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Circulation Assistant Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Public Service Assistant

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$35.06 - CA$41.02/hr

Library circulation procedures and practices. * Knowledge of multiple technology platforms (e.g. tablets, phones, e-readers, Android, Apple, Blackberry) as it relates to library offerings * Methods ...

Mobile Services Assistant

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$32.08 - CA$37.54/hr

Library circulation procedures and practices * Methods and techniques for handling cash * Methods and techniques of responding to inquiries and resolving customer complaints * General knowledge of ...

New

Ensure proper vehicle circulation * Verify on-site supplies are adequate (tickets, cashier reports ... Replace field staff in case of illness or other * Assist field staff during peak periods

Ensure proper air circulation on the air handler by balancing airflow. * Maintain inventory of ... Willing to assist other trades when needed. * Able to climb multiple flights of stairs with a tool ...

Coordinate preparation and circulation of project-related documentation, including agreements ... Assist in and coordinate any additional tasks related to the investment process, as required to ...

Property Coordinator

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$52K - CA$60K/yr

Issue jobs, contracts, and capital project documentation in Yardi, including change orders and approval workflows. * Assist with circulation of tenant and contractor communications through ...

... keep containers in active circulation while reducing operational burden. Founded in Canada ... Assign tasks and responsibilities for efficient workflow. * Assist with training, coaching, and ...

Sales snap report refresh and circulation * RD&A reporting and variance analysis Support for ... key customers. * Assist the Customer Business Partners in developing and implementing cost ...

Financial Analyst

Mississauga, ON · On-site

CA$70K - CA$80K/yr

Sales snap report refresh and circulation * RD&A reporting and variance analysis Support for ... key customers. * Assist the Customer Business Partners in developing and implementing cost ...

Circulation Assistant information

What is the difference between Circulation Assistant vs Library Clerk?

AspectCirculation AssistantLibrary Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require customer service experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic clerical skills
Work EnvironmentPublic library, assisting patrons with borrowing and returning materialsLibrary or administrative setting, handling clerical tasks and patron inquiries
Job DutiesCheck out/in materials, manage holds, assist with library accountsRegister patrons, organize materials, perform clerical tasks

Both roles support library operations and require customer service skills, but Circulation Assistants focus more on managing borrowing processes, while Library Clerks handle administrative tasks. They often work together to ensure smooth library services.

What are some typical challenges a circulation assistant faces when managing high-traffic periods at the library?

During peak times, such as the start of semesters or community events, Circulation Assistants often manage large volumes of book checkouts, returns, and patron inquiries simultaneously. Balancing prompt customer service with accuracy can be challenging, as errors in checking materials in or out can affect inventory and patron records. Effective multitasking, clear communication, and familiarity with library management systems help Circulation Assistants maintain smooth operations even during busy periods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a circulation assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Circulation Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with library practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with integrated library systems (ILS), cataloging software, and basic office technology is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you interact effectively with patrons and colleagues. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring efficient library operations and a positive user experience.

What is a circulation assistant?

Circulation Assistants are library staff members responsible for managing the lending and return of library materials. They assist patrons with checking out and returning books, issue library cards, handle fines, and answer basic questions about library services. Circulation Assistants also help maintain the order of library materials and may perform clerical tasks such as shelving books or updating records. Their role is essential in ensuring smooth library operations and providing excellent customer service to library users.
What are the most commonly searched types of Circulation jobs in Ontario? The most popular types of Circulation jobs in Ontario are:
What are popular job titles related to Circulation Assistant jobs in Ontario? For Circulation Assistant jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Circulation Assistant jobs in Ontario look for? The top searched job categories for Circulation Assistant jobs in Ontario are:
What cities in Ontario are hiring for Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities in Ontario with the most Circulation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Circulation Assistant job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Public Service Assistant

City of Ottawa

Ottawa, ON • On-site

CA$35.06 - CA$41.02/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Requisition ID: 23048

Department: Ottawa Public Library 

Service: Branch Operations 

Employment Type: 1 Permanent Full Time Position 

Work Hours: 28 hours per week

Affiliation: CUPE 503 - Library/Full Time - Public Service Job

Salary Information: $35.060  - $41.020  per hour (2026 rates of pay)

Location: Centennial Branch, 3870 Old Richmond Road

City: Ottawa, ON 

Job Category: Ottawa Public Library

Application Close: 06/08/2026 

JOB SUMMARY

Ottawa Public Library (OPL) provides accessible, innovative library and information services throughout the City of Ottawa, that meet the unique needs of diverse communities, delivered through a range of vehicles and reflecting a citizen-centred approach. The Public Service units are responsible for customer-centric public library activities, programs and services for the Library's 33 branches, mobile and digital services, to meet the needs of branches in their catchment area.

