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Library Professional Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Trinity College

Library Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.40/hr

A friendly, courteous, and professional demeanor that represents the library and University in a positive light. * Have the ability to work 20-25 hours per week, and available to work Monday-through ...

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Library of Congress

German Area Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

We seek highly talented professionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have lasting impact on the Library and its users well into the future. Learn more about this ...

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Library Professional information

How do Library Professionals typically collaborate with other departments or community partners?

Library Professionals often work closely with various internal departments, such as IT, youth services, and administration, to enhance library offerings and ensure smooth operations. Externally, they may partner with local schools, cultural organizations, and community groups to develop programs, host events, and provide outreach services. This collaborative approach not only broadens the library’s impact but also helps professionals develop project management and networking skills. Regular communication and teamwork are essential parts of the role, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

What are library professionals?

Library professionals are trained individuals who manage, organize, and facilitate access to information resources within libraries. They often hold degrees in library and information science and are responsible for tasks such as cataloging materials, helping patrons find information, and developing library programs. Their roles can range from librarians and archivists to library technicians and media specialists. Library professionals play a crucial role in supporting literacy, research, and lifelong learning in their communities.

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

To thrive as a Library Professional, you need a strong understanding of information management, research skills, and typically a degree in library or information science. Familiarity with library management systems (LMS), digital cataloging tools, and online research databases is essential. Excellent communication, customer service orientation, and adaptability help you engage diverse patrons and navigate evolving library services. These skills ensure efficient information access, community engagement, and the effective operation of modern libraries.

What is the difference between Library Professional vs Library Assistant?

AspectLibrary ProfessionalLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS)High school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require associate's degree
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special libraries; involved in planning, management, and specialized servicesAssisting patrons, shelving, checking out materials, basic customer service
Employer & Industry UsageLibraries, educational institutions, government agenciesPublic libraries, schools, community centers

Library Professionals typically hold advanced degrees and handle complex tasks like collection development and research support, while Library Assistants perform routine tasks such as shelving and patron assistance. Both roles are essential in library operations but differ in education requirements and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Library jobs in Washington are:
Library Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Professional job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.
Library Technician

Library Technician

Library Systems & Services LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a Library Technician to support an art-focused research library in Washington, DC. The successful candidate will provide operational support for library collections, circulation services, interlibrary loan activities, patron assistance, and collections management projects within one of the nation's premier research library systems. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the preservation, accessibility, and use of world-class library and archival collections supporting researchers, curators, scholars, and the public.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manage circulation and fulfillment activities using library systems such as Alma, ILLiad, and related applications.
  • Check library materials in and out and maintain accurate circulation records.
  • Shelve, shift, organize, and reshelve books, serials, periodicals, and other research materials.
  • Process interlibrary loan requests and document delivery transactions.
  • Assist patrons in locating resources and answering basic research and reference inquiries.
  • Schedule researcher appointments and assist with patron access services.
  • Perform bibliographic searches to support acquisitions, collection maintenance, withdrawals, and inventory activities.
  • Create gift-in-hand records and assist with purchase requests for new library materials.
  • Receive, unpack, sort, and distribute library deliveries and shipments.
  • Assist with collection transfer, withdrawal, relocation, and large-scale shifting projects.
  • Identify materials requiring relabeling, rehousing, repair, or preservation treatment.
  • Maintain reference, circulation, and service statistics and prepare monthly activity reports.
  • Support library operations through equipment monitoring, supply management, and general administrative assistance.
  • Create scans and photocopies of collection materials in accordance with library procedures.
  • Communicate professionally with Smithsonian staff, researchers, and library patrons.

Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum one (1) year of experience working in a library, archives, museum library, academic library, research library, or similar information services environment.
  • Experience providing customer service in a professional setting.
  • Ability to organize, shelve, retrieve, and maintain physical library collections accurately.
  • Experience using library databases, integrated library systems, or other information management systems.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to lift, move, and shelve library materials and work within library stack environments.
  • Ability to work on-site in Washington, DC and at other Smithsonian library locations as assigned.
  • Ability to successfully pass a background investigation and obtain Smithsonian credentialing.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Library Science, History, Museum Studies, Information Science, Humanities, or a related field.
  • Two or more years of experience supporting academic, research, museum, or special libraries.
  • Experience with Alma, Horizon, ILLiad, OCLC, WorldCat, or other integrated library systems.
  • Experience processing interlibrary loan requests and document delivery services.
  • Experience supporting collection inventories, shelf reading, shifting, or collection moves.
  • Familiarity with library circulation and patron services workflows.
  • Experience working with rare books, special collections, museum collections, or archival materials.
  • Knowledge of library catalog records and bibliographic searching.
  • Experience creating usage statistics, reports, or service metrics.
  • Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and move library materials, boxes, and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds, and to transport materials throughout library and storage areas.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and stretch for extended periods while shelving, retrieving, organizing, inventorying, and shifting library collections.
  • Ability to work safely in library stack and storage environments, including climbing step stools or ladders, maneuvering book carts, and performing repetitive tasks requiring manual dexterity, visual acuity, and attention to detail.

Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Training & Development

EEO Statement
The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.
Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.
Salary Description
$ 20 - $25

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