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Student Library Assistant Jobs in Olympia, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Student Library Assistant information

See Olympia, WA salary details

$7

$17

$26

How much do student library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for student library assistant in Olympia, WA is $17.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a student library assistant?

Student Library Assistants are students who work in campus libraries to support day-to-day library operations. They typically help with tasks such as checking out and shelving books, assisting patrons in finding materials, managing study spaces, and performing basic administrative duties. This role offers students an opportunity to gain work experience, improve organizational skills, and contribute to the campus community. The position often requires good communication skills, attention to detail, and reliability.

What are the common responsibilities of a student library assistant?

Student Library Assistants are usually responsible for tasks such as shelving books, checking materials in and out, assisting patrons with locating resources, and maintaining a quiet, organized environment. They may also help with processing new materials, setting up displays, or supporting library events. The role provides valuable customer service experience and often involves collaborating with librarians and other student staff, making teamwork and communication skills important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a student library assistant?

To thrive as a Student Library Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic computer literacy, often complemented by enrollment in a college or university. Familiarity with library catalog systems, circulation software, and office productivity tools is typically necessary. Excellent customer service, communication, and time management skills help build rapport with patrons and manage multiple tasks efficiently. These competencies ensure smooth library operations, positive user experiences, and effective support for library staff and visitors.

What is the difference between Student Library Assistant vs Library Clerk?

AspectStudent Library AssistantLibrary Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing student statusHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentSchool or university libraries, part-timePublic or academic libraries, full-time or part-time
Employer & IndustryEducational institutionsPublic, academic, or special libraries
Common Search IntentEntry-level library support roles for studentsSupport staff in library operations

The main difference between a Student Library Assistant and a Library Clerk lies in their typical work environment and employment status. Student Library Assistants are usually students working part-time in school or university libraries, while Library Clerks are employed in various library settings, often with more formal responsibilities. Both roles require similar basic credentials, but their job scope and employer types differ.

How to become a student library assistant?

To become a student library assistant, you typically need to be a current student with good organizational and communication skills. Applications often involve submitting a resume and sometimes an interview; some positions may require a minimum age or academic standing. Prior experience with library systems or customer service can be helpful but is not always necessary.

What degree do I need to be a student library assistant?

A student library assistant typically does not need a specific degree but should be enrolled in a high school or college program. Relevant skills include organization, communication, and familiarity with library systems or tools, and some positions may require a minimum age or work permit.

What qualifications do you need for a student library assistant?

A student library assistant typically needs to be a current student with good organizational and communication skills. Some positions may require basic computer skills and a responsible attitude, but formal qualifications are usually minimal or not required. Availability to work flexible hours is also often preferred.

What are popular job titles related to Student Library Assistant jobs in Olympia, WA?

For Student Library Assistant jobs in Olympia, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Student Library Assistant jobs in Olympia, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Student Library Assistant jobs in Olympia, WA are:

What cities near Olympia, WA are hiring for Student Library Assistant jobs?

Cities near Olympia, WA with the most Student Library Assistant job openings:

Student Library Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Student Library Assistant job openings in Olympia, WA 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 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,956 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Assistant Librarian or Senior Assistant Librarian - Nursing and Healthcare Leadership Librarian

