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Virtual Library Assistant Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Virtual Library Assistant information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$10

$22

$31

How much do virtual library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for virtual library assistant in Columbia, SC is $22.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.89 and $25.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Virtual Library Assistant typically collaborate with librarians and library patrons in a remote setting?

As a Virtual Library Assistant, you will frequently interact with librarians, library staff, and patrons through digital platforms such as email, chat, and video conferencing. Your responsibilities may include assisting patrons with research requests, troubleshooting access to electronic resources, and supporting librarians in managing digital collections. Communication is key, as you’ll often coordinate with team members to resolve issues or develop new virtual services. Being proactive and responsive helps ensure seamless remote support and a positive experience for all users.

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

AspectVirtual Library AssistantLibrary Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer library science courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentRemote, online platformsOn-site in libraries or public facilities
Employer & Industry UsageLibraries, educational institutions, online servicesPublic, academic, or special libraries
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for customer service and administrative tasksCompared for in-person assistance and clerical duties

The Virtual Library Assistant typically works remotely, handling online customer inquiries, cataloging, and administrative tasks, while the Library Clerk works on-site, assisting patrons directly and managing physical library materials. Both roles support library operations but differ mainly in work environment and daily responsibilities.

What is a Virtual Library Assistant?

A Virtual Library Assistant is a professional who helps library users access resources, answer reference questions, and navigate digital library systems remotely, typically via chat, email, or video call. They assist with catalog searches, digital borrowing, research support, and troubleshooting access to online databases and e-books. This role allows patrons to receive library services without visiting a physical library, making information and resources more accessible to a wider audience.

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

To thrive as a Virtual Library Assistant, you need a solid understanding of library science fundamentals, information organization, and customer service, often supported by coursework or experience in library settings. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital cataloging tools, and online reference platforms is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills help you assist users remotely and manage multiple inquiries efficiently. These skills ensure users receive timely, accurate support and that digital resources are managed effectively in a virtual environment.
What are popular job titles related to Virtual Library Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC? For Virtual Library Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Virtual Library Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Virtual Library Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Virtual Library Assistant jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Virtual Library Assistant job openings:
Research and Instruction Librarian

Research and Instruction Librarian

COLUMBIA COLLEGE

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Research and Instruction Librarian promotes and supports learning with particular focus on the undergraduate day programs at Columbia College, including first-year student programming. The position provides leadership for developing the research and information literacy capabilities of the Columbia College community. The Research and Instruction Librarian collaborates with faculty and staff to develop programming that cultivates a culture of learning among students, faculty, and staff.

The position reports to the Dean of Library, Learning & Student Success while working collaboratively with other members of the Library and Learning Commons faculty and staff. This is a full-time (i.e. twelve-month), faculty position. Participation in evening and weekend shifts may be required, as needed.

This position is a twelve-month full-time faculty appointment. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to design and deliver instruction in a variety of formats and is expected to provide instruction and support to undergraduate day programs, including targeted support of first-year students in courses such as English 101 and 102, LA 100 and 110, etc.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Monitors and maintains a comprehensive plan for information literacy (imagined broadly, to include media and digital literacy and misinformation/disinformation/bias/etc.) with learning outcomes and assessment in alignment with the ACRL framework for information literacy.
  • Collaborate with faculty and staff to develop activities and assignments that involve students in inquiry that supports the mission of the college, information literacy, media and digital literacy, and ethical use of information, with commensurate support for in-person and online learners.
  • Provide course-based information literacy support through instructional sessions, scaffolded involvement, embedded support, or otherwise.
  • Provides leadership for collaborative management and development of SpringShare LibGuides and other resources.
  • Develops workshops, skillshops, drop-in sessions, or other in-person and virtual events that engage students and faculty broadly in research and information literacy.
  • Collaborates with other Learning Commons faculty and staff ensure robust training for student employees to provide peer-to-peer mentoring in research and information literacy.
  • Provides leadership for and participates in the effective delivery of research support in all modes, such as via chat, virtual appointments, etc.
  • Participates in and supports a consistent approach for documenting research and information literacy support and engagement in related programming for assessment purposes.
  • Assumes responsibility for the library and its programming, including supervising student assistants.
  • Participates in the collection development of resources for the Reference and General Collections.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Serves on campus committees and task forces as assigned
  • Engages in service to the profession
  • Engages in professional development through various means, such as:
    • Attending and presenting at local, state and/or regional conferences, workshops, webinars, etc. as budget permits
    • Staying current on professional literature and webinars
    • Conducting research for program development and presenting results.
  • Participates in community life and activities of Columbia College.

Performs other duties as assigned, within the general scope of the position description.

Qualifications

  • Master’s Degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited master’s program (MLS/MLIS).
  • 1-3 years of experience in a similar role, preferably in higher education.
  • Knowledge of current practices and pedagogy for information literacy.
  • Enthusiasm for the learning culture of liberal arts institutions and for the mission of Columbia College.
  • Demonstrated experience providing collaborative leadership.
  • Demonstrated experience using best pedagogical practices for active learning preferred.
  • Evidence of effective organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Competence with business math and written and verbal communication suitable in a business or professional setting
  • Skill in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, utilizing Outlook, Word, Excel and Microsoft Teams, or related software.

Candidates must have an earned MLIS/MLS by the time of their appointment. All required documents must be completed for the application to be reviewed. Columbia College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applications

To apply, a candidate must submit the following materials through the online submission portal (all in one pdf file except for the cover letter, which may be uploaded as a separate document):

  • A cover letter describing teaching interests/experiences
  • An up-to-date curriculum vitae
  • A teaching statement that includes teaching philosophy and methodology
  • A statement regarding research and other scholarly endeavors
  • Names and contact information for three references, and
  • Copies of graduate transcripts. Unofficial copies of transcripts will suffice for the initial application stage.

Review of completed applications will begin February 23 and continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries may be directed to the Vice Provost and Acting Dean of Library, Learning & Student Success, Dr. Brennan Davis, at bdavis@columbiasc.edu.

EOE M/F/D/V