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Penn Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to ... AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS The Penn State Hazleton campus library is seeking applicants for a ...

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to ... AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS The Penn State Hazleton campus library is seeking applicants for a ...

Library Assistant

Lansdowne, PA · On-site

$15.75/hr

Penn Wood High School Bargaining Unit: William Penn Educational Support Personnel Association - 10 months Effective Date: Immediately Position Summary The ideal candidate will support the District ...

The Director serves as Penn Libraries' primary representative for facilities planning and capital project development, leading projects from concept and programming through design, construction ...

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to ... Lilley Library at Penn State Behrend is seeking applicants for student library assistant positions ...

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Penn Library information

See salary details

$28.5K

$73K

$124K

How much do penn library jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for penn library in the United States is $72,983.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $85,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Penn Library jobs?

Penn Library jobs refer to a variety of employment opportunities available within the University of Pennsylvania's library system. These positions can include roles such as librarians, library assistants, archivists, IT specialists, and student workers. Employees help support library operations, assist patrons, manage collections, and contribute to academic research and learning. Working at Penn Libraries offers a chance to be part of a diverse, collaborative, and intellectually stimulating environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Penn Library staff member?

To thrive as a Penn Library staff member, you generally need a background in library science or a related field, strong research abilities, and excellent organizational skills. Familiarity with library management systems, digital archives, and cataloging tools like Alma or WorldCat is typically required. Outstanding customer service, attention to detail, and effective communication help staff support patrons and collaborate with colleagues. These skills ensure efficient library operations, accurate resource management, and a positive user experience for students and faculty.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working at the Penn Library, and how can they be addressed?

Staff at the Penn Library often navigate challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving digital resources, balancing multiple user needs, and managing large-scale research inquiries. To address these, team members are encouraged to participate in ongoing professional development, collaborate closely with colleagues across departments, and utilize robust internal support systems. Embracing new technologies and maintaining open communication with patrons and fellow staff help create a responsive and supportive work environment.

What is the difference between Penn Library vs Penn Librarian?

AspectPenn LibraryPenn Librarian
RoleInstitutional library facility providing access to resources and servicesProfessional responsible for managing library collections, assisting patrons, and organizing information
Required CredentialsTypically a master's degree in library science (MLS or MLIS)Master's degree in library science or related field
Work EnvironmentPublic or academic library settingLibrary, educational, or research institution
Employer & IndustryUniversities, public libraries, research institutionsLibraries, educational institutions, archives

In summary, Penn Library refers to the physical or organizational library facility, while a Penn Librarian is a professional who manages and provides services within that library. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in related environments, but their functions differ: one is the institution, the other is the professional staff.

More about Penn Library jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Penn Library jobs?

The most popular types of Penn Library jobs are:

What states have the most Penn Library jobs?

States with the most job openings for Penn Library jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Penn Library jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Penn Library jobs are:

Infographic showing various Penn Library job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,983 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Libraries Specialist, Thun Library, Berks campus

Penn State University

Reading, PA • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Thun Library at Penn State Berks is looking for a Libraries Specialist to assist library patrons with advanced requests, serve as a resource for other part-time library employees, and navigate service interruptions. Applicants must commit to working 15 hours per week (during open library hours), including evenings and weekends, with core hours changing during breaks and summer to align with the academic year. This position is ideal for non-students, students with experience supervising or working independently in a customer service setting, and current Student Library Assistants. All are encouraged to apply. No prior library experience is required; library training will be provided.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Welcome students, staff, faculty, and community members to the library

  • Check out/in books, equipment, and other library materials

  • Confirm study room reservations

  • Provide guidance on user accounts and library services

  • Follow library operation processes and procedures

  • May oversee library operations during opening or closing

  • Assist Student Library Assistants (SLAs) with service questions and override permissions

  • Address building concerns including, but not limited to, disruptive patron behavior or maintenance issues

  • Assist others with technology, referring to PSU IT when necessary

  • Answer general questions about the library and the Penn State Berks campus

  • Assist users and colleagues with advanced requests and support services

  • Refer in-depth questions to the library team and/or appropriate departments

  • Retrieve and shelve materials correctly in a 68,000+ item collection

  • Inform the library team of service concerns or suggestions

Looking for these qualifications:
  • Customer service experience
  • Non-students, students with experience supervising or working independently in a customer service setting, and current Student Library Assistants

  • Ability to clearly communicate through face-to-face and written communication

  • All members of the University Libraries community are responsible for, and expected to, exemplify and promote civility by following the University Libraries Civility Statement and Guidelines.

What We Can Offer:
  • A supportive team to assist, train, and mentor you

  • Reasonable accommodations

  • Opportunities to work with Thun team members on special projects

  • A starting rate of $15.00 per hour

To apply for this position, please submit:
  • Cover letter explaining why this opportunity is an ideal position for you

  • Resume

  • Morning, evening, and weekend availability during open hours (M-F 8:30am - 9pm and Sunday 2pm - 6pm)

Applications will be reviewed beginning August 3, and interviews will be conducted through the end of September. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Millar, Library Services Manager, at muf107@psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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