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Library Clerk Jobs in Wheaton, IL (NOW HIRING)

Newberry Library

Library Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

Library Assistant DEPARTMENT: Reader Services SUMMARY: Reporting to the Reading Room Librarian for Public Service or the Reading Room Librarian for Collection Management, the Library Assistant ...

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Library Clerk information

See Wheaton, IL salary details

$8

$16

$24

How much do library clerk jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for library clerk in Wheaton, IL is $16.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.64 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.
More about Library Clerk jobs

What job categories do people searching Library Clerk jobs in Wheaton, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Clerk jobs in Wheaton, IL are:

What cities near Wheaton, IL are hiring for Library Clerk jobs?

Cities near Wheaton, IL with the most Library Clerk job openings:

Library Clerk jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Clerk job openings in Wheaton, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,642 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Library Assistant

Newberry Library

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should attach a cover letter and resume/CV, both as PDF documents, to their application in the Newberry Career Center. Applications sent without both a resume and cover letter will not be considered. To be considered for this role, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable to apply for a job on this site because of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting us through the Jobs email link listed on the Newberry Career Center page.
ABOUT THE NEWBERRY: The Newberry collection-some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages-is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry's reading rooms, exhibition galleries, program spaces, classrooms, and online digital resources.
Since its founding in 1887, the Newberry has remained dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As individuals engage with Newberry collections and staff, they discover stories that bridge the past and present and illuminate the human condition.
The Newberry's community of discovery is driven by a shared commitment to promoting research, inspiring learning, and using inquiry across the humanities as a tool to engage critically in a vibrant democratic society.
TITLE: Library Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Reader Services
SUMMARY: Reporting to the Reading Room Librarian for Public Service or the Reading Room Librarian for Collection Management, the Library Assistant assists in the public service of the reading rooms while maintaining the security and preservation of the collections.
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Locate, charge, and deliver materials from the closed bookstacks to readers in the reading rooms and throughout the building;
  • Reshelve returned materials;
  • Monitor use of the reading room and assist readers with the proper handling of materials;
  • Interpret and enforce Newberry Library rules of conduct and reading room policies;
  • Accurately maintain circulation database (Aeon) through routing and charging;
  • Evaluate materials for conservation treatment and route as appropriate;
  • Maintain closed and open stacks by participating in shifts and other stacks management projects;
  • Answer correspondence including reference research and copy requests;
  • Process reproduction orders using a book friendly scanner;
  • Serve as the circulation desk attendant providing orientation, direction, and assistance, including some reference help, to a wide variety of readers, as needed;
  • Sign in and assist readers with requests and digital image order submissions, as needed;
  • All other duties as assigned to meet departmental and organizational goals.
Other responsibilities may include:
  • Assist with coordination of presentations of library collection materials to classes and other groups;
  • Monitor use of library materials during presentations;
  • Interpret and enforce Newberry Library policy and regulations as they apply to collection presentations;
  • Assist with projects related to Reference collections and preparation of research guides
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
  • High school diploma or GED certificate required;
  • Commitment to providing high quality library services to a diverse group of students, scholars, staff, and researchers;
  • Ability to communicate with diverse library users and staff in person, by email, and by telephone;
  • Ability to work effectively with others in a team environment;
  • Ability to work quickly and accurately within a high level of activity;
  • Ability to sustain close attention to detail;
  • Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Preferred:
  • Minimum of two years of college;
  • Strong interest in the humanities;
  • Previous library and/or public service work experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical strength, mobility, and endurance required for paging materials with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, nonexempt position, working 35 hours per week, with normal hours generally from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. The incumbent will work fully onsite.
BENEFITS: For more information, please see the "What We Offer" section on the Newberry Careers page.
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
For more information, please see the Newberry Careers page (https://www.newberry.org/careers)

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