University of Washington

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$6.7K - $7.3K/mo

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

University Of Washington School Of Medicine rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Libraries at the University of Washington invites applications for a librarian position at the rank of Assistant Librarian or Senior Assistant Librarian with an anticipated start date of October 2026. We seek applicants who demonstrate commitment to excellence in teaching and service in a diverse and inclusive academic community. The successful candidate will join the libraries on a full-time basis beginning this Fall quarter. UW librarians have an annual service period of 12 months (July 1-June 30).
The base salary range for this position will be $6,150-$6,250 per month (at the rank of Assistant Librarian), and $6,710-$7,360 per month (at the rank of Senior Assistant Librarian), commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Other compensation associated with this position may include a moving allowance.
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON AND THE UW LIBRARIES
The UW is ranked the No. 1 most innovative public university in the world by Reuters, which examines scholarly articles and patent applications. For more information, please visit the UW homepage. Serving all three UW campuses, the Libraries is an integral partner in the education, research, clinical care, and service mission of the University. Beyond the strength of its extensive collections and digital resources, the Libraries is recognized for its excellent programs and services, innovative learning and research spaces, faculty partnerships, global reach, assessment efforts and diverse award-winning staff. Learn more about the UW Libraries online.
UW TACOMA LIBRARY
The UW Tacoma Library engages in the full spectrum of scholarly and teaching activities for the University of Washington Tacoma campus. As such, the UW Tacoma Library plays an essential role in the learning, teaching, research, and community partnership work of the University through access, collections, consultations, digital scholarship support, events, instruction, reference, service, and technology. UW Tacoma librarians work in a matrixed model in which all librarians carry responsibility for a single area of library work, but also contribute to all areas of library. The UW Tacoma Library aspires to be a catalyst for UW Tacoma, with agile and innovative approaches to meeting the changing needs of our students, faculty, and community.
UW TACOMA
One of three campuses of the University of Washington, UW Tacoma is an urban-serving university that shares the University of Washington's commitment to high quality teaching and research and is committed to participating in the educational, cultural, and economic development of the South Puget Sound. Located largely in renovated historical buildings in Tacoma's downtown warehouse district, UW Tacoma serves students from diverse racial/ethnic and cultural populations. UW Tacoma's commitment to equity and inclusion is central to maintaining an atmosphere wherein students, staff, faculty, and residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth. UW Tacoma has a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and teaching. Our campus provides a unique environment for the development of creative teaching, research and community collaborations. Read more about UW Tacoma.
RESEARCH AND LEARNING SERVICES
Research and Learning Services provides the UW Tacoma community with research help services, library instruction, and support for data, digital scholarship, open educational resources, and online teaching support.
THE POSITION
Under the general supervision of the Head of Research and Learning Services of the Tacoma Library, this position provides research support and instruction for the School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership. This position additionally works under the guidance of library department heads to provide reference, research services, and support collection development and management activities. This position may also participate in programming, communication, outreach, and other relevant activities. The successful candidate will have the ability to thrive in a future-oriented Libraries environment and to respond effectively to changing needs and priorities.
This position is not tenure eligible. This position is represented by SEIU 925 - Libraries. Please see the SEIU 925 UW Libraries 2026-2029 CBA for the Librarian promotion process.
This position is eligible for hybrid work (on campus and remote).
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
  • Serves as the subject librarian for the UW Tacoma School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership, performing regular instruction, reference, and outreach services.
  • Engages in the full range of reference and instruction services to University of Washington Tacoma students, faculty and staff. Plans, delivers, and assesses research support and instruction for diverse students, faculty, and staff whose primary areas of study, teaching, and research fall within the librarian's academic subject and program responsibilities.
  • Develops and conducts in-class, hybrid, and online workshops, orientations, and instruction sessions, and supports teaching resources in a variety of subject areas.
  • Supports research data management and data literacy in collaboration with librarians and staff at UW Tacoma and across the UW Libraries.
  • Supports emerging uses of AI in research and teaching by providing guidance on tools, evaluation of outputs, and responsible use in collaboration with librarians and staff at UW Tacoma and across the UW Libraries.
  • Develops and continues agile outreach and programming for students on campus through inter-and intra-departmental collaboration, such as the Graduate School, Husky Post Prison Pathways, or other relevant partners.
  • Collaborates with faculty and librarians around collection development and management and selects materials for nursing and healthcare leadership.
  • Creates and/or coordinates external communication via blog, listservs, and social media.
  • Assumes responsibilities as assigned; performs other duties as required.
RANK
Position will be at rank of Assistant, or Senior Assistant Librarian, depending on qualifications and background. See the Rank, Status, Initial Appointments, Renewal of Appointments and Promotions of UW Libraries Librarians article in the SEIU 925 UW Libraries 2026-2029 CBA for librarian rank appointment criteria.
BENEFITS
Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the UW Retirement Plan (UWRP) or the state's Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) Plan 3. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment. Vacation is accrued at the rate of 26 working days per year; sick leave at the rate of 12 working days per year. No state or local income tax. A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found on our Benefits page. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.
ANTICIPATED START DATE
While we hope to fill the position in Fall quarter 2026, we are happy to work with the successful candidate to explore opportunities for an earlier or later start date.
Qualifications
Required
  • Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information studies degree.
  • Experience with reference or information literacy instruction, and a commitment to a student-centered teaching philosophy.
Preferred
  • Experience working in academic libraries.
  • Familiarity with health science resources and services.
  • Experience working with a diverse student body, including graduate students.

Application Instructions
Applications received by 8:59 PDT/11:59 EDT p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, will receive priority review. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling weekly basis at the discretion of the unit.
The following documents are required as part of your application for this vacancy:
  • Cover letter (addressed to Laura Lillard, Director, Libraries Human Resources)
  • Curriculum vitae or resume (include a telephone number, mailing address, email address and salary requirements)
  • List of three references who are knowledgeable of your qualifications for this position, one of which must be your current supervisor (include telephone numbers, mailing addresses, and email addresses, and specify current supervisor)

For questions about this position, or questions regarding potential disability accommodations, please contact Laura Lillard at libjobs@uw.edu.

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