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Library Research Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Wisconsin

University Archives Assistant

Madison, WI · On-site

Library Assistant III Job Summary: University Archives and Records Management is part of the UW ... Fulfills most duplication requests for local and remote researchers, and performs other duplication ...

Door County, WI

Circulation Assistant

Sturgeon Bay, WI · On-site

$18/hr

... the library system offers print and digital materials, public technology access, research tools ... Job Summary The Circulation Assistant supports public access to library resources by performing ...

Door County, WI

Circulation Assistant II

Sturgeon Bay, WI · On-site

$20.56 - $23.37/hr

... the library system offers print and digital materials, public technology access, research tools ... Job Summary The Circulation Assistant supports public access to library resources by performing ...

Jockey

Assistant Designer, Men's Apparel

Kenosha, WI · On-site

Support the Design team by conducting market research, staying updated on industry trends and ... library. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * 1-2 years of design experience, preferably in men's apparel.

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Library Research Assistant information

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How much do library research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for library research assistant in Wisconsin is $18.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Wisconsin? For Library Research Assistant jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Research Assistant jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Library Research Assistant jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Library Research Assistant jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Library Research Assistant job openings:
Library Research Assistant jobs near you

LIBRARY PUBLIC SERVICES AREA MANAGER

City of Milwaukee Wisconsin

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Introduction
The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) offers a dynamic, innovative work environment where each employee contributes to making the Library the best Third Place possible. Inspiration starts here - we help people read, learn and connect!
This is an exciting opportunity to lead the MPL's renowned archival and special collections while helping preserve the past and engaging today's community. As a member of the Library's Administration Team, you'll play a vital role in shaping organizational strategy, cultivating partnerships, and ensuring our unique collections remain accessible, secure, and impactful to members of the public.
Purpose
The Library Public Services Area Manager (PSAM) oversees the Special Collections and Humanities division, including the Krug Rare Books Room and archival collections. The PSAM manages unit goals, priorities, and work plans aligned with the Library's mission and strategic direction.
Essential Functions
Leadership and Administration:
  • Provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversee daily operations for Special Collections and Humanities divisions, including the Krug Rare Books Room.
  • Develop and direct staff related to excellent customer service and programs, materials handling, performance management, collection development and maintenance, resource delivery, and the preservation of selected materials.
  • Oversee the scheduling of Special Collections & Archives public services staff, including making emergency staff assignments.
  • Lead and support managers in prioritizing program initiatives and collection-related projects.
  • Establish departmental goals, priorities, and strategic objectives; develop initiatives and implementation plans.
  • Contribute to the system-wide planning, decision-making, and library-wide initiatives as part of the Library Administration team.
  • Develop, implement, and interpret policies, procedures, and programs related to collections, services, and operations to ensure consistency, compliance, and alignment with professional best practices for special collections and rare books.
  • Manage departmental budgets, expenditures, and resource allocation to ensure responsible stewardship of funds and alignment with operational and strategic priorities.
  • Identify and pursue relevant grants and other funding opportunities.
  • Lead the development, stewardship, and sustainability of rare books, manuscripts, archival materials, and unique artifacts, maintaining a balanced collection that reflects current use, long-term research value, and public access.
  • Cultivate and sustain relationships with current and prospective donors and institutional partners, collaborating on the evaluation, appraisal, and acquisition of materials to enhance the distinctiveness and visibility of the Library's collections.
  • Conduct environmental assessments and benchmarking, gathering best practices from peer institutions and preparing analyses, reports, and usage studies to inform decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical, and professional standards governing rare and archival materials.
  • Communicate departmental activities, outcomes, and progress effectively to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring Library leadership and staff are informed and engaged.
  • Stay current with professional literature and participate in related professional organizations.
  • Assist in planning of central library renovations and building projects.

Collection Management & Development:
  • Direct the planning and execution of exhibitions, public programs, outreach efforts, and other initiatives that are responsive to community needs and promote meaningful engagement with collections.
  • Work collaboratively with others to improve MPL's virtual service point and finding aids to facilitate statewide use of MPL's unique collections.
  • Monitor, evaluate, and report local and regional use of collections and resources.
  • Serve as a resource and support managers who are assigned to the partnering societies and organizations that support MPL's special collections and archives.
  • Serve on one or more boards as MPL's representative.
  • Oversee preservation, conservation, valuation, digitization, risk management, and responsible disposition of materials to ensure long-term access, security, and integrity.
  • Direct and coordinate staff in the selection, organization, and use of special collections materials.
  • Lead Special Collections-related digitization and digital access initiatives, including prioritization, rights management, and digital preservation.
  • Collaborate closely with Technical Services, Cataloging, and other Library units to support accessioning, metadata strategy, discovery, and cross-functional projects.
  • Keep abreast of developments in special collections and archives standards and trends, applying new rules, interpretations, and techniques as appropriate.

