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Rural Library Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

... rural areas. * Compensation: Competitive ProSal with no negative accrual * Sign-On Bonus and/or ... library, and a state‑of‑the‑art hospital providing outstanding healthcare. Outdoor ...

Rural Library information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$15

$28

How much do rural library jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for rural library in Illinois is $15.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.39 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rural library?

A rural library is a public library located in a small town or countryside area, serving residents who may have limited access to resources available in larger cities. These libraries provide essential services such as lending books, offering internet access, hosting community events, and supporting lifelong learning. They often act as community hubs, helping to bridge the digital divide and offering educational opportunities for all ages in rural communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rural librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rural Librarian, you need strong organizational skills, a knowledge of library science (often supported by a degree or certification), and experience in community engagement. Familiarity with library management systems, digital cataloging tools, and basic IT troubleshooting is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and outreach abilities help build relationships and serve diverse community needs. These skills ensure effective library operations, promote literacy, and foster a welcoming environment in resource-limited rural settings.

What unique challenges might I face working in a rural library, and how can I prepare for them?

Working in a rural library often means serving a close-knit community with limited resources. You may find yourself wearing many hats, from managing collections to organizing outreach programs and providing tech support. Adapting to a smaller team structure requires flexibility and creativity in problem-solving. Building strong relationships with patrons and collaborating with local organizations are key for success. Emphasizing community engagement and being proactive in seeking grants or partnerships can help you address resource limitations effectively.

What is the difference between Rural Library vs Public Library Assistant?

AspectRural LibraryPublic Library Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require library certificationHigh school diploma; library certification optional but preferred
Work EnvironmentSmall, community-focused library in rural areasPublic library setting, often in urban or suburban areas
Employer & Industry UsageLocal government or community organizations in rural regionsPublic library systems across cities and towns
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Rural Library and Public Library Assistant roles share similar credentials and work environments, but differ mainly in location and community focus. Rural Library staff typically serve smaller, rural communities, while Public Library Assistants work in larger, urban or suburban public libraries. Both roles involve assisting patrons, managing collections, and supporting library operations, but their scope and community engagement may vary based on setting.

What are popular job titles related to Rural Library jobs in Illinois?

For Rural Library jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Rural Library job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,718 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Assistant Director, Rural Careers

University of Chicago Library

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 625 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department

ESA Career Advancement Senior Leadership


About the Department

Career Advancement serves a student population of approximately 7,000 arts and sciences undergraduate students, in addition to alumni who have graduated within the last five years. Career Advancement plays a vital role in ensuring our students' success after graduation. Career Advancement offers innovative and comprehensive career development services focusing on pre-professional preparation, experiential education, and access to internship and full-time opportunities. Through career advising, programs, and comprehensive resources, Career Advancement supports undergraduate students and alumni as they develop the skills necessary to manage their career development while working with alumni and employers to provide students with meaningful opportunities. For more information, please visit the Career Advancement website at careeradvancement.uchicago.edu.


Job Summary

UChicago Career Advancement's programs build on the world-class UChicago liberal arts foundation to give students a competitive edge in their professional development and recruiting in a wide range of roles. As a new role funded by philanthropy, the person in this role will utilize previous industry expertise to prepare students for professional success through employer outreach, one-on-one advising and coaching, planning and executing programs and workshops, and supporting program administration including reporting and analytics. This role will support program management, including but not limited to employer outreach, event planning, tactical coordination, and student engagement. The position requires a passion for building new relationships, serving as a strategic thought partner, and representing the University with a commitment to excellence, customer service, and creative, problem-solving mindset. The ideal candidate will be an energetic, adaptable, solutions-oriented, and talented individual contributor with a record of success in complex, fast-paced environments where collaboration is critical to success.

Responsibilities

  • Serves as career adviser for a cohort of 1st - 4th year students in the undergraduate College. Engages in proactive communication and engagement to support career development and success in securing internships and full-timejobs.
  • Communicates frequently with students to share opportunities and help them stay on track for success. Proactively identifies opportunities to ensure students are prepared for and receive career development opportunities.
  • Manages and maintains efficient methods to track student data, quantify student engagement, and report on student outcomes both internally and with external STARS partner institutions. Tracks student progress in securing ajobor internship using Salesforce.
  • Leads identification of and conducts outreach to employers in both the public, private, and non-profit sectors for internships and full-time opportunities. Identifies and sourcesjoband internship opportunities across rural America that match student career interests.
  • Reaches out to employers and alumni to develop relationships and source opportunities for student across STARS partner institutions ranging from job shadowing and site visits to internships.
  • Creates and implements employer development plan in areas of opportunity; and sets employer strategy of retention using data, feedback, research and analysis, and relationship management.
  • Collaborates and liaises with STARS partner institution career teams to implement career exploration, profession development, internship, and job opportunities driving outcomes for rural students across institutions
  • Advises and counsels students concerning employment opportunities and careers by acting as a liaison between students and prospective employers.
  • Supports drafting strategic communications for high level donors, University leadership, and employer partners.
  • Provides support as necessary for data management and analytics, correspondence, and reporting to senior leadership and other constituents.
  • Manages and administers Treks and Career Exploration Week visits to domestic and international business centers, virtual or on-site, as relevant. This includes, but is not limited to, connecting with firms and alumni, and developing the visit schedule and logistics.
  • Advises and counsels students concerning employment opportunities and careers by acting as a liaison between students and prospective employers.
  • Conducts mock interviews, reviews resumes and cover letters, and coordinates other interview related programming in both individual and group settings.
  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

  • Background working with college-aged students and/or new recent college graduates.
  • Developing and managing an internship program.
  • Professional experience working in a corporate or financial services firm.
  • Background working across teams to drive outcomes quickly and efficiently.
  • Expertise in program development, or a related area.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

  • Intermediate skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Utilize Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or other digital platform for meetings and events.
  • Expertise in counseling, program development, or a related area.
  • Knowledge of career development theory and strong coaching or counseling skills.

Preferred Competencies

  • Outcomes-driven and action-oriented attitude.
  • Multitask, meet deadlines, and work successfully and positively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Adaptable and able to shift priorities, as needed, to ensure student outcomes and manage leadership priorities.
  • Self-starter who works proactively to solve complex problems.
  • Deep commitment to customer service, strong interpersonal skills and a high level of professionalism when interacting with internal and external clients.
  • Strong coaching or counseling skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills; strong interpersonal, quantitative, and networking skills.
  • Develop and deliver presentations; communicate to large groups as well as one-on-one with students, senior management, faculty, and alumni.
  • Develop strong relationships with a wide variety of constituents, including employers and external partners like alumni and parents, students, faculty, staff, and senior leadership.
  • Problem-solving and reasoning, critical thinking and decision-making skills.
  • Exemplary organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Handle sensitive matters with tact and discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Working Conditions

  • Work evening hours and weekends on an occasional basis.
  • Travel, generally two or three times per year.

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter/Statement of Interest (required)
  • Three Professional References Contact Information (required)
  • NOTE: When applying please include this information as three separate documents.


The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family

Student Affairs & Services


Role Impact

Individual Contributor


Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Pay Rate Type

Salary


FLSA Status

Exempt


Pay Range

$72,250.00 - $93,500.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.


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