ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Library Associate Jobs in Smithfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Colonial Williamsburg

Historian A

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$51K - $76K/yr

... library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library. About the Position Conducts historical research ... associates, fellows, interns and volunteers, ensuring that the work meets Foundation and ...

Colonial Williamsburg

Journeyman Mason

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$24.66 - $36.97/hr

... Rockefeller Jr Library. Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class ... Associates of Applied Science degree in masonry or building preservation from an accredited ...

Cameo Consulting Group, LLC

Paralegal

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

Serve as initial point of contact for clients, provide notary services, and assist in managing the law library. Qualifications: * Education: Associate's degree in paralegal studies or a similar ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsLibrary Associate JobsLibrary Associate Jobs in Smithfield, VA

Library Associate information

See Smithfield, VA salary details

$8

$19

$31

How much do library associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for library associate in Smithfield, VA is $19.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $22.36 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 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 many employers provide on-the-job training. Having good organizational skills, customer service abilities, and familiarity with library systems or technology can improve your chances of being hired without experience.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Smithfield, VA? The most popular types of Library jobs in Smithfield, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Library Associate jobs in Smithfield, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Library Associate jobs in Smithfield, VA are:
What cities near Smithfield, VA are hiring for Library Associate jobs? Cities near Smithfield, VA with the most Library Associate job openings:
Library Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Associate job openings in Smithfield, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Historian A

Colonial Williamsburg

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

$51K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Colonial Williamsburg rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 29 rated museums

Job description

Who We Are
Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is "that the future may learn from the past" through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia's colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.
Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.
About the Position
Conducts historical research independently and as part of a research team, designed to shape the Foundation's interpretive program. Helps train interpretive staff and responds to questions regarding historic subject matter. Liaison with other departments on specialist subjects, and may propose and design strategies for research projects.
Main Duties
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Serves as a leader of a research team or teams working on major projects as assigned by the Director of Historical Research.
  • Conducts and oversees research in response to questions raised by interpretive and research personnel and in support major interpretive goals and educational mission of the Foundation.
  • Presents findings in reports, memos, lectures, conference papers, articles, book chapters, monographs, and professional blogs or other appropriate venues to support the educational mission of the Foundation.
  • Ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget.
  • Serves as a staff liaison to and supervises the work done on projects by research assistants, associates, fellows, interns and volunteers, ensuring that the work meets Foundation and professional standards.
  • Recommends research projects in response to the Foundation's objectives and guidelines.
  • Maintains contact with researchers and scholars from outside the Foundation, who concentrate in areas of specialization.
  • Responds to queries for information, critiques work, keeps abreast of recent historical literature and interpretive best practices, maintains awareness of state-of-the-art research and emerging historical arguments, and seeks opportunities to infuse programming with current historical scholarship.
  • Reviews and consults with program development teams, site managers, and individual interpreters to ensure proposals, programs, characters, scenes, tours, and other programming reflect current historical knowledge and interpretive best practices.
  • Works with colleagues in Research, Training, and Program Design in developing and teaching courses in assigned areas.
  • Presents lectures, audio-visual presentations, tours, and other programs to internal and external audiences.
  • Represents the Division on assigned committees, providing input based on historical reading and research.
  • Reviews materials published by CWF, such as books and teachers' guides, and other print and digital materials to ensure soundness of historical claims.
  • Performs other related tasks as required.

This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.
Required Education and Experience:
  • Competencies usually acquired through a post-graduate degree with academic specialization in Early American History, American Studies, or a related field, and 3 years research experience in a museum or an academically related position.

  • Traditional academic competencies may not be fully required if an individual is a subject matter expert with significant knowledge base derived from non-academic methodologies essential to the position, and at least 5 years' experience in the field.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • A doctorate or terminal degree with academic specialization in History, American Studies, or a related field, demonstrating significant experience in conducting advanced/scholarly historical research in a museum or in an academically related position, plus one year experience teaching as instructor of record at the collegiate or secondary level.
  • Knowledge and skills include an ability to read and assimilate information, and understanding of American history and culture, particularly within Virginia.
  • Experience working in historical interpretive environment, such as a living history museum or equivalent.

Key Skills / Competencies:
  • Possess the ability to develop and conduct original research projects and to perform work independently and as a member of research team.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle a variety of projects simultaneously and be part of a research team producing results that meet the Foundation's standards.
  • Possess excellent oral and written communication skills to both public and academic audiences, the ability to prepare material of a caliber to be published, and the ability to teach all levels of personnel.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct primary source research, familiarity with current historical literature, and knowledge of proper citation practices.
  • Experience writing on historical topics for public and academic audiences.
  • Knowledge of colonial Virginia and colonial British America, generally gained through a Postgraduate degree with academic specialization in Early American history, American studies, or related field and research experience in a museum or an academically related position.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
This is not a people manager role however, on a project basis, will oversee the work of teams of historical research assistants, associates, fellows, interns, and volunteers on research assignments, and review, research, and consult with interpretive and museum staff in the development and assessment of programming
May provide oversight related to the quality of presentation of interpreters or staff involved or be assigned to participate in research or training activities and programs, regardless of department. Will provide follow-up to the managers and supervisors of those interpreters to address any quality or participation issues.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
Stand Rarely
Walk Rarely
Sit Frequently
Use hands/fingers Rarely
Climb or balance Not part of job
Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl Rarely
Reach with hands/arms Rarely
Talk or hear Occasionally
Lifting up to 10 lbs. Rarely/ Not part of job
Lifting up to 25 lbs. Rarely/ Not part of job
Lifting up to 50 lbs. (with assistance) Rarely/ Not part of job
Lifting up to 100 lbs. (with assistance) Rarely/ Not part of job
More than 100 lbs. (with assistance) Rarely/ Not part of job
Wet/humid conditions: Rarely/ Not part of job
Work near moving mechanical parts: Not part of job
Fumes/airborne particles: Not part of job
Extreme cold: Rarely/ Not part of job
Extreme heat: Rarely/ Not part of job
Risk of electrical shock Rarely/ Not part of job
Driving requirement: No
Typical Work Schedule:
Regular full-time - 40 hours per week
Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.
Range: $51,300 to $76,900
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Colonial Williamsburg employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply