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Library Research Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

World Bank Group

ET Consultant

Washington, DC · On-site

The ETC Research Librarian will work with Research team members, support frontdesk reference ... research outputs. * Assist staff in assessing the reliability, relevance, and quality of ...

Library of Congress

Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

Summary The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs ... Perform research in the cataloger's reference collection, online databases, the world wide web, and ...

Howard University

Reference Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site

$48K - $58K/yr

... library resources and research tools. o Assist with developing and updating instructional materials and guides for students and faculty. o Provide one-on-one research assistance during scheduled ...

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Library Research Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do library research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for library research assistant in Washington is $21.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Washington?

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

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

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

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

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

Library Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Research Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,011 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Cataloging Librarian

Washington, DC • On-site

Library Systems & Services LLC
Libraries and Archives • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Library Systems & Services LLCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a Cataloger to support a major federal cultural institution in the Washington, D.C. area providing original and complex cataloging for artists' books and related materials. This position will focus on the cataloging, metadata creation, and physical processing of unique and rare artists' books within one of the nation's premier art research collections. The position requires detailed bibliographic analysis, application of RDA cataloging standards, assignment of Library of Congress classification (LCC) and subject headings (LCSH), creation of item records, and physical processing of collection materials. The Cataloger will also assist with rehousing and preservation-oriented processing activities for unique and editioned artists' books. This is a full-time, on-site position in downtown Washington, DC.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Retrieve artists' books from secure storage and return materials to designated storage locations after processing.
  • Perform original and complex copy cataloging of artists' books using OCLC and the library services platform.
  • Create full-level bibliographic records in accordance with RDA and local practices.
  • Research artists, publishers, formats, and publication history to verify and enhance cataloging data.
  • Assign Library of Congress Classification (LCC) numbers and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH).
  • Apply genre and form headings and other specialized metadata appropriate for artists' books.
  • Update OCLC holdings and export/import bibliographic records into local systems.
  • Create and maintain item-level records in the local ILS
  • Generate call number labels, barcodes, acid-free tags, and other processing documentation.
  • Rehouse artists' books and related ephemeral materials in archival enclosures and identify materials requiring custom housing.
  • Participate in cataloging discussions and coordinate with Smithsonian staff regarding cataloging practices and standards.
  • Prepare monthly progress reports documenting completed cataloging and processing activities.
  • Handle rare, unique, and special-format materials using appropriate preservation and collections care practices.

Requirements
  • Demonstrated experience using library cataloging platforms, including OCLC Connexion and library services platforms (LSPs).
  • Ability to perform original and copy cataloging at the full bibliographic level in accordance with professional cataloging standards.
  • Experience creating bibliographic records using RDA standards and applying Library of Congress Classification (LCC) and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH).
  • Ability to work on-site in Washington, DC during normal business hours.
  • Ability to successfully complete any required Smithsonian background investigation and credentialing requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution.
  • Two or more years of professional cataloging experience in academic, museum, research, special, or art libraries.
  • Experience cataloging artists' books, rare books, special collections, museum collections, visual resources, or other unique formats.
  • Knowledge of MARC21 bibliographic and authority formats.
  • Familiarity with PCC, NACO, LC-PCC Policy Statements, Getty AAT, and genre/form vocabularies.
  • Experience with Alma, Horizon, or other integrated library systems.
  • Experience performing authority work and metadata enhancement.
  • Knowledge of book arts, printmaking, photography, artist publications, visual arts, or museum collections.
  • Experience handling rare, fragile, archival, or special-format materials.
  • Strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and productivity.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to retrieve, transport, and shelve library materials, including lifting and carrying books, archival boxes, and collection materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move throughout library storage and processing areas for extended periods while handling, rehousing, and processing collection materials.
  • Ability to perform repetitive hand and finger movements, including keyboarding, data entry, labeling, scanning, and handling rare or fragile materials with appropriate care and precision.

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.

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