How to Become a Library Assistant in the UK
Library assistants keep public, school, university and specialist libraries running. You issue and return items, shelve and process stock, help people find books and information, support users with computers and printing, and help run events such as story times, reading groups and job clubs. Many posts are part-time and include evenings or Saturdays.
You do not need a degree. Councils, schools and universities mainly look for strong customer service, basic IT skills and a genuine interest in helping people. Volunteering in a library is the most common way to get a foot in the door.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £24,000 - £27,000
- Mid-career salary
- £27,000 - £31,000
- Senior salary
- £30,000 - £36,000
- Work environment
- Office, community or institutional setting
- Time to entry
- 0 - 6 months
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Public Sector and Emergency Services
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: No-degree careers, Stable careers, Career change.
What a Library Assistant does
Help run a public, school or university library - lending, events, helping users.
How to become a library assistant in the UK
Most library assistants are hired on customer service and IT skills, plus good GCSEs in English and maths. Volunteering at a council or community library gives you relevant experience fast. Some employers offer a Level 3 apprenticeship in library, information and archive services. If you work with children, you will need an enhanced DBS check. Once in post, you can build your skills through CILIP, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, which offers professional registration for library staff. To become a qualified librarian later, most people take a CILIP-accredited degree or Master's in library and information studies.
- Volunteer at your local council or community library, helping with children's reading challenges, digital help sessions or home library services.
- Build customer service experience in retail, hospitality or reception work, because library job ads score you on helping members of the public.
- Get confident with everyday IT, including email, printing, online forms and basic troubleshooting, as many library users come in for digital help.
- Check council, school and university vacancy pages and jobs boards regularly, since many library assistant posts are part-time and filled quickly.
- Give examples in your application of running activities, dealing with difficult customers and handling cash or bookings accurately.
- Once employed, ask about CILIP membership and professional registration to show commitment and open the way to senior assistant or supervisor roles.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volunteer, then apply for assistant posts | 0-6 months | Free | People with no library experience |
| Direct application with customer service experience | Weeks to a few months | Free | Career changers from retail or admin |
| Level 3 library, information and archive apprenticeship | Typically 1-2 years | Paid by the employer | School leavers who want a qualification |
How long it takes
You can be working as a library assistant within 0 to 6 months, faster if you already have customer service experience. Volunteering for a few months first makes your application much stronger.
Library Assistant salary in the UK
Library assistants usually start on around £24,000 to £27,000 full-time equivalent. With experience or a senior assistant post, pay rises to about £27,000 to £31,000, and supervisors or team leaders earn around £30,000 to £36,000. Many roles are part-time, so actual earnings are often lower than the full-time figure. Universities and specialist libraries tend to pay more than councils, and councils usually pay on local government pay grades with a pension.
Key skills
- Customer service
- Cataloguing
- Computer literacy
- Patience
- Communication
Library Assistant FAQs
How do I become a library assistant?
Build customer service and IT skills, volunteer at a local library if you can, and apply to council, school and university vacancies. Some employers offer a Level 3 library and information apprenticeship. Roles working with children need an enhanced DBS check.
What qualifications do I need to be a library assistant?
Usually none beyond good GCSEs in English and maths. Employers look for customer service experience, IT skills and a friendly manner. A degree is only needed if you later want to become a qualified librarian, usually through a CILIP-accredited course.
How much does a library assistant earn?
Starting pay is around £24,000 to £27,000 full-time equivalent. Experienced assistants earn about £27,000 to £31,000, and supervisors around £30,000 to £36,000. Many posts are part-time, so check the hours as well as the salary.
What is the difference between a library assistant and a librarian?
Library assistants handle day-to-day service: lending, shelving, helping users and running activities. Librarians usually hold a library and information qualification and manage collections, services, budgets and staff. Many librarians start as assistants and study while working.
Is Library Assistant right for you?
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