Library Assistant: What is the cost of hiring?

What is a Library Assistant?

Library Assistants perform key routine tasks that help support Librarians. They often assist with checking books in and out and reshelving them. They also typically assist library patrons with signing up for library cards or locating specific books.

Why hire a Library Assistant?

Library Assistants support daily operations by handling routine tasks like shelving, scanning materials and responding to emails. This gives Librarians more time to focus on selecting books, managing collections and leading community programs.

Your library may benefit from hiring a Library Assistant if Librarians are spending too much time on administrative work or if you’re looking to expand services or events.

Contributions of a great Library Assistant:

• Efficient procedures for shelving, check-in and check-out
• Improvements in customer service for patrons
• Increased opportunities for special programs and events

Defining your hiring needs for Library Assistants

When determining how to hire a Library Assistant, begin by setting hiring and recruiting budgets. Refer to these when making salary offers and selecting advertising methods for your open position. Decide whether your new position will be full-time or part-time. Then, compile a list of the specific duties your new Library Assistant must complete to improve operations.

What are the types of Library Assistants?

Library Assistants may perform tasks throughout the library or specialize in specific tasks. As you decide how to hire a Library Assistant, consider the roles they might fill, such as:

• Circulation Library Assistants: Circulation Library Assistants work primarily at the circulation desk, handling check-outs, fielding patron questions and issuing and renewing library cards. They may also collect fines for overdue books.
• Digital Services Library Assistants: The Digital Services Library Assistant works in the multimedia section. They may assist patrons checking out and utilizing DVDs, audiobooks and other media. 
• Youth Services Library Assistants: This role generally assists with reshelving books in the children’s or young adult section. They might lead story time, craft and other educational sessions.
• Reference Desk Library Assistants: A Reference Desk Library Assistant helps patrons using periodicals and reference materials only available at the library. They also typically reshelve and organize these items.
• Programming Library Assistants: Programming Library Assistants help Librarians with special events and regular programs by setting up spaces and preparing materials.

When writing your Library Assistant job description, consider including some or all of the following keywords to improve the visibility of your job posting. These are the most popular search terms leading to clicks on Library Assistant jobs, according to Indeed data:

• Library
• Library Assistant
• Books
• Librarian
• Museum
• Education
• Administrative Assistant
• Public library

Want more hiring insights for your Library Assistant? Sign in or create your free Indeed account.

Where to find Library Assistants

Library Assistants can be found through volunteer programs, library science schools, career fairs and online job boards. Tapping into local networks and educational institutions can help you connect with candidates who already understand library environments.

To find the right Library Assistant for your team, try a few different recruiting strategies:

• Recruit volunteers: Encourage current and former volunteers familiar with your policies, procedures and patrons to apply for your position.
• Partner with library science programs: If a college or university in your area offers a library science degree program, you might ask them to share your position with students looking for employment.
• Participate in career fairs: Set up a booth at local career fairs and hiring events. Come prepared to collect applications and complete on-site interviews.
• Advertise through social media: Post about the job opportunity on the library’s social media accounts.
• Post your job online: Try posting your Library Assistant job on Indeed to find and attract quality candidates.

Skills to look for in a Library Assistant

A successful Library Assistant candidate will typically have the following skills and competencies, which may be gained through a variety of experiences, training or education:

• Basic knowledge of library systems, such as the Library of Congress or Dewey Decimal cataloging systems
• Computer and technical skills, including the ability to use bar code scanners, printers, email and library catalog software, such as Aleph, Apollo, Evergreen, Follett Destiny, Koha, Sierra or Symphony
• Organizational skills to maintain proper shelf organization and tidy work areas at the circulation desk and other library sections
• Customer service skills to interact positively with patrons, answer questions and assist with requests
• Basic research skills to find information and locate books and media for patrons
• Familiarity with the library’s resources to recommend materials for teachers’ curriculums

Writing a Library Assistant job description

Now that you know the key skills, salary expectations, popular job seeker search terms and hiring insights for a Library Assistant, you’re ready to write a job description.

A Library Assistant job description typically includes a compelling summary of the role, a detailed list of duties and responsibilities and the required and preferred skills for the position. You may also want to include information about your company culture, benefits and perks to attract candidates to your open role.

Ready to get started? See our full guide for writing Library Assistant job descriptions.

Interviewing Library Assistant candidates

Questions related to library operations can help you identify quality candidates during an interview. Strong candidates for Library Assistant positions will be confident answering questions about:

• Balancing the enforcement of library policies with customer service
• Interacting with diverse populations
• Safe handling of books and media
• Best practices for ensuring shelving accuracy