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How much do library jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 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.

Can you get hired at a library with no experience?

Library positions such as library assistants or clerks often do not require prior experience and may provide on-the-job training. Having good organizational skills, customer service abilities, and familiarity with library systems can improve chances of hiring, even without previous experience. Entry-level roles typically focus on supporting library operations and customer needs.

Is it hard to get hired as a librarian?

Getting hired as a librarian typically requires a master's degree in library science or information studies and relevant experience. Competition can vary depending on the location and type of library, but strong organizational skills and familiarity with library management systems improve job prospects.

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 kind of jobs do libraries offer?

Libraries offer a variety of jobs including librarian, library assistant, archivist, cataloger, and technical services staff. These roles often require skills in organization, customer service, and familiarity with library management systems or cataloging tools. Positions may be full-time, part-time, or seasonal, and some roles require relevant certifications or degrees in library science.

Can you work at a library without being a librarian?

Yes, many library jobs do not require a librarian certification and include roles such as library assistants, clerks, or technicians. These positions often involve tasks like shelving, checking out materials, and helping patrons, and may require customer service skills and familiarity with library systems. Certification is typically not necessary unless applying for professional librarian roles with specific qualifications.

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 jobs can you work at a library?

Jobs at a library include librarian, library assistant, library technician, archivist, and library clerk. These roles involve tasks such as managing collections, assisting patrons, cataloging materials, and maintaining library operations, often requiring relevant education or certifications. Staff typically work during library hours and use tools like library management software.

Is librarian a low stress job?

Librarians typically experience moderate stress levels, as their work involves managing collections, assisting patrons, and maintaining organization. Factors such as workload, library size, and public interaction can influence stress, but the job generally offers a calm environment with regular hours. Certification and strong organizational skills are often required for success in this role.

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
Cataloging Librarian

Cataloging Librarian

Library Systems & Services LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a Cataloger to support a major federal cultural institution in the Washington, D.C. area providing original and complex cataloging for artists' books and related materials. This position will focus on the cataloging, metadata creation, and physical processing of unique and rare artists' books within one of the nation's premier art research collections. The position requires detailed bibliographic analysis, application of RDA cataloging standards, assignment of Library of Congress classification (LCC) and subject headings (LCSH), creation of item records, and physical processing of collection materials. The Cataloger will also assist with rehousing and preservation-oriented processing activities for unique and editioned artists' books. This is a full-time, on-site position in downtown Washington, DC.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Retrieve artists' books from secure storage and return materials to designated storage locations after processing.
  • Perform original and complex copy cataloging of artists' books using OCLC and the library services platform.
  • Create full-level bibliographic records in accordance with RDA and local practices.
  • Research artists, publishers, formats, and publication history to verify and enhance cataloging data.
  • Assign Library of Congress Classification (LCC) numbers and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH).
  • Apply genre and form headings and other specialized metadata appropriate for artists' books.
  • Update OCLC holdings and export/import bibliographic records into local systems.
  • Create and maintain item-level records in the local ILS
  • Generate call number labels, barcodes, acid-free tags, and other processing documentation.
  • Rehouse artists' books and related ephemeral materials in archival enclosures and identify materials requiring custom housing.
  • Participate in cataloging discussions and coordinate with Smithsonian staff regarding cataloging practices and standards.
  • Prepare monthly progress reports documenting completed cataloging and processing activities.
  • Handle rare, unique, and special-format materials using appropriate preservation and collections care practices.

Requirements
  • Demonstrated experience using library cataloging platforms, including OCLC Connexion and library services platforms (LSPs).
  • Ability to perform original and copy cataloging at the full bibliographic level in accordance with professional cataloging standards.
  • Experience creating bibliographic records using RDA standards and applying Library of Congress Classification (LCC) and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH).
  • Ability to work on-site in Washington, DC during normal business hours.
  • Ability to successfully complete any required Smithsonian background investigation and credentialing requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution.
  • Two or more years of professional cataloging experience in academic, museum, research, special, or art libraries.
  • Experience cataloging artists' books, rare books, special collections, museum collections, visual resources, or other unique formats.
  • Knowledge of MARC21 bibliographic and authority formats.
  • Familiarity with PCC, NACO, LC-PCC Policy Statements, Getty AAT, and genre/form vocabularies.
  • Experience with Alma, Horizon, or other integrated library systems.
  • Experience performing authority work and metadata enhancement.
  • Knowledge of book arts, printmaking, photography, artist publications, visual arts, or museum collections.
  • Experience handling rare, fragile, archival, or special-format materials.
  • Strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and productivity.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to retrieve, transport, and shelve library materials, including lifting and carrying books, archival boxes, and collection materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move throughout library storage and processing areas for extended periods while handling, rehousing, and processing collection materials.
  • Ability to perform repetitive hand and finger movements, including keyboarding, data entry, labeling, scanning, and handling rare or fragile materials with appropriate care and precision.

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.

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