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Part Time Library Assistant Jobs in Iowa City, IA

Part Time Library Assistant information

See Iowa City, IA salary details

$8

$18

$26

How much do part time library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time library assistant in Iowa City, IA is $18.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a part time library assistant?

Part Time Library Assistants are support staff who work in libraries on a part-time basis, assisting with daily operations such as checking books in and out, shelving materials, helping patrons locate resources, and maintaining library organization. They may also answer basic reference questions, assist with library programs or events, and help keep records updated. This role typically requires strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and basic computer proficiency. Schedules are usually flexible, making this position ideal for students or those seeking supplemental income.

What does a part time library assistant do?

A part-time library assistant provides support to the librarian and other staff members of a library. In this career, your responsibilities typically include administrative duties, such as shelving books, assisting with patron checkout, and maintaining the circulation desk area. It is often a public-facing position where you help a customer find the information they need. The scope of these jobs varies with the type of facility. There are many specialty libraries in addition to the familiar public institution, such as government, post-secondary college, and medical and law school libraries. Evening and weekend hours are commonplace, but you do not typically work on public holidays.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time library assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Part Time Library Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and preferably a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library management systems, cataloging software, and basic office equipment is commonly required. Excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork abilities help you assist patrons and support library staff effectively. These skills ensure efficient library operations and a positive experience for all library users.

What are the most common challenges faced by part time library assistants, and how can they be managed?

Part-time library assistants often juggle a wide range of tasks, such as assisting patrons, shelving materials, and supporting library programs, sometimes within short shifts. One common challenge is effectively prioritizing and completing tasks during busy periods, especially when the library sees high foot traffic. Developing strong time management skills and maintaining clear communication with team members and supervisors can help manage these challenges. Additionally, staying adaptable and open to learning new library systems or procedures ensures a smoother workflow and positive patron experiences.

Can you be a part time library assistant with no experience?

Part time library assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as training is typically provided on the job. Employers may look for basic skills such as good communication, organization, and a willingness to learn, making it possible for individuals without experience to qualify. However, some libraries may prefer candidates with customer service or clerical experience.

Is there demand for part time library assistants?

Part time library assistants are in steady demand due to ongoing need for library services in communities and educational institutions. These roles often require customer service skills and familiarity with library management systems, making them a consistent employment option for those seeking flexible work schedules.

What qualifications do you need for a part time library assistant?

A part-time library assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent. Strong organizational skills, good communication, and familiarity with library systems or computer skills are often preferred; some positions may require prior customer service experience.

What are popular job titles related to Part Time Library Assistant jobs in Iowa City, IA?

For Part Time Library Assistant jobs in Iowa City, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Part Time Library Assistant jobs in Iowa City, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Part Time Library Assistant jobs in Iowa City, IA are:

What cities near Iowa City, IA are hiring for Part Time Library Assistant jobs?

Cities near Iowa City, IA with the most Part Time Library Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Part Time Library Assistant job openings in Iowa City, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,023 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Library Technician - Circulation Clerk

Muscatine, IA • On-site

City of Muscatine
Public Administration • 201 - 500 employees

$19.77 - $23.72/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

The Musser Public Library is hiring a Library Technician - Circulation Clerk. The Circulation Clerk performs general and specific library circulation functions, provides direct service to patrons, and handles clerical tasks. Patron service is paramount and situational awareness is the key to continued success in this position. As a Library employee this individual is an ambassador of the City of Muscatine and needs to exemplify superior patron service in an often fast-paced, highly variable environment. This position's schedule is 20 hours per week, which includes some evenings and weekend shifts. It reports to the Circulation Supervisor. This is an excellent part-time (20 hours per week) starting at $19.77/hour with some benefits including IPERS, vacation and sick leave, and holiday pay.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide exceptional service to patrons and assist them in the use of library facilities and equipment
  • Check out books and other library materials to patrons
  • Receive returned books and other library materials from patrons and ensure timely handling of materials so they are available for public access
  • Shelve and organize library materials onto proper carts
  • Issue and renew library cards
  • Process holds, including delivery, picklist, and holds shelf returns
  • Accept fees for lost and damaged materials
  • Inspect returned materials for damage and submit to technical services for repair as needed
  • Assist in resolving patron disputes in the absence of a supervisor
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • High school graduate or equivalent and one year of experience in customer service, or any equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Knowledge of current library practices
  • Knowledge of personal computers and related hardware, email, the Internet, office software, document imaging, etc., and other standard office equipment
  • Skill in checking information for accuracy and completeness and correcting errors
  • Skill in organizing and prioritizing multiple responsibilities within an assigned framework
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, patrons, and the public
  • Ability to learn computer programs or software and use them effectively to perform duties
  • Ability to handle high volumes of work
  • Ability to work with patrons in a friendly and tactful manner
  • Ability to excel as a productive and positive team member
  • Ability to communicate orally and effectively with patrons and other library staff in English, in person or on the phone
  • Sufficient physical ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods; to reach with arms and hands; to occasionally climb or balance; and to occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
  • Sufficient physical ability to engage in extended periods of repetitive use of hands and fingers
  • Sufficient physical ability to push or pull a full book cart and lift up to 25 pounds


Hiring Process
For civil service positions, applications are screened for minimum qualifications. Applicants meeting the criteria will be invited to participate in the civil service testing process.

For non-civil service positions, the hiring process is established in a manner appropriate for the position. It is the City’s goal to successfully match the right candidates for the right positions.

It is the policy of the City of Muscatine not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, religion, or disability. The City is an EQUAL. OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER, and recognizes the requirements of THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. The City of Muscatine has also made a strong commitment to employees and the public to provide a safe and drug-free work environment through the implementation of a DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAM.

The CITY OF MUSCATINE has, and will continue to make, a reasonable commitment toward achieving the spirit and intent of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibit discrimination against the handicapped/disabled.