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Library Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Library Assistant Purpose: Under general supervision, this position serves as support for ... and research needs. * Sorts books, publications, and other items according to established ...

Library Assistant II

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$43K - $73K/yr

The successful candidate will assist with the daily operations of the library and support patrons ... Assists with events by setting up displays, creating promotional materials, and researching and ...

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Library Research Assistant 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 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Library Research Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Curriculum Library Student Assistant - JFL

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$12.77/hr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago


Liberty University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Working independently and exercising good judgment and discretion, Jerry Falwell Library Student Worker Assistant will conduct themselves professionally, courteously, and politely in interactions with library employees and customers. They will support one or more of the departments within the Jerry Falwell Library.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Conducts themselves as a professional by being on time and reliable for scheduled hours, adhering to the student worker dress code, and following instructions. Communicates clearly, including responding to emails in a timely manner, answering the phones and, alerting the supervisor to changes in schedule. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor and library administration. Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner. Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU's mission. Performs the duties of the relevant position:
Curriculum Library Student Assistant: delivers excellent customer service within the Jerry Falwell Library by answering basic directional, research, and computer or technical-related questions from all library customers. This position demands an obvious, vigilant posture while staffing the service desks. This position reports to the Curriculum Library Manager. Provides research assistance to customers in locating library resources using basic database, electronic book, and computer searching techniques. Assists customers with the use of the materials of the Curriculum Library, lamination, purchasing, binding, and copying. Performs general duties such as completing hourly counts, providing directions, and doing what is needed to maintain a clean and clutter-free environment conducive to study. Answers the Curriculum Desk phone, giving proper and precise directions to places within the library as well as across the campus, and directing questions to librarians and other departments as necessary.
Additional information may be found here
QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Education and Experience

  • Required to be a current student in good academic standing.
  • Federal Work Study approved preferred.
  • Additional requirements and preferences of the relevant position:
Curriculum Library Student Assistant:
  • The ability to regularly push book carts weighing up to 250 pounds is required.
  • A grade point average of 3.0 or above is preferred.
  • One year of college education preferred.
  • Previous customer service experience preferred.
  • Second language proficiency preferred.
ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Communication and Comprehension
  • Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.
  • Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
  • Public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business, government and community customers and associates.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Computer and scheduling skills.
Problem Solving
  • Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
Physical and Sensory Abilities
  • Required to travel to local and campus locations.
  • May be required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
  • Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
  • Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus.
  • Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
  • Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment
The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate. The working environment may also include the facilitation of outdoor events.
Work Hours
This position is normally scheduled for 12-18 hours per week. Must be willing to work mornings and occasional special events.
Time Type
Part time
Location
Onsite
Pay Rate
Starting at $12.77
Student employees are paid at least the current Virginia minimum wage per hour. Pay may vary by position and department based on job responsibilities, required skills, available funding, and market conditions.
The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.

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