You are responsible for: providing information, reference and readers advisory services in the Library and/or the community and/or mini-libraries, nursing homes and other locations; providing circulation and page services in the Library and/or the community and/or mini-libraries, nursing homes and other locations; performing routine collection maintenance duties; and promoting Library services.

You may be the senior person in charge or exercise responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the library branch.

Work is performed within the context of the policies and framework of the Library corporate culture as embodied in the Mission Statement, Core Values, Customer Experience Guidelines and the Canadian Federation of Library Association position statements on Intellectual Freedom and Diversity and Inclusion, with particular emphasis on providing customer service excellence.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 2-year college diploma in Library and Information Technician Program, or related field 

Minimum of 1 year of related experience.

KNOWLEDGE
  • Adult/children's literature in a variety of formats, readers' advisory services, trends in reading, literacy, ESL collections and library programming.
  • Reference resources in print, microform and electronic formats and of current developments in reference services.
  • Electronic database and other bibliographic searching techniques.
  • Principles of collection development and maintenance.
  • Methods and techniques for sorting and shelving library materials according to alphabetical, Dewey Decimal or other prescribed sequence and procedures.
  • Library circulation procedures and practices.
  • Knowledge of multiple technology platforms (e.g. tablets, phones, e-readers, Android, Apple, Blackberry) as it relates to library offerings
  • Methods and techniques of responding to inquiries and resolving patron complaints.
  • Desktop applications, intranet and internet and keyboarding procedures, to the extent where it may be required to demonstrate such usage to colleagues or library patrons.
  • General knowledge of library policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers.
COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Use tact, discretion and confidentiality.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills.
  • Exercise effective judgement and independent decision-making capabilities.
  • To carry out a range of circulation/page activities, including registration, collecting fees, and to respond effectively to a range of library service inquiries and resolve complaints.
  • To perform routine clerical tasks.
  • Minimum keyboard skills of 25 wpm.
  • Data entry, retrieval and keyboarding skills including use of standard office equipment and operation of an IBM compatible computer in Microsoft windows.
  • Ability to think quickly.
  • Ability to learn on the job and apply learning to new technologies as required.
  • Ability to create and design thematic displays.
  • Ability to handle and account for cash and to prepare bank deposits.
  • Perform multiple tasks concurrently.
  • Customer service orientation, including the use of tact, discretion and confidentiality
  • Ease of comfort with technology.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, ability to deal with the public and handle problems as they arise.
  • Flexibility, ability to adjust priorities.
  • Ability to work effectively as a team member.
  • Strongly committed to quality customer service.
  • To perform routine manual tasks and maneuver book carts and lift boxes up to 40 pounds.

 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Language Requirement: Designated Day 1 Ready - immediate requirement for language proficiency: French: oral, reading, writing English: oral, reading, writing Candidates must meet language requirement for position upon hire.  
  • Police Record Check: The successful candidate will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) with the Police Services detachment in their jurisdiction to the Ottawa Public Library's satisfaction.; Note: Under the age of 18, requires a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters (Level 2) check in place of the Vulnerable Sector Check.; Police record checks completed by a third-party company will not be accepted.    
  • Additional vacancies may occur during the competition process. 
  • Alternative educational credentials combined with job-related experience, demonstrated performance, and ability may be considered in lieu of stated academic requirements. 
  • Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. 

The Ottawa Public Library promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion and adheres to the tenets of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from women, Aboriginal peoples and persons of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions. The Ottawa Public Library provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation. 

The Ottawa Public Library provides accommodation to applicants during all parts of the hiring process, upon request. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.

Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. Please contact the Employee Service Centre at 613-580-2424 extension 12211 or via email at esc-cse@ottawa.ca.