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Library Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Library Director and Library Managers FLSA STATUS : Non-exempt- non-benefiteligible RATE RANGE: $24.77 to $29.58 per hour in seven steps GRADE: Grade 2 WORK SCHEDULE: Variable hours, may include some ...

The Library Service Staff plays a key role in supporting learning, personal development, and legal access by maintaining an organized library system and assisting individuals in effectively utilizing ...

Library Media Specialist

Weston, MA · On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

Library Media Specialist (1.0 FTE) LOCATION: Weston Middle School Job Goal: To develop a culture of literacy through text and various media tools by maximizing the purpose and use of the library ...

The Library Service Staff plays a key role in supporting learning, personal development, and legal access by maintaining an organized library system and assisting individuals in effectively utilizing ...

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Library information

See Boston, MA salary details

$9

$17

$31

How much do library jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 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.

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 cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Library jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Library job openings:
Infographic showing various Library job openings in Boston, MA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,560 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Library Assistant Youth Services

Library Assistant Youth Services

City of Newton

Newton Center, MA

$19.59/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Job Description

Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor of Youth Services, Assistant Supervisor or Librarian, the Part Time Library Assistant is responsible for providing exemplary customer service at designated Youth Services service points and throughout the Library, as well as over the phone and by electronic means. This person may suggest patron reading materials, perform item retrieval tasks, patron and item data entry and plan and run programs.
Hours of Work: 12 hours weekly to be determined by Supervisor based on Library needs, typically covering mornings, evenings and some weekends.

▪Provides assistance to library patrons, focusing on children, tweens, teens and their adult caregivers, at Youth Services service points and by phone. Helps library users locate desired information and resources and makes them available as soon as possible. Suggests patron reading materials.
▪Utilizes Library's computer systems and related technology to process library returns, checkouts, renewals, reserves, registrations and collect fines and fees. Sorts returned items for shelving and may shelve items. Processes returns and requests incoming and outgoing from network libraries.

▪ Assists patrons with museum pass information, event and study room registration and related library services.
▪Processes reserve and inter-library loan requests from patrons or other libraries; places requests in the database; receives materials from delivery and packages them for delivery. Notifies patrons of item availability.
▪Follows and adheres to department, City and other government rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
▪Assists library users in the use of library computers and other equipment and technology. Is familiar with the standard operation of all technology and equipment in service with the public in their assigned areas and can perform first pass troubleshooting of that equipment. Promptly uses established protocols to inform IT support staff of problems that do not respond to initial troubleshooting.
▪ May develop and conduct public programs and help to promote library services.
▪May attend and participate in Department and other meetings and special events.
▪Performs other duties as required.

Company Description

THE CITY:
The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst – Mount Ida Campus. The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S.
OUR GOVERNMENT:
Newton has what is known as a “strong Mayor” form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Marc C. Laredo was sworn in on January 1, 2026 after serving on the City Council. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody’s Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.
AS AN EMPLOYER:

The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset. To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities. We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings. We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees. And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing hr@newtonma.gov.

Human Resources Diversity Statement

We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton’s diverse community. We will:

  • Actively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce.
  • Proactively address discrimination through education and in partnership with other departments and leaders.
  • Serve as a role model to celebrate and nurture diversity.
  • Foster inclusion by staying curious and clarifying assumptions.
  • Evaluate and develop policies and practices that reflect the diverse nature of our workforce.
  • Build and strengthen accountability at all levels to support diversity efforts.

The targeted salary range reflects what the City of Newton reasonably and in good faith expects to offer for this position at the time of posting, but the final salary determination may be within or outside this range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and market factors. The range will be reviewed regularly and is subject to change.

Benefits

This is a non-benefited position