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Library Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Berklee

Performance Library Student Assistant

Boston, MA · On-site

$17.51/hr

The Performance Library Assistant is a member of the Instrumental Studies department at the Conservatory. They work on a team under the direction of the staff Performance Librarian with additional ...

Medford Public Schools

Library Teacher

Medford, MA · On-site

School Librarian The Medford Public School Librarian, in collaboration with a districtwide team of library and digital learning staff, is responsible for delivering library curriculum, services and ...

Medford Public Schools

Library Teacher

Medford, MA

School Librarian The Medford Public School Librarian, in collaboration with a districtwide team of library and digital learning staff, is responsible for delivering library curriculum, services and ...

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All JobsLibrary JobsLibrary Jobs in Boston, MA

Library information

See Boston, MA salary details

$9

$17

$31

How much do library jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for library in Boston, MA is $17.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $19.09 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 Boston, MA? The most popular types of Library jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Library jobs in Boston, MA? For Library jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Library jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Library jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Library job openings:
Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,558 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Library Planner | Programmer | Architect

Library Planner | Programmer | Architect

Perkins Eastman

Boston, MA • On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Life at PE:
Perkins Eastman is a global architectural design practice with expertise in all aspects of the built environment, working at all scales, and at every level of detail. With studios in 26 locations worldwide, we design for people, to leave a lasting and positive impact on the human experience and the world we inhabit. This is captured in our ethos "human by design".
We believe design is a collaborative art and we are structured as an integrated practice of passionate professionals committed to delivering the best design for our clients. Our team of diverse and complementary talents work together in studios, that can draw from relevant expertise and points of view from across the whole practice to analyze and solve the specific design challenges they are working on. Within the firm we have 18 practice areas, cores of expertise, that focus as centers of knowledge and analysis, that are both an essential foundation and fuel for the creative design work. Sustainability is intrinsic to our design approach. It is an essential ingredient for the design teams throughout the process, adding valuable insights, ideas, and research to the process. For us all good design is sustainable.
The Opportunity:
Perkins Eastman is seeking a Library Specialist to join our Firmwide College and University and Civic & Cultural practices. This role will lead the development of forward-looking library strategies, programs, and space plans for academic and public institutions across the country.
The Library Specialist will work at the intersection of research, planning, and design, partnering with librarians, institutional leadership, and project teams to translate evolving models of learning, research, and community into clear programmatic frameworks and spatial solutions.
Position will be located in one of the established Perkins Eastman studios. Ability to travel is required in order to have in person meetings with academic and public institutions at their places of business.
Primary Responsibilities:
Planning, Programming & Strategy
  • Lead library programming and planning efforts including space programs and planning concepts.
  • Facilitate stakeholder workshops and visioning sessions.
  • Translate emerging themes in libraries into actionable planning strategies.
  • Develop data-informed recommendations including benchmarking and utilization analysis.

Design Integration
  • Collaborate with design teams to carry planning into design.
  • Support early design phases with program validation and scenario testing.

Thought Leadership & Industry Engagement
  • Participate in ALA, ACRL, and related organizations.
  • Track emerging themes in libraries.
  • Present at conferences and contribute thought leadership.

Business Development
  • Identify opportunities and support pursuits.
  • Build and maintain client relationships.
  • Help grow the library typology within the Firm.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, or related field.
  • 7-15 years of experience in library planning or design.
  • Experience leading programming and stakeholder engagement.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Active involvement in professional library organizations preferred.

What we offer you:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
  • 401k Options
  • PTO
  • Company Paid Holidays
  • Life Insurance
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits
  • Professional Development
  • Competitive salary

PE has a hybrid policy that allows flexibility for our employees in managing their working days and hours to cater to their diverse needs.
We are hiring one individual in one of the following locations: Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, or Washington, DC.
Compensation may vary based on the job level and your geographical work location.
Salary Range: $110k to $140k
Perkins Eastman is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and a participant in the U.S. Federal E-Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

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