer will support the work of producing two live radio and video productions GBH's main studio in Brighton and our Boston Public Library satellite studio, preparing the hosts ...

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Library Associate information

See Randolph, MA salary details

$9

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$34

How much do library associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for library associate in Randolph, MA is $20.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $24.52 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.

Can I work as a librarian without a degree?

Library Associate positions typically require a relevant degree, such as a bachelor's in library science or a related field, although some entry-level roles may accept relevant experience or certifications. Most librarian roles, especially those involving professional responsibilities, require a master's degree in library science or information studies. Certification or specialized training can also enhance job prospects but generally do not replace the need for formal education for librarian positions.

How much do library assistants make?

In North Carolina, library assistants typically earn an average hourly wage of around $10 to $14, depending on experience and location. Salaries can vary based on the library's size, budget, and whether the position is part-time or full-time, with some roles offering additional benefits or opportunities for advancement.

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 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.

Is it hard to get hired as a librarian?

Getting hired as a librarian can be competitive, often requiring a master's degree in library science and relevant experience. Strong organizational skills, familiarity with library management systems, and certification can improve job prospects.

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 do you need to be a library associate?

To become a library associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong organizational and customer service skills, and familiarity with library systems and technology. Some positions may require previous experience in libraries or related environments. Certification is not usually mandatory but can be beneficial for advancement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Randolph, MA? The most popular types of Library jobs in Randolph, MA are:
What job categories do people searching Library Associate jobs in Randolph, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Library Associate jobs in Randolph, MA are:
What cities near Randolph, MA are hiring for Library Associate jobs? Cities near Randolph, MA with the most Library Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Associate job openings in Randolph, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,506 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Access Services Manager for Gutman, Ernst Mayr, and Music Libraries

Access Services Manager for Gutman, Ernst Mayr, and Music Libraries

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$57/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Harvard University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why Work at Harvard Library?
At Harvard Library, we are champions of curiosity. We aim to be global leaders in expanding world knowledge and intellectual exploration. We engage with our communities in the creation and sharing of new knowledge, connecting them with the vast collections that we curate and steward through collaborations around the world. At its core, our mission for nearly four centuries has been to advance the learning, research, and pursuit of truth that are at the heart of Harvard. Our efforts are motivated and powered by working collaboratively, embracing diverse perspectives, championing access, aiming for the extraordinary, and always leading with curiosity.
Job Description
**Although the position will remain posted until filled, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the end of the day on Friday, August 7, 2026.**
**This is a 1-year term-limited position with potential for renewal**.
Job Summary:
Access Services is dedicated to advancing the mission of Harvard Library by providing exceptional service, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports academic research and inquiry, and carefully stewarding the University's collections. Access Services connects the academic community to a broad array of library resources, ensuring equitable access for users with diverse abilities. By collaborating with students, scholars, and professionals, we actively support the teaching and scholarly pursuits of the University, extending our impact to the Harvard community and beyond.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Access Services for Professional School Libraries, the Access Services Manager is a working manager who leads Access Services operations and staff at the Monroe C. Gutman Library at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Ernst Mayr Library of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and the Eda Kuhn Loeb Music Library. The manager supervises staff and student workers; oversees circulation services, stacks management and maintenance, course reserves, resource sharing services, facilities, and equipment; and assists patrons in identifying, accessing, and using library resources in the associated libraries. This highly visible role operates in a busy environment, requires substantial knowledge of library systems and procedures, and performs with a high degree of judgment and autonomy. The position is a member of the Access Services Extended Leadership Team (ELT), a collaborative group that includes all Access Services managers and members of the Access Services Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
The regular schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. The schedule and assigned hours may change throughout the year based on the academic calendar, library hours of operation, and departmental needs. Work may be required during holidays, inclement weather, and official University closings. Approval of time off during these periods is at the discretion of their Associate Director based on business needs.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Staff Management and Leadership
  • Lead, direct, and supervise daily Access Services operations at assigned libraries, setting high patron service standards, mentoring and managing Access Services staff, and fostering a creative, collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
  • Ensure units meet operational and communication expectations. Plans and prioritizes daily workflows for Access Services staff at assigned libraries; assigns tasks and projects to team members; and adjusts staffing as needed to meet service demands.
  • Recruit, develop, coach, and performance manage team members; set clear expectations and goals, provide ongoing feedback, conduct performance reviews, address performance issues, and support employee growth and succession planning, in consultation with the Associate Director, to promote an inclusive and innovative work environment.
  • Maintain regular communication with their Associate Director on team performance, staffing, workload, risks, and employee relations matters; proactively escalates issues, provides timely updates, and ensures alignment on priorities, decisions, and organizational objectives.
  • Communicate regularly with timeliness, including having meetings with regular cadence, with the local leadership of the assigned libraries. Communicate departmental goals, policies, procedures, and best practices through staff meetings, one-on-one conversations, and written documentation.
  • Develop, document, and refine procedures and workflows to enhance efficiency, service quality, and user experience.
  • Coordinate activities with other Access Services units and work collaboratively with colleagues to solve complex, time-sensitive problems to achieve common organizational goals.

