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How much do library jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for library in Washington is $17.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Librarian, you typically need a Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS), strong research skills, and organizational abilities. Familiarity with library management systems, digital archives, and cataloguing tools like MARC or Dewey Decimal Classification is essential. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills help librarians engage diverse patrons and collaborate with colleagues. These competencies ensure effective resource management, support lifelong learning, and enhance community access to information.

What do library workers do?

Library workers assist patrons in finding and borrowing materials, organize and maintain collections, and help with research and technology use. They may also plan educational programs, manage digital resources, and support community events. The specific duties depend on the role, such as librarian, library assistant, or technician, but all focus on making information accessible to the public.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Get a Job in a Library?

Different library jobs have varying qualifications. To become a librarian, you need a master’s degree in either library science or information studies. This is important if you work with students in an academic setting. You also need some research experience and a strong awareness of research procedures and tools. Library technicians and assistants need to have a high school diploma or a GED certificate and strong administrative skills. If you are seeking a job in library computer support, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in information technologies.

What are some common challenges faced by library staff when adapting to digital resources and technology?

Library staff often encounter challenges such as staying current with rapidly evolving digital platforms, assisting patrons with varying levels of tech literacy, and integrating new technologies with existing catalog systems. Balancing traditional library services with digital resource management requires ongoing training and flexibility. However, many libraries provide professional development opportunities and foster a supportive team environment to help staff successfully navigate these changes.

What is the difference between Library vs Archivist?

AspectLibraryArchivist
Required CredentialsLibrary degree or certification, MLS/MLISArchival certification, MLS/MLIS often preferred
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special librariesArchives, museums, historical institutions
Industry UsageInformation management, education, public servicePreservation, historical records, cultural heritage

Libraries and archivists both manage information resources, but libraries focus on providing access to current materials for the public or specific groups, while archivists preserve historical records and rare collections. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Library jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Library jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Library jobs in Washington? For Library jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Library jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Library jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Library job openings:
Library jobs near you
Library Technician

Library Technician

Library Systems & Services LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a Library Technician to support an art-focused research library in Washington, DC. The successful candidate will provide operational support for library collections, circulation services, interlibrary loan activities, patron assistance, and collections management projects within one of the nation's premier research library systems. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the preservation, accessibility, and use of world-class library and archival collections supporting researchers, curators, scholars, and the public.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manage circulation and fulfillment activities using library systems such as Alma, ILLiad, and related applications.
  • Check library materials in and out and maintain accurate circulation records.
  • Shelve, shift, organize, and reshelve books, serials, periodicals, and other research materials.
  • Process interlibrary loan requests and document delivery transactions.
  • Assist patrons in locating resources and answering basic research and reference inquiries.
  • Schedule researcher appointments and assist with patron access services.
  • Perform bibliographic searches to support acquisitions, collection maintenance, withdrawals, and inventory activities.
  • Create gift-in-hand records and assist with purchase requests for new library materials.
  • Receive, unpack, sort, and distribute library deliveries and shipments.
  • Assist with collection transfer, withdrawal, relocation, and large-scale shifting projects.
  • Identify materials requiring relabeling, rehousing, repair, or preservation treatment.
  • Maintain reference, circulation, and service statistics and prepare monthly activity reports.
  • Support library operations through equipment monitoring, supply management, and general administrative assistance.
  • Create scans and photocopies of collection materials in accordance with library procedures.
  • Communicate professionally with Smithsonian staff, researchers, and library patrons.

Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum one (1) year of experience working in a library, archives, museum library, academic library, research library, or similar information services environment.
  • Experience providing customer service in a professional setting.
  • Ability to organize, shelve, retrieve, and maintain physical library collections accurately.
  • Experience using library databases, integrated library systems, or other information management systems.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to lift, move, and shelve library materials and work within library stack environments.
  • Ability to work on-site in Washington, DC and at other Smithsonian library locations as assigned.
  • Ability to successfully pass a background investigation and obtain Smithsonian credentialing.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Library Science, History, Museum Studies, Information Science, Humanities, or a related field.
  • Two or more years of experience supporting academic, research, museum, or special libraries.
  • Experience with Alma, Horizon, ILLiad, OCLC, WorldCat, or other integrated library systems.
  • Experience processing interlibrary loan requests and document delivery services.
  • Experience supporting collection inventories, shelf reading, shifting, or collection moves.
  • Familiarity with library circulation and patron services workflows.
  • Experience working with rare books, special collections, museum collections, or archival materials.
  • Knowledge of library catalog records and bibliographic searching.
  • Experience creating usage statistics, reports, or service metrics.
  • Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and move library materials, boxes, and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds, and to transport materials throughout library and storage areas.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and stretch for extended periods while shelving, retrieving, organizing, inventorying, and shifting library collections.
  • Ability to work safely in library stack and storage environments, including climbing step stools or ladders, maneuvering book carts, and performing repetitive tasks requiring manual dexterity, visual acuity, and attention to detail.

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.
Salary Description
$ 20 - $25

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