Security:
  • Oversee and manage the security of rarities and archival collections at the Milwaukee Public Library.
  • Monitor the daily access and usage of the Krug Rare Books Room at the Central Library, including overseeing staff use of items and assigned work in collections to ensure the highest level of security and protection of documents.
  • Model a high level of understanding of security best practices for special collections and rarities and coach staff on standard protocols.

Performance Management:
  • Establish clear goals, expectations, and performance measures.
  • Develop written performance expectations for staff; evaluate their performance and counsel them on the provision of high-quality service and professional development.
  • Model a high level of customer service, train and coach staff to do the same.
  • Participate in staff recruitment, selection, discipline, recognition, transfer and promotion.
  • Support direct reports who work with volunteers and identify new volunteer opportunities.
  • Assist in reviewing and developing job descriptions.
  • Oversee progressive discipline processes and personnel management, ensuring accountability and consistent application of policies and procedures.
  • Lead, mentor, and evaluate a diverse team of managers, librarians, and support staff.
  • Support professional development of staff that contributes to their professional growth and effectiveness as well as individual career goals.
  • Provide ongoing training and coaching for staff on best practices and protocols related to special collections, including materials handling, security, conservation, and other core operational standards.
  • Plan and conduct in-service sessions and staff meetings.
  • Assist in developing training for staff on new technologies.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.
Conditions of Employment
The Library Public Services Area Manager must be willing and able to do the following:
  • Work flexible work hours, including some evening and weekend hours, over 40 hours per week.
  • Lift and move items weighing up to 10 pounds occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
  • File a Statement of Economic Interests in accordance with the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303-Code of Ethics.

Minimum Requirements
1. Master's degree in library science or library information science (MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited library school.
2. Five years of increasingly responsible post-MLIS professional librarian experience, of which three years must have been serving as one of the following:
  • Administrator of a major library division, large branch, or independent community library.
  • Coordinator of special collections or archives in a library, museum, or other similar setting.

3. Valid Driver's license with personal automobile and appropriate insurance required at the time of appointment and throughout employment. *Private automobile allowance may be paid pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code.
NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates' education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.
Desirable Qualifications
  • Coursework, certification, or related experience in special collections, archives, or rare books.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics
Technical:
  • Knowledge of goals, organization, policies, procedures, services, issues, and trends related to urban library systems.
  • Knowledge of public library systems, interlibrary cooperation, and network development.
  • Knowledge of library technology trends related to operations, new developments, user services, and best practices.
  • Ability to read and interpret a wide variety of complex job-related documents.
  • Intellectual curiosity and a commitment to stay apprised of developments in library management.
  • Knowledge of best practices in special collections and archives including collections development and management; digital preservation; archival description; cataloging; special collections security; as well as copyright and intellectual property issues.
  • Knowledge and experience with programs to integrate special collections and archives in research and community engagement, including outreach and programming.

Leadership:
  • Ability to effectively manage direct and indirect reports, including assigning duties, directing work in progress, evaluating job performance, and making hiring recommendations.
  • Ability to plan and coordinate the work of staff in a large, complex, decentralized library system.
  • Knowledge of team building, training, and coaching techniques and principles to empower staff to realize their potential.
  • Knowledge of customer service best practices and the ability to instill them within the team.
  • Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
  • Ability to develop goals and strategies that meet measurable objectives.
  • Skill in developing and implementing performance measurement tools to track program outcomes.

Communication and Interpersonal:
  • Skill in tactfully and respectfully addressing sensitive situations with patrons who may be experiencing complex personal issues.
  • Community outreach skills to represent the library system well and maintain successful relationships with community partners.
  • Ability to work effectively with multi-level staff, community groups, and patrons from all socioeconomic, educational, literacy, and cultural backgrounds.
  • Ability to resolve escalated complaints tactfully and satisfactorily.
  • Written communication and research skills to craft concise reports, policies, and correspondence.
  • Verbal communication and public speaking skills to confidently make presentations, lead committees, and participate in TV and radio programs.
  • Knowledge of customer service best practices and the ability to incorporate them into operations.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse library users of various age levels to interpret their reading and informational needs.

Judgment and Analysis:
  • Critical thinking skills to creatively solve challenging, multifaceted problems, make sound decisions, and marshal library system resources for the benefit of the population served.
  • Organizational skills and flexibility to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Professionalism, honesty, integrity, ability to maintain confidentiality, and responsible stewardship of City resources.

Current Salary
The current salary range (Pay Range 1JX) is $104,997-$123,106 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $109,197-$128,031 annually. Appointment above the minimum may be possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to review and approval by the Department of Employee Relations.
BENEFITS
The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:
  • Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Clinic Services
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program
  • Alternative Work Schedules
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement
  • Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.
Selection Process
THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test; a structured interview; or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exer

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