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Library Temp Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Banquet Servers

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

For 20 years Event Temps Catering & Banquet Personnel has been the employment leader for upscale ... JFK Library, Museum of Science Converse. MIT/Harvard. Misselwood@Endicott College. Country Clubs.

Biologist

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$101K - $119K/yr

... NGS library preparation/QC, and qPCR. โ€ข Strong background in NGS technologies and their ... For temporary assignments lasting 13 weeks or longer, AllSTEM Connections is pleased to offer major ...

Legal Research Analyst Employment Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, Temporary and Permanent JOB SUMMARY ... library's digital platforms and demonstrates strong proficiency in search strategy, database ...

Senior Component Engineer

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$122K - $184K/yr

... component libraries * Strong judgment in balancing performance, cost and supply chain risk ... Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment ...

... component libraries * Strong judgment in balancing performance, cost and supply chain risk ... Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment ...

Senior Component Engineer

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

... component libraries * Strong judgment in balancing performance, cost and supply chain risk ... Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment ...

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Library Temp information

What is a library temp?

Library temps, or temporary library workers, are individuals hired on a short-term basis to assist with various tasks in a library. They may help with shelving books, checking materials in and out, assisting patrons, processing new materials, or supporting library events and programs. Library temps are often brought in to cover staff absences, support busy periods, or help with special projects. While they may not have the same responsibilities as permanent staff, they play an important role in keeping library operations running smoothly.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges faced by a library temp during a busy semester?

As a Library Temp, you can expect to handle tasks such as shelving books, assisting patrons with locating resources, processing new materials, and supporting circulation desk operations. During busy semesters, you may also help manage study room reservations, answer basic research queries, and support special events. The primary challenges include adapting quickly to different workflows, handling multiple tasks efficiently, and learning library catalog systems in a short time. Strong communication skills and a customer-focused approach will help you succeed in this dynamic environment.

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

To thrive as a Library Temp, you generally need organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of library systems, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant experience. Familiarity with library cataloging software, circulation systems, and office equipment is typically required. Strong customer service, communication, and adaptability help you assist patrons and adjust to varying tasks. These skills ensure efficient library operations and positive patron experiences during temporary assignments.

What is the difference between Library Temp vs Library Assistant?

AspectLibrary TempLibrary Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require basic library trainingHigh school diploma; some roles may prefer library science coursework
Work EnvironmentTemporary library settings, often short-term assignmentsPermanent or long-term library environments, including public, academic, or special libraries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by staffing agencies and libraries for short-term coverageEmployed directly by libraries for ongoing support roles
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for temporary library work or short-term positionsIndividuals seeking permanent or long-term library support roles

The main difference between a Library Temp and a Library Assistant is the employment duration and job stability. Library Temps typically work short-term assignments through staffing agencies, while Library Assistants are usually employed directly by libraries for ongoing roles. Both roles may require similar credentials, but their work environments and employment terms differ significantly.

Can you get hired at a library temp with no experience?

Library temp positions often do not require prior experience, as they typically focus on general administrative tasks, shelving, and customer service. Employers may prefer candidates with basic organizational skills and a willingness to learn, and some roles provide on-the-job training. Having familiarity with library systems or tools can be helpful but is not always necessary for entry-level temporary roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Library jobs in Massachusetts are:

Infographic showing various Library Temp job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Temporary Library Assistant

Boston, MA โ€ข On-site

Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schoolsย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$20/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description


Temporary Library Assistant
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Morton R. Godine Library

Title: Temporary Library Assistant
Department: Library
Massachusetts College of Art and Design is seeking a temporary part-time library assistant. The Library Assistant will assist on various projects such as course reserves, gifts processing, serials processing, and Title II compliance. This position will also provide reference services and circulation desk coverage.
The candidate must be able to work three weekday mornings starting at 8:00 am. This position is an 18 hour per week position.
$20.00 per hour.
The contract is for September 2026 through May 2027.
Supervision Received: Reports to Librarian II
Examples of Duties:
  • Assist with processing physical and digital course reserves, by scanning, utilizing OCR software, and creating short records for required texts.
  • Assist with gifts processing by physically sorting books and other materials, searching library holdings for potential additions to the collection, and providing acknowledgement letters and inventories for donors.
  • Assist with serials processing, including check-in and shelves maintenance. Retrieving and sorting mail.
  • Provides reference and circulation services to patrons.
  • Assess and edit digital documents, especially PDFs, for Title II compliance.
  • May assist with other projects as needed.
Requirements:
Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of methods used in performing library research.
  • Experience with online library systems, preferably with patron and circulation data.
  • Experience scanning documents and working with Adobe Acrobat.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace or Microsoft Teams.
  • Accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Flexibility appropriate for a dynamic work setting.
  • Physical ability to move packages and shelve books and other library materials.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with Title II accessibility standards and tools.
  • Experience processing physical and digital course reserves.
  • Experience working in an academic library environment.
Additional Information:
Please note MassArt:
  • Does not support employment-based visa sponsorship or non-student exchange visitor visa sponsorship.
  • Is not an E-Verify institution.

Selected candidates must be eligible to work in the US at the time of employment, complete all onboarding tasks including a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) background review and provide proof of eligibility to work in the US by completing the Form 19, Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
You are required to show proof of your identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of the start of your employment. You will not be authorized to work in any capacity until all paperwork has been completed. For a list of all acceptable documents please click here.
MassArt provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, or membership in any other legally protected class.
MassArt complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the college operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
Application Instructions:
Please provide a resume and cover letter.