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Library Clerk Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Shelver

Madison, WI · On-site

$16/hr

Description The Fitchburg Public Library is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Shelver to help create an inviting and organized environment for our patrons. Your love for books can make a ...

Library Page

Waunakee, WI · On-site

$13.52/hr

A Page position at Waunakee Public Library is opening September, 2026. This is a part-time position, working 6-10 hours per week. Shifts include 2-3 days per week, including evenings and some ...

Library Services Assistant

Madison, WI · On-site

$20.96 - $22.43/hr

The Library Services Assistant serve as an important point of contact for students and provide para-professional support to librarians, Student Achievement Centers and special projects as needed.

Library Clerk information

See Madison, WI salary details

$8

$16

$25

How much do library clerk jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for library clerk in Madison, WI is $16.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to be a library clerk?

Being a library clerk involves tasks such as checking out books, organizing materials, and assisting visitors, which generally require attention to detail and good customer service skills. The job is often part-time and may require basic computer skills and familiarity with library systems, but it is not typically considered physically or mentally demanding. Overall, it can be manageable for individuals who enjoy working in a quiet environment and helping others.

What are some common challenges faced by library clerks, and how can they be managed?

Library Clerks often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of patron requests during busy periods, maintaining accurate records of borrowed and returned materials, and staying updated with new library technologies. To manage these challenges, strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential. Building effective communication with both patrons and colleagues helps resolve issues quickly, and regular training ensures familiarity with library management systems. Seeking guidance from senior staff and collaborating with team members also fosters a supportive work environment.

What is the difference between Library Clerk vs Library Assistant?

AspectLibrary ClerkLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentPublic, school, or academic librariesPublic, school, or academic libraries
Primary DutiesChecking out/in materials, shelving, clerical tasksSupporting library operations, assisting patrons, shelving
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in public and school librariesCommon in public, school, and academic libraries

Library clerks and library assistants often perform similar roles in libraries, with overlapping credentials and work environments. While both support daily library operations, library clerks typically focus on circulation and clerical tasks, whereas library assistants may have broader responsibilities, including patron assistance and collection management.

What is a library clerk in a library?

A library clerk is an employee who assists with daily library operations, such as checking out and returning books, organizing materials, and helping patrons find resources. They often use library management software and may perform clerical tasks like data entry and shelving, typically working during regular library hours.

What does a library clerk do?

As a library clerk, which is sometimes called a library assistant, your responsibilities are to assist librarians with duties like shelving books, help a library patron find reference materials and resources, answer questions or check out books at the circulation desk, and issue library cards. Library clerks also organize books and reference materials, answer phone calls, clean the library, set up rooms in the library for meetings, and plan or host special library events. Library clerks work under the supervision of a librarian and sometimes do so while they train for a future career as a librarian.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a library clerk, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Clerk, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library cataloging systems, databases, and circulation software is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork abilities help you interact effectively with patrons and colleagues. These skills and qualities ensure efficient library operations, accurate record-keeping, and a positive experience for library users.

What are popular job titles related to Library Clerk jobs in Madison, WI?

For Library Clerk jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Library Clerk jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Clerk jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Library Clerk jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Library Clerk job openings:

Infographic showing various Library Clerk job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,079 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

$16/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description The Fitchburg Public Library is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Shelver to help create an inviting and organized environment for our patrons. Your love for books can make a difference. Schedule: Tuesday & Thursday 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm; every other Saturday 2:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Responsibilities Essential Functions: Perform sorting alphabetically and by Dewey Decimal System. Reshelve materials in the proper location and order. Empty book drops and sorts materials.

Sort and Process library materials returned by patrons and in the SCLS delivery. Processes and shelves hold. Bring materials in poor condition to the attention of appropriate staff.

Shelf-reads and straightens materials on the shelves. Search the stacks for materials on hold, requested, claimed return, lost, etc. Answer simple directional questions and refers all other questions to appropriate staff.

Shift areas of the collection as required. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Education and/or Experience Requirements: Education equivalent to a sophomore in High School preferred.

Familiarity with the Dewey Decimal System desired. Special Requirements Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to sort alphabetically and numerically, understanding of the Dewey Decimal System. Demonstrates good interpersonal communication skills with the public, supervisors, and peers.

Ability to understand and perform assigned library procedures. Ability to maintain adequate attendance. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City elected and appointed officials, employees, and the general public.

Ability to work with culturally diverse individuals and groups. In evaluating candidates for this position, the City may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties of this position. Your unique experiences matter to us, even if they don't align perfectly with every requirement listed.

We recognize that skills come from diverse paths, and we value what makes your journey special. If this role inspires you, we encourage you to apply. Physical Demands: Moderate Work: Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds and push or pull a cart weighing up to 150 pounds or more.

Must be able to bend, stoop, lift, or stand for long periods of time. Work Environment: Inside: Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes. Inside work 95% of the time and outside work 05% of the time.