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Library Trainee Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

The City of Yonkers

LIBRARIAN I (T & E)

Yonkers, NY · On-site

$62K - $69K/yr

This is the initial level position for library school graduates. Employees in this class are ... One (1) year permanent non-competitive status holding position of Librarian Trainee. SUBJECT OF ...

Nba

Production Trainee - Library

Secaucus, NJ

$22.43/hr

The Production Trainee (Library) works within the tape library and robot room and performs extensive archival searches, manages library asset data, assists with physical tape organization and off ...

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Library Trainee information

See New York salary details

$27.9K

$47.6K

$69.5K

How much do library trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for library trainee in New York is $47,624.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,100.00 and $55,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Library Trainee, you need organizational skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of library systems, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library cataloging software, circulation systems, and digital databases is often required. Strong communication, customer service orientation, and a willingness to learn are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for providing effective support to library staff and patrons, ensuring efficient library operations and a positive user experience.

What are Library Trainees?

Library trainees are entry-level staff members who work in libraries to gain practical experience and develop foundational skills in library and information services. They often assist with daily tasks such as shelving books, cataloguing materials, helping patrons find resources, and supporting library programs. Library trainees typically work under the supervision of experienced librarians and may be enrolled in or considering formal library science education. The position helps individuals decide if they wish to pursue a career in librarianship and provides valuable hands-on training.

Can you work at a library if you're not a librarian?

Library trainees are typically not licensed librarians and often perform entry-level tasks such as shelving, assisting patrons, and clerical work. Many library support roles do not require a librarian certification and may be open to individuals without formal librarian training, depending on the library's needs and job requirements.

Can you get hired at a library with no experience?

Library trainee positions often do not require prior experience, as they are designed to provide on-the-job training. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and strong organizational and communication skills can improve chances of hiring. Some libraries may prefer or require familiarity with library systems or customer service experience, but many entry-level roles are open to newcomers.

What does a library trainee do?

A library trainee assists with daily library operations, including cataloging books, helping visitors locate materials, and maintaining the organization of resources. They may also support library programs and learn about library management systems and customer service skills during their training period.

Is AI replacing librarians?

AI is increasingly used to assist librarians by automating tasks such as cataloging, data management, and providing digital reference services. However, the role of librarians involves interpersonal skills, community engagement, and expertise that AI cannot fully replicate, so the profession remains essential alongside technological tools.

What are some common challenges faced by Library Trainees during their initial months, and how can they be overcome?

Library Trainees often encounter challenges such as mastering new cataloging systems, adapting to varied patron needs, and balancing multiple tasks like shelving, circulation, and reference assistance. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the breadth of information and the pace of library operations at first. To overcome these challenges, trainees should actively seek mentorship from experienced staff, utilize available training resources, and regularly communicate with their supervisors. Participating in team meetings and asking questions can also help build confidence and proficiency in daily responsibilities.

What is the difference between Library Trainee vs Library Assistant?

AspectLibrary TraineeLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer relevant courseworkHigh school diploma; some roles may require additional certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, often supervised, learning on the jobPublic or academic library, performing routine tasks
Employer & Industry UsageInternship or entry-level training program within librariesFull-time or part-time staff in libraries, assisting with daily operations
Search & Comparison IntentLearning role, entry-level position, training opportunityOperational support, routine library tasks

The main difference is that a Library Trainee is typically an entry-level position focused on training and gaining experience, often within a structured program. A Library Assistant is a more permanent role responsible for routine library tasks, requiring less training but more experience. Both roles are essential in library operations, but they differ in responsibilities and career progression opportunities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in New York? The most popular types of Library jobs in New York are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Trainee jobs in New York? For Library Trainee jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Trainee jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Library Trainee jobs in New York are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Library Trainee jobs? Cities in New York with the most Library Trainee job openings:
Library Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Trainee job openings in New York as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,624 per year, or $22.9 per hour.
LIBRARIAN I (T & E)

LIBRARIAN I (T & E)

The City of Yonkers

Yonkers, NY • On-site

$62K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

LIBRARIAN I (T & E)
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
PROMOTIONAL NO.: 76-441
OPEN COMPETITIVE EXAM NO. 66-441
APPOINTING AUTHORITY VACANCIES SALARY RANGE (per annum)
Yonkers Public Library As they occur $62,281 - 69,993 * This rate is subject to change
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT WAIVED
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
This is the initial level position for library school graduates. Employees in this class are expected to learn the specific applications of professional training by the performance of duties under the supervision of administrative personnel. Instructions may be issued at the beginning of each new assignment. Employees in this class are assigned work progressively more difficult as their experience in the field broadens. General supervision may be exercised over assigned personnel. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)
  • Provides reader's advisory, guidance, reference services and instruction to library users;
  • Performs basic cataloging, classification and record editing;
  • Develops, promotes, and presents cultural, educational, and recreational programming;
  • Assists public and staff in making effective use of library equipment and provides training and instruction in the use of technology and electronic resources;
  • Performs on-line searches and provides search training;
  • Performs collection development by recommending titles for purchase and/or deletion;
  • Designs and produces public relations and instructional materials;
  • Compiles bibliographies and may function as a subject specialist;
  • Participates in professional associations, reads professional materials, and attends seminars, webinars, conferences and meetings of such groups;
  • Serves as a liaison for library services to community groups or other libraries;
  • Supervises the work of clerical, paraprofessional and volunteer personnel in assigned tasks;
  • Prepares clear and accurate, and informative narrative and statistical reports.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Possession of a Master's Degree in Library or Information Sciences from a school that is accredited by the American Library Association or recognized by the New York State Education Department as following accepted education practices.
NOTE:
Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm . You must pay the required evaluation fee."
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Eligibility for a New York State Public Librarian's Professional certificate at the time of application; possession of the certificate at the time of appointment.
PROMOTIONAL:
One (1) year permanent non-competitive status holding position of Librarian Trainee.
SUBJECT OF EXAMINATION:
There will be no written or oral test for this examination. If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will receive a rating based upon an evaluation of your training and experience against the duties of the position being tested.
Candidates must first complete an examination application and return it to The Yonkers Municipal Civil Service Commission.
Approved candidates will be sent a notice containing directions to a New York State website address that requires applicant/s to complete a Training and Experience Questionnaire.

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