1

Substitute Library Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substitute Library Assistant Hourly Wage: $16.94 General Statement of Duties : A position performing customer service in all circulation related tasks, ranging from simple clerical tasks to providing ...

Substitute Library Assistant Hourly Wage: $16.94 General Statement of Duties : A position performing customer service in all circulation related tasks, ranging from simple clerical tasks to providing ...

A Substitute Librarian may be required to supervise a small staff of clerical and paraprofessional ... library. Assist patrons using electronic library services, such as CD-ROM, library catalog, or ...

Substitute Librarian

Livonia, MI · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

A Substitute Librarian may be required to supervise a small staff of clerical and paraprofessional ... General reference desk duties. * Assist patrons in the use of the library. * Assist patrons using ...

LIBRARY ASSISTANT MONTANA WOMENS PRISON BILLINGS, MT The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) is ... substitutes is prohibited in Department of Corrections buildings. In secure care facilities ...

LIBRARY ASSISTANT MONTANA WOMENS PRISON BILLINGS, MT The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) is ... substitutes is prohibited in Department of Corrections buildings. In secure care facilities ...

LIBRARY ASSISTANT MONTANA WOMENS PRISON BILLINGS, MT The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) is ... substitutes is prohibited in Department of Corrections buildings. In secure care facilities ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Substitute Library Assistant information

See salary details

$22K

$64.1K

$93.5K

How much do substitute library assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for substitute library assistant in the United States is $64,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a library assistant with no experience?

To become a substitute library assistant with no experience, focus on developing basic customer service and organizational skills. Many libraries offer on-the-job training, and having a high school diploma or equivalent is often sufficient to apply. Volunteering at a library can also provide relevant experience and improve your chances of being hired.

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

AspectSubstitute Library AssistantLibrary Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer library experienceHigh school diploma; customer service experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentPublic or school libraries; variable shifts; temporary or on-call basisPublic or school libraries; regular hours; administrative and customer service tasks
Employer & Industry UsageLibraries hiring temporary staff for coverageFull-time or part-time staff handling daily library operations
Comparison Search IntentUnderstanding temporary vs permanent library rolesClarifying administrative vs support roles in libraries

The Substitute Library Assistant typically works on a temporary, on-call basis, providing coverage as needed, while a Library Clerk usually holds a more permanent, regular position with ongoing responsibilities. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ mainly in employment status and job stability.

How does the role of a Substitute Library Assistant differ from a regular Library Assistant in terms of daily responsibilities and expectations?

As a Substitute Library Assistant, you may be called on short notice to fill in for regular staff, so adaptability and quick learning are essential. Your daily tasks will typically include checking materials in and out, assisting patrons with finding resources, and shelving books, but you may work in different branches or departments depending on immediate needs. Unlike regular assistants, you might not have a set schedule or long-term projects, so flexibility and the ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new systems and team members are important. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in various library settings and can be a stepping stone to a permanent position.

Can you get a job in a library without being a librarian?

Yes, a Substitute Library Assistant is a support staff role that does not require a librarian certification. These positions often involve shelving, checking out materials, and assisting patrons, and may require basic training or a high school diploma. Librarians typically hold advanced degrees and perform specialized tasks beyond the scope of substitute assistant roles.

What are Substitute Library Assistants?

Substitute Library Assistants are individuals who temporarily fill in for regular library staff when they are absent or when extra help is needed. Their responsibilities typically include checking books in and out, shelving materials, assisting patrons with finding resources, and maintaining library order. Substitute Library Assistants may work on an on-call basis and in various departments, adapting quickly to different library environments. This role is ideal for those who are flexible, customer-service oriented, and interested in supporting the daily operations of a library.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substitute Library Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substitute Library Assistant, you need a basic understanding of library procedures, strong organizational skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library management systems, cataloging software, and common office equipment is typically required. Excellent customer service, adaptability, and effective communication help you assist diverse patrons and manage changing tasks. These skills ensure smooth library operations, positive patron experiences, and the ability to step into various roles as needed.

What does a library assistant do?

A library assistant supports library operations by helping patrons locate materials, checking books in and out, organizing shelves, and maintaining the library's collection. They often assist with clerical tasks, use library management software, and ensure a welcoming environment for visitors.

What qualifications do you need for a library assistant?

A library assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent. Good communication skills, basic computer literacy, and the ability to organize materials are important. Some positions may require prior customer service experience or familiarity with library systems and tools.
What cities are hiring for Substitute Library Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Substitute Library Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Substitute Library Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Substitute Library Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Substitute Library Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,055 per year, or $30.8 per hour.
Substitute Library Assistant

$16.94/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Town of Vernon                                                                                                                                               
Department: Library
Job Title: Substitute Library Assistant  
Hourly Wage: $16.94                                                                                          
General Statement of Duties: A position performing customer service in all circulation related tasks, ranging from simple clerical tasks to providing assistance in the library search tools.
Supervision Received: Works under the general direction and supervision of the Head of Circulation & Technology.
Supervision Exercised: None.
Essential Job Functions: Checks library materials in and out; places requested items on reserve, processes interlibrary loans. Prepares and sends out overdue notices, collects fines for late and damaged library property; maintains customer and collection records. Issues library cards. Provides customer service, in person, or over the phone; provides instruction to patrons in the areas of library services, computer and catalog use, and activities. May assist with programs with established objectives and general procedures, such as story hours and films. Assists with displays, exhibits and program promotions. Responsible for shelving and shelf-reading library materials. Records departmental statistics. Regular and punctual attendance.
Other Job Functions Duties: Assists in training new Library Assistants. Assists in other Library departments, as needed. Must be able to work evenings and weekends. Other duties as required. Performs related work as 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 of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear and perform repetitive tasks with hands, wrists and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk, kneel, use hands to operate, finger, handle or feel objects or controls and reach with hands and arms; may be required to perform repetitive motions. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop and crouch. May regularly be required to lift, push or pull up to 50 pounds. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment: The work characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.
Employee performs a variety of simple tasks following instructions provided. Some tasks require independent judgment and initiative.
May be exposed to dust, book mold and mildew; fluctuations in inside temperature & electro-magnetic radiation as a computer screen. The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet to moderately loud.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Working knowledge of library materials organization, circulation and other practices. Excellent customer service skills; strong oral and written communication skills; excellent organizational skills. Critical thinking skills with the ability to draw conclusions or approaches to problems to implement solutions; ability to foster relationships and deal effectively with employees and the general public. Ability to work independently and in a team. Must be computer proficient with the ability to learn software programs specific to the job. Ability to use standard office equipment. Ability to work evenings and weekends. A Police background check will be required.
Experience & Training: Graduation from high school, or obtained a graduate equivalent diploma (GED), and be able to demonstrate proficiency in working with office computers and related library circulation applications. Library Technical Assistant certificate and some library experience preferred. Any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.
This job description is not intended to be a complete statement of all duties, functions and responsibilities which comprise this position. EOE/AA/M/F; Adopted: 9/18/2018