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Library Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

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See Columbus, MS salary details

$8

$15

$28

How much do library jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for library in Columbus, MS is $15.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.49 and $17.16 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 Columbus, MS? The most popular types of Library jobs in Columbus, MS are:
What cities near Columbus, MS are hiring for Library jobs? Cities near Columbus, MS with the most Library job openings:
Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library job openings in Columbus, MS as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,985 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
Archives Specialist

Archives Specialist

Mississippi University for Women

Columbus, MS

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Position Information

Click here to view Salary Grade

Position Title Archives Specialist Unit Name General Libraries Salary Grade 5 Number of Months 12 months Full-time or Part-time Full-Time Hours per week 40 Proposed Annual Salary, Hourly Rate or One-time payment Essential Duties
  • Assist the Archives and Special Collections Librarian with the oversight of day-to-day operations.
  • Assist the Archivist and Special Collections Librarian with implementation of project planning.
  • Arrange and describe archival materials in accordance with professional standards, best practices, and departmental policies.
  • Supervise and train student workers.
  • Create, update, and maintain archival description and finding aids on ArchivesSpace.
  • Retrieve and store materials from the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS).
  • Assist with ongoing digital and print-based processing and preservation projects.
  • Troubleshoot software and hardware issues in the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS).
  • Help with the conservation and preservation of archival materials in the Martha Jo Mims Digitization and Conservation Lab.
  • Staffs the library front desk each week.
  • Work with the Exhibits Committee to develop and mount new exhibits.
  • Provide reference services by answering questions regarding collections and finding aids.
  • Supervise the Martha Jo Mims Digitization and Conservation Lab.
  • Support emergency management related to conservation and preservation, i.e. mold and water damage.
  • Perform other reasonable duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Master's degree in Archives, Archives Management, Library Science or equivalent preferred
  • Requires more than one year of experience working in archives, three years preferred
  • Experience using ArchivesSpace and digitizing records preferred

Other Skills, Abilities and Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of archival theory
  • Adaptability and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work in a collaborative environment
  • Customer service skills
  • Excellent analytical and communication skills
  • Adept at multi-tasking and appropriately prioritizing information
  • Able to work independently
  • Excellent research skills required
  • Excellent computer skills required
  • Competency in Word, Excel, email and Internet searching required
  • Ability to troubleshoot computer hardware issues required

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms and occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is regularly required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
The work environment is a moderate noise level and will regularly require the employee to work near moving mechanical parts. The employee will occasionally work around fumes or airborne particles and in outdoor weather conditions.
Job Description Summary
Supporting Fant Memorial Library's Beulah Culbertson Archives & Special Collections Department, this position works to preserve and provide access to materials in the archives' collection. Employing archival theory, this position is responsible for processing, arranging, describing, and preserving archival records and making them available to researchers virtually and in-person. Works closely with the archivist to oversee day-to-day operations of the archives.
Hours of Availability
Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
Background Check Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. However, failure to disclose may disqualify a candidate.
Requisition Detail Information
Requisition Number FY20764NF Open Date 06/29/2026 Will this job have a specific close date? No Close Date Special Instructions to Applicants
Any combination of professional experience, volunteer work, coursework, and other transferable skills may be applied toward the required and desired qualifications listed below. Please direct any questions to Sarah Parrish at separrish@muw.edu.

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