Operations Management
  • Manage service points and work areas associated with circulation services. Ensure accurate and timely circulation desk services such as checkout, check-in, renewals, holds, recalls, etc. Communicate and enforce library policies and support collection security measures.
  • Ensure teams are trained in and support centralized digital course reserves services for courses served by assigned libraries. Communicate reserves policies and procedures to students, faculty, teaching staff, and make referrals to centralized course reserves staff. Manage, train, and/or oversee scanning and other onsite reserves workflows based in assigned libraries.
  • Provide and train staff to provide basic information support (Tier 1), answering patron questions or referring them to appropriate subject specialists or Harvard Library units. Collaborate with reference and research librarians and/or library directors to maintain effective local referral processes. Ensure that staff deliver high-quality, user-centered customer service. Stay informed about new information resources, software tools, and policy changes relevant to assisting patrons and share updates with staff.
  • Assist and train staff to assist users with disabilities in accessing library spaces and materials, in coordination with appropriate University offices. Support and communicate guest policies and procedures to ensure equitable and consistent access.
  • Manage access to onsite and offsite collections, collaborating with library directors or their designees on collection management projects. Manage ongoing shelving and stacks maintenance in assigned libraries to ensure materials are available, properly shelved, and in good condition. Coordinate shelf reading, shifting, and other stacks activities. Oversee staff responsible for transfers to offsite storage and ensure accurate and timely updating of item records and physical processing in accordance with Harvard Library standards.
  • Manage and support on-site resource sharing activities, including processing Scan & Deliver, Borrow Direct, and Interlibrary Loan requests. Help troubleshoot workflow, systems, and equipment issues in collaboration with Resource Sharing staff and other units to maintain efficient and reliable service.
  • Maintain patron-facing equipment, including photocopiers, scanners, self-checkout (e.g., MeeScan), book lockers, public computer workstations, public printers, microform readers, and circulating equipment (e.g., laptops, chargers, cameras, audio recorders). Coordinate with Library Technology Services, service owners, or vendors as needed for repairs, maintenance, and upgrades.
  • Monitor building conditions in assigned libraries and coordinate with facilities operations and preservation services to address environmental issues and other problems affecting collections. Conduct periodic building walkthroughs to ensure a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment for all users.

Project Management
  • Works with their Associate Director to obtain approval before initiating projects involving collections at the assigned libraries.
  • Direct collection projects in assigned libraries from initiation through completion. Develop clear project plans, timelines, and deliverables; define scope; assign staff and student workers; and adjust workflows as needed to meet deadlines.
  • Maintain and analyze project statistics and other relevant data to track progress, identify issues, and inform decisions; ensure that project tasks remain within the scope of the approved plan and are completed on time and within available resources.
  • Work collaboratively across library units (e.g., Access Services locations, Information and Technology Services (ITS), collection management, and public services) to coordinate activities, align priorities, and resolve issues that affect project outcomes and user experience.
  • Develop, document, and refine project-related procedures and workflows to promote consistency, efficiency, and high-quality service across locations; communicate project goals, roles, and expectations clearly to all participants.
  • Provide guidance, training, and ongoing support to staff and student workers participating in projects, ensuring they understand project objectives, timelines, and standards; monitor performance and provide feedback throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Communicates about the progress of the project regularly with their Associate Director and local leadership of the assigned library.

Extended Leadership Team
  • Actively participate in the Access Services Extended Leadership Team (ELT), to guide departmental priorities and decision-making in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
  • Contribute to strategic planning and implementation for Access Services, including the development, communication, and assessment of plans, policies, and service initiatives.
  • Support and advance a positive, inclusive, and equitable work environment, fostering a sense of belonging and consistently modeling organizational values in daily operations and interactions.

Other Duties:
  • Participate in library wide task forces, working groups, and committees as appropriate.
  • Contribute to the overall goals of Access Services and Harvard Library.
  • Other duties assigned, consistent with the functions of the work unit and level of responsibilities of the role.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITIES:
  • Directly supervises 5 FTE Access Services staff across assigned libraries.
  • Indirectly supervises, hires, trains, and schedules student workers and/or LHTs/temps supporting Access Services activities in assigned locations.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) or equivalent education or work experience required.
  • Minimum of 3 years of academic library experience with a strong public service orientation.
  • Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience at GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, museum) or related organization.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:
  • Demonstrated experience in supervision and performance management of staff, students, or contingent workers, including successful staff development.
  • Record of successful collaboration in complex and/or matrixed organizations.
  • Demonstrated ability in project management, including planning, communication, assessment, and delivery of complex projects.
  • Demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze workflows and trends to improve service benchmarks and staff capacity.
  • Demonstrated ability to set priorities, multitask, and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including effective use of multimodal communication tools.
  • Flexibility, agility, and enthusiasm for working in a changing, technology-oriented environment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and antiracism.
  • Commitment to high-quality user experiences, innovative services, and secure stewardship of collections.

Additional Information
Appointment End Date: 1 year from hired date
Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
Level of Flexibility:
  • Onsite position. The position will work onsite 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday, with potential adjustments to hours based on the academic calendar, departmental needs, holidays, inclement weather, and official University closings.
  • Work location is responsive and subject to change based on business needs - can have multiple work locations. Requests for flexibility will be considered consistent with Harvard University flexwork policies.

Work Environment:
  • The work associated with this position is performed primarily in a library/office setting.
  • May occasionally work in basements, attics, warehouses, or other storage areas when dealing with offsite or stored materials.
  • May interact with collections that may contain dust, mold, or other contaminants.
  • May need to travel locally between Harvard libraries and other campus locations.

Physical Requirements:
  • Regular movement between library facilities located across the college campus is required.
  • This position involves remaining in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer or service desk.
  • The person in this position frequently moves about inside the library to access collections, equipment, and office machinery, and to assist patrons.
  • Occasionally, ascends/descends ladders or step stools to shelve or retrieve materials.
  • Frequently moves library materials and boxes weighing up to 30 pounds across the library for various needs.
  • This position may involve bending, squatting, stretching, and reaching to retrieve and shelve library materials.
  • Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable

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