SENIOR LIBRARY ASSISTANT
Career Family: LIBRARY ASSISTANT -
In New Jersey, Senior Library Assistant is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
Qualifying turns on 1 year of relevant experience. State payroll currently lists 2 people in the title, most of them at State.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
Department of State posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 2 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $46,621. The agencies employing the most are:
- State (2)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under limited supervision, performs a variety of nonprofessional library duties which involve specialized knowledge and skills in one or more library functional areas and in the services, practices, procedures, terminology, and general classification scheme of library collections; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Answers patrons' inquiries pertaining to the physical location of library material, library hours, offices, and personnel; explains basic index systems; refers complex questions to a supervisor. May answer simple, informational reference questions. Handles the registration of new library cardholders and issues library cards. On request, locates books and publications based on call number. Charges and discharges library material to users. Computes and collects fines, makes change, and inspects books and other library material and equipment for damage. Lists overdue library material and completes overdue notices for notifying patrons. Reviews library membership applications for completeness as to name, address, and similar personal identification and records changes of such information. Receives requests for loan of library books and publications from other libraries, searches for and obtains items being loaned ensuring that material is consistent with request, and posts data to loan records as to title, author, quantity, and other identifying information. May assist in overseeing lower-level personnel to ensure assignments are completed. Compiles numerical reports on circulations, accessions, or other aspects of library operations. Files or shelves material using the Dewey Decimal Classification System and alphabetical filing systems beyond the initial letter of a word. Prepares books and other library materials for circulation. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Experience
One (1) year of library experience demonstrating practical knowledge of library functions, services, terminology, techniques, procedures, and standard tools (card catalog, microfilm, shelving, circulation systems, etc.).
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of basic arithmetic operations using whole numbers. Knowledge of standard library reference tools. Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal Classification System but does not have to memorize what each numerical classification represents. Ability to perform extensive alphabetical filing beyond the initial letter of a word. Ability to perform numerical filing beyond the initial digit in a sequence of figures. Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with staff and the public. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. NOTE: Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills. - Bilingual in Spanish and English SPECIAL SKILL: Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. Successful completion of a one (1) year library technician course at an accredited college or university may be substituted for the above experience. LC N/A05 -Bilingual In Spanish And EnglishLC N/A05 - This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 03/8/2025
Study guides for this exam
- Library Assistant National Learning Corporation · $49.95
The Civil Service Commission does not publish official study guides or release past tests. These are independent equivalency guides.