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Summer Library Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Library Assistant 2

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.42 - $23.40/hr

... Assistant. Located in the heart of the Gold Coast on Northwestern's Chicago campus, the Pritzker ... summer months. Closing and opening duties include locking/unlocking various library staff and ...

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Summer Library Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$19

$28

How much do summer library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer library assistant in Chicago, IL is $19.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer library assistant?

Summer Library Assistants are temporary staff members who help support library operations during the busy summer months. They typically assist with tasks such as shelving books, helping patrons locate materials, organizing summer reading programs, and maintaining a welcoming environment. This role is ideal for students or individuals interested in gaining experience in library services. Summer Library Assistants work under the supervision of librarians and may also help with clerical duties or special events.

Is there demand for summer library assistants?

Summer library assistants are in demand during peak seasons when libraries experience increased patron activity. Many libraries hire temporary staff to help with programs, shelving, and customer service, making it a competitive seasonal position for students and community members. Availability of these roles often depends on local library budgets and community needs.

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

AspectSummer Library AssistantLibrary Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer related courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; no special certifications typically required
Work EnvironmentPublic library, often seasonal, assisting with summer programs and patron supportPublic or academic library, handling daily patron interactions and administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageSeasonal role mainly during summer months in public librariesYear-round position in libraries, including public, academic, and special libraries
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding seasonal library roles and responsibilitiesLooking for ongoing library support roles

The Summer Library Assistant typically works seasonally during summer, focusing on assisting with programs and patron services, while the Library Clerk is a year-round position handling daily administrative and customer service tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ mainly in duration and scope of work.

How to become a summer library assistant with no experience?

To become a summer library assistant with no experience, focus on demonstrating enthusiasm for books and community service, and highlight any relevant skills such as organization or customer service. Many libraries offer on-the-job training and do not require prior experience, so applying with a simple resume and a positive attitude can increase your chances. Volunteering at a library beforehand can also improve your application.

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

To thrive as a Summer Library Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic literacy or library-related knowledge, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library catalog systems, circulation software, and digital resources is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork abilities help you assist patrons and support library staff effectively. These skills ensure smooth daily operations, positive patron experiences, and efficient resource management during the busy summer period.

What are some typical challenges a summer library assistant might face when working with patrons during busy periods?

Summer Library Assistants often experience increased patron traffic due to summer reading programs and school breaks, which can result in long lines and higher demand for assistance. Managing multiple requests at once—such as checking out materials, answering inquiries, and helping with public computers—requires strong multitasking and customer service skills. Staying organized, remaining patient, and communicating clearly with both patrons and team members are key strategies for handling these busy times effectively.
What are popular job titles related to Summer Library Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL? For Summer Library Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Library Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Library Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Summer Library Assistant jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Summer Library Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Summer Library Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,030 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

$18.42 - $23.40/hr

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Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

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Northwestern University rating

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Job description

Apply for Job Job ID 54203
Location Chicago, Illinois
Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job

Department: Law Library
Salary/Grade: NEX/10

Target hiring range for this position will be between $18.42- $23.40 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Job Summary:

The Pritzker Legal Research Center of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law invites applications for the full-time, permanent position of Evening Circulation and Fulfillment Assistant. Located in the heart of the Gold Coast on Northwestern's Chicago campus, the Pritzker Legal Research Center supports the research and instructional needs of more than 900 J.D. and LL.M. students and 90 residential faculty of the Northwestern University School of Law

The Pritzker Legal Research Center is a highly service-oriented library. We are looking for someone who enjoys building positive working relationships with a wide variety of people ranging from students to peers to faculty members. The successful candidate will join a team of librarians and staff who maintain a very collaborative work environment and will also have the freedom to work independently and must have a strong sense of responsibility and reliability.

Further information about the Pritzker Legal Research Center is available at the library's website

https://library.law.northwestern.edu/

Specific Responsibilities:

Circulation and Access

  • Performs full range of circulation functions including charging and discharging items, processing fines, placing holds, requesting items from other Northwestern libraries, helping patrons search for items. Maintains student lockers. Reports library facilities and maintenance requests to appropriate departments. Supervises students in this capacity as well.

Collection Maintenance

  • Performs full range of duties to maintain physical collection, including shelving, sorting, shifting, shelf reading, reclassifying items, locating missing books, and book repair. Supervises students in this capacity as well.

Materials Retrieval and Request Fulfillment

  • Performs full range of duties related to patron requests including retrieving items from open and closed stacks, processing reserves, document scanning, fulfilling interlibrary loan requests, and delivery of materials.

Opening and Closing

  • Closes the library on weekdays and opens the library periodically during intersession periods and summer months. Closing and opening duties include locking/unlocking various library staff and patron areas the main doors, computer lab and copy rooms; turning on/off lights throughout facility; receiving and processing newspapers; turning on/off circulation desk equipment. Full schedule details below.

General

  • Participates in other library support services involving collection processing, library records, and new initiatives, as needed. Other duties as assigned.

Supervises

  • Supervises 1-2 staff.

Miscellaneous

Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

  • A high school diploma or equivalent required.
  • 2 years of administrative support or other relevant experience required.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

  • Must be exceptionally reliable and have demonstrated reliability in prior work experience.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and organizational skills.
  • Ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with library users, especially students, coworkers, supervisors, and law school staff members.
  • Careful attention to detail.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Flexibility and commitment to providing outstanding customer service.
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office software.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish positive working relationships with a wide variety of people ranging from students to peers to faculty members.
  • Strong sense of responsibility and reliability; must be able to assume responsibility for entire library facility during off-peak hours. Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as shifting books and pushing book carts.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

  • Bachelor's degree or higher.
  • Library circulation experience.
  • Experience in an academic library environment.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

  • Facility using library research databases, integrated library systems such as Alma.
  • Proficiency with digitization software.
  • Familiarity with legal resources.
  • Successful customer service experience in an organization that values a positive customer experience.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.


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