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Library Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

PTFS

Librarian with Security Clearance

Annandale, VA · On-site

Manage and assist the customer with special projects involving library resources. * Compose content ... Research and remain current on new resources, services, and tools and apply innovative skills in ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Library Assistant II

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Library Assistant II The Norfolk Public Library (NPL) is a dynamic and community-focused network of ... Assists with events by setting up displays and researching and preparing information about authors.

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Library Research Assistant information

What does a library research assistant do?

A Library Research Assistant supports librarians and library users by helping with research tasks, locating resources, and organizing materials. They often assist patrons in finding books, articles, or data, and may help with cataloging or maintaining digital collections. Research assistants may also support academic projects, gather information for faculty or students, and help manage interlibrary loans. Their work ensures library services run smoothly and users have access to the information they need.

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

To thrive as a Library Research Assistant, you need strong research, information retrieval, and organizational skills, often supported by coursework or experience in library science or a related field. Familiarity with library databases, cataloging systems, and digital research tools like JSTOR or ProQuest is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and customer service skills help you collaborate with library staff and assist patrons efficiently. These abilities ensure accurate information delivery and foster a supportive learning environment for library users.

What are some common challenges faced by library research assistants when supporting patrons with research inquiries?

Library Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as locating credible and up-to-date resources across diverse subjects, especially when patrons have complex or interdisciplinary research needs. Balancing multiple requests during peak periods can also be demanding, requiring strong organizational and time management skills. Additionally, they may need to guide users who are unfamiliar with library databases or digital tools, which calls for patience and clear communication. Successful Library Research Assistants are adaptable and resourceful, often collaborating closely with librarians and academic staff to ensure patrons get the most accurate and relevant information.

What is the difference between Library Research Assistant vs Library Technician?

AspectLibrary Research AssistantLibrary Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant courseworkAssociate's degree or certification in library technology
Work EnvironmentAcademic, public, or research librariesPublic, academic, or special libraries
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with research, data collection, and resource organizationManaging cataloging, circulation, and technical services
Common UsageResearch support and information gatheringTechnical and operational library tasks

The main difference between a Library Research Assistant and a Library Technician lies in their focus and responsibilities. Library Research Assistants primarily support research activities and assist users with information gathering, while Library Technicians handle technical tasks like cataloging and managing library systems. Both roles are essential in library settings and often require similar educational backgrounds, but their day-to-day duties differ based on their focus areas.

What are popular job titles related to Library Research Assistant jobs in Virginia?

For Library Research Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Library Research Assistant jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Research Assistant jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Library Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Library Research Assistant job openings:

Library Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Research Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Health Sciences Library Text and Data Mining Assistant (Student Wage)

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

University of Virginia
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University of Virginiaexternal

$18/hr

Other

Re-posted 15 hours ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Graduate Student Or Upper-Level Undergraduate Position

The Health Sciences Library's Research and Data Services (RDAS) Department seeks to hire a graduate student or upper-level undergraduate for a semester-based project to explore large-scale text and data mining (TDM) workflows and assess the capabilities of UVA-licensed products such as Dimensions and ProQuest TDM Studio for these tasks. This position reports to the Research and Data Services Manager and will also work closely under the direction and supervision of the Research Data Scientist on specific projects.

Responsibilities

  • In collaboration with the RDAS team, explore and document computational text mining workflows in ProQuest TDM Studio, Dimensions, and other bibliometric sources, including data access/export, preprocessing, and analysis
  • Conduct an environmental scan of academic health sciences libraries and other research support units in providing TDM services to researchers and staff
  • Complete a pilot workflow demonstration for RDAS staff (e.g. with topic modeling as a test case) to assess feasibility, strengths, limitations, and common failure points.
  • Provide documentation on project-related work, including:
  • Internal documentation on HSL SharePoint/Teams
  • Guide and learning materials on HSL webpages as appropriate (e.g. LibGuide content on annotated example code, or tutorial on TDM access to Dimensions)

Required Qualifications

  • Experience with Python or R
  • Interest in text mining
  • Willingness and desire to learn new skills

Work Schedule And Location

This is primarily an onsite position at the UVA Claude Moore Health Sciences Library for approximately 10 hours/week on weekdays (preferably Tuesday and/or Wednesday); however, some hybrid working hours may be pre-arranged. We anticipate completion of the project by the end of the Fall 2026 semester. Additional projects for the Spring 2027 semester may be possible upon mutual agreement.

Hourly Rate:

Undergraduate up to $18, Graduate up to $20; commensurate with experience

Required Application Materials:

Resume and Cover Letter required.

Undergrad student wage position for less than 20 hours per week.

Minimum Requirements

Resume and Cover Letter required.

Education: Current undergrad UVA student

Experience: None

Licensure: None

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

What University Of Virginia employees say

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About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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