Library Science

Best Library and Archives Assisting institutions in the US, ranked by earnings

Compare 27 U.S. colleges offering Library and Archives Assisting by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 15 states.

Institutions
27
offering CIP 25.03
States offered
15
with a program page
With earnings data
1
College Scorecard
Degrees / yr
465
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$31,514
1 year after graduation
US pay · Library Technicians
$43,050
BLS OEWS 2024

About Library and Archives Assisting programs

The Library and Archives Assisting program focuses on the essential skills needed to support library and archival operations. Students will learn how to manage, organize, and provide access to information resources, preparing them for various roles within libraries and archives. This program is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing a career in library science and information management.

Learn more about Library and Archives Assisting

What you'll learn

Participants in this program will develop core skills such as reading comprehension, active listening, and critical thinking. Coursework will cover essential knowledge areas including customer service, administrative tasks, and the use of technology in library settings, equipping students to assist patrons effectively.

Top 1 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL Public · Certificate degree
$31,5143525%

Offered across 15 states

The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.

StateInstitutionsMedian earningsTop institution by earnings
Illinois3$31,514College of DuPage
California11
Coloradolimited1
Connecticutlimited1
Mainelimited1
Michiganlimited1
Minnesotalimited1
Nebraskalimited1
New Hampshirelimited1
North Carolinalimited1
Oklahomalimited1
Pennsylvanialimited1
South Dakotalimited1
Texaslimited1
Washingtonlimited1

Careers & outlook

The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-4031, Library Technicians, and its national outlook.

Graduates of the Library and Archives Assisting program can expect a career outlook with an annual opening of approximately 13,000 positions, despite a projected decline of 6.8% in the field. The median wage for this occupation is around $39,970, and a postsecondary nondegree award is typically required for entry.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
-6.8%
Decline
Openings / yr (US)
~13,000
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$39,970
typically Postsecondary nondegree award
National employment
73,770
Library Technicians
US average pay
$43,050
annual, BLS OEWS 2024
US median pay
$39,970
annual

Top-paying metros

Modesto, CA
$70,350avg
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$68,990avg
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$65,990avg
New Haven, CT
$63,710avg
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$61,580avg

Related careers

Library Technicians
$43,050 avg · 73,770 jobs

Skills & knowledge in Library and Archives Assisting programs

From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.

Skills you'll build

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Learning Strategies
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Writing
Active Learning

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
English Language
Administrative
Computers and Electronics
Education and Training
Communications and Media

What graduates do on the job

  • Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
  • Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
  • Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
  • Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
  • Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
  • Catalogue and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.

Tools & technology

Adobe AcrobatAdobe DreamweaverAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopDatabase softwareDynix Digital LibraryEmail software

Concentrations within Library and Archives Assisting

Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).

  • Library and Archives Assisting
    CIP 25.0301

    A program that prepares individuals to assist professional librarians and archivists

Common questions

What is the focus of the Library and Archives Assisting program?+

The program focuses on skills needed to support library and archival operations, including managing and organizing information resources.

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop skills in reading comprehension, active listening, critical thinking, and customer service.

What is the job outlook for graduates?+

The job outlook includes approximately 13,000 annual openings, but the field is expected to see a decline of 6.8%.

What education is required for this career?+

A postsecondary nondegree award is typically required to enter the field.

Related programs

Other programs in the same field of study.

Zoom outAll programs

Explore every U.S. college in one conversation

Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.

Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card