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Library Summer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Library Assistant 2

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.42 - $23.40/hr

Closes the library on weekdays and opens the library periodically during intersession periods and summer months. Closing and opening duties include locking/unlocking various library staff and patron ...

Library Programs Office Assistant

Ohio, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Job Title: Library Programs Office Assistant (Part-time) Location: Ohio IL Employment Type ... like Summer Break Baltimore, One Book Baltimore, Imagination Celebration, and Books for Me.

Summer employment will be reviewed annually. For the Library to be able to appropriately monitor hours worked, part-time employees are generally asked to restrict their work with the University of ...

Summer employment will be reviewed annually. For the Library to be able to appropriately monitor hours worked, part-time employees are generally asked to restrict their work with the University of ...

Summer employment will be reviewed annually. For the Library to be able to appropriately monitor hours worked, part-time employees are generally asked to restrict their work with the University of ...

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Library Summer information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$15

$28

How much do library summer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for library summer in Illinois is $15.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.39 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Library Summer Assistant, you need organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of library operations, often supported by a high school diploma or current student status. Familiarity with library catalog systems and common office software is typically required. Strong customer service, communication, and teamwork skills help you assist patrons and collaborate with staff. These skills ensure efficient library operations and a positive experience for visitors during the busy summer season.

What is a library summer?

A Library Summer job typically refers to temporary employment at a library during the summer months, often aimed at students or young adults. These roles can include assisting with summer reading programs, organizing events, shelving books, and helping patrons with various inquiries. Library Summer jobs provide valuable work experience, a chance to develop customer service skills, and an opportunity to support community literacy initiatives. They are ideal for individuals interested in libraries, education, or public service.

What are some common challenges faced by staff in a library summer position, and how can they be managed?

In a Library Summer role, staff often face the challenge of managing higher patron volume, especially children and teens participating in summer reading programs and activities. Balancing multiple responsibilities such as organizing events, assisting visitors, and shelving materials can become demanding during peak hours. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and flexibility in handling unexpected situations are key strategies for success. Collaborating closely with colleagues and relying on well-established library procedures can help ensure a positive experience for both staff and patrons.

What is the difference between Library Summer vs Library Assistant?

AspectLibrary Summer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer college coursework in library science
Work EnvironmentPublic or school libraries, often seasonal or temporary roles
Employer & Industry UsageLibraries, educational institutions, community centers
Common Search & ComparisonPeople compare these roles when seeking seasonal library work or entry-level positions

Library Summer positions are typically seasonal, temporary roles aimed at assisting with library tasks during peak times, often requiring minimal experience. Library Assistants are more permanent or ongoing roles that may require some experience or training. Both roles support library operations but differ mainly in duration and employment status.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Library jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Summer jobs in Illinois? For Library Summer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Summer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Library Summer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Library Summer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Library Summer job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Summer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 42% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,718 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

$18.42 - $23.40/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Northwestern University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Apply for Job Job ID 54203
Location Chicago, Illinois
Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job

Department: Law Library
Salary/Grade: NEX/10

Target hiring range for this position will be between $18.42- $23.40 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Job Summary:

The Pritzker Legal Research Center of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law invites applications for the full-time, permanent position of Evening Circulation and Fulfillment Assistant. Located in the heart of the Gold Coast on Northwestern's Chicago campus, the Pritzker Legal Research Center supports the research and instructional needs of more than 900 J.D. and LL.M. students and 90 residential faculty of the Northwestern University School of Law

The Pritzker Legal Research Center is a highly service-oriented library. We are looking for someone who enjoys building positive working relationships with a wide variety of people ranging from students to peers to faculty members. The successful candidate will join a team of librarians and staff who maintain a very collaborative work environment and will also have the freedom to work independently and must have a strong sense of responsibility and reliability.

Further information about the Pritzker Legal Research Center is available at the library's website

https://library.law.northwestern.edu/

Specific Responsibilities:

Circulation and Access

  • Performs full range of circulation functions including charging and discharging items, processing fines, placing holds, requesting items from other Northwestern libraries, helping patrons search for items. Maintains student lockers. Reports library facilities and maintenance requests to appropriate departments. Supervises students in this capacity as well.

Collection Maintenance

  • Performs full range of duties to maintain physical collection, including shelving, sorting, shifting, shelf reading, reclassifying items, locating missing books, and book repair. Supervises students in this capacity as well.

Materials Retrieval and Request Fulfillment

  • Performs full range of duties related to patron requests including retrieving items from open and closed stacks, processing reserves, document scanning, fulfilling interlibrary loan requests, and delivery of materials.

Opening and Closing

  • Closes the library on weekdays and opens the library periodically during intersession periods and summer months. Closing and opening duties include locking/unlocking various library staff and patron areas the main doors, computer lab and copy rooms; turning on/off lights throughout facility; receiving and processing newspapers; turning on/off circulation desk equipment. Full schedule details below.

General

  • Participates in other library support services involving collection processing, library records, and new initiatives, as needed. Other duties as assigned.

Supervises

  • Supervises 1-2 staff.

Miscellaneous

Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

  • A high school diploma or equivalent required.
  • 2 years of administrative support or other relevant experience required.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

  • Must be exceptionally reliable and have demonstrated reliability in prior work experience.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and organizational skills.
  • Ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with library users, especially students, coworkers, supervisors, and law school staff members.
  • Careful attention to detail.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Flexibility and commitment to providing outstanding customer service.
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office software.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish positive working relationships with a wide variety of people ranging from students to peers to faculty members.
  • Strong sense of responsibility and reliability; must be able to assume responsibility for entire library facility during off-peak hours. Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as shifting books and pushing book carts.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

  • Bachelor's degree or higher.
  • Library circulation experience.
  • Experience in an academic library environment.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

  • Facility using library research databases, integrated library systems such as Alma.
  • Proficiency with digitization software.
  • Familiarity with legal resources.
  • Successful customer service experience in an organization that values a positive customer experience.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.


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