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Circulation Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Program Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$42K - $53K/yr

Program Assistant (Secret Clearance) USAID Washington, D.C. (Hybrd remote) Marathon TS is seeking a ... and circulation of meeting minutes. • Performs outreach and communication with internal and ...

Performs echocardiograms and vascular ultrasound procedures of the carotids, peripheral, and abdominal vessels to assist physicians in the diagnosis of disorders/diseases affecting circulation in ...

Library Assistant

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$45K - $75K/yr

As members of an enthusiastic team, Library Assistants provide direct customer service in reference, reader's advisory, programming and circulation functions, as well as assist customers of all ages ...

Showing results 21-40

Circulation Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$10

$17

$28

How much do circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulation assistant in Washington is $17.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Circulation Assistant jobs in Washington?

For Circulation Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Circulation Assistant jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Circulation Assistant jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Circulation Assistant jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Circulation Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Circulation Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,325 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage circulation and fulfillment activities using library systems such as Alma, ILLiad, and related applications.

  • Assist patrons in locating resources, answering basic research and reference inquiries, and scheduling researcher appointments.

  • Perform collection management tasks including shelving, shifting, organizing, processing interlibrary loan requests, and supporting collection transfer, withdrawal, and large-scale shifting projects.


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a Library Technician to support an art-focused research library in Washington, DC. The successful candidate will provide operational support for library collections, circulation services, interlibrary loan activities, patron assistance, and collections management projects within one of the nation's premier research library systems. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the preservation, accessibility, and use of world-class library and archival collections supporting researchers, curators, scholars, and the public.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manage circulation and fulfillment activities using library systems such as Alma, ILLiad, and related applications.
  • Check library materials in and out and maintain accurate circulation records.
  • Shelve, shift, organize, and reshelve books, serials, periodicals, and other research materials.
  • Process interlibrary loan requests and document delivery transactions.
  • Assist patrons in locating resources and answering basic research and reference inquiries.
  • Schedule researcher appointments and assist with patron access services.
  • Perform bibliographic searches to support acquisitions, collection maintenance, withdrawals, and inventory activities.
  • Create gift-in-hand records and assist with purchase requests for new library materials.
  • Receive, unpack, sort, and distribute library deliveries and shipments.
  • Assist with collection transfer, withdrawal, relocation, and large-scale shifting projects.
  • Identify materials requiring relabeling, rehousing, repair, or preservation treatment.
  • Maintain reference, circulation, and service statistics and prepare monthly activity reports.
  • Support library operations through equipment monitoring, supply management, and general administrative assistance.
  • Create scans and photocopies of collection materials in accordance with library procedures.
  • Communicate professionally with Smithsonian staff, researchers, and library patrons.

Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum one (1) year of experience working in a library, archives, museum library, academic library, research library, or similar information services environment.
  • Experience providing customer service in a professional setting.
  • Ability to organize, shelve, retrieve, and maintain physical library collections accurately.
  • Experience using library databases, integrated library systems, or other information management systems.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to lift, move, and shelve library materials and work within library stack environments.
  • Ability to work on-site in Washington, DC and at other Smithsonian library locations as assigned.
  • Ability to successfully pass a background investigation and obtain Smithsonian credentialing.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Library Science, History, Museum Studies, Information Science, Humanities, or a related field.
  • Two or more years of experience supporting academic, research, museum, or special libraries.
  • Experience with Alma, Horizon, ILLiad, OCLC, WorldCat, or other integrated library systems.
  • Experience processing interlibrary loan requests and document delivery services.
  • Experience supporting collection inventories, shelf reading, shifting, or collection moves.
  • Familiarity with library circulation and patron services workflows.
  • Experience working with rare books, special collections, museum collections, or archival materials.
  • Knowledge of library catalog records and bibliographic searching.
  • Experience creating usage statistics, reports, or service metrics.
  • Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and move library materials, boxes, and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds, and to transport materials throughout library and storage areas.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and stretch for extended periods while shelving, retrieving, organizing, inventorying, and shifting library collections.
  • Ability to work safely in library stack and storage environments, including climbing step stools or ladders, maneuvering book carts, and performing repetitive tasks requiring manual dexterity, visual acuity, and attention to detail.

Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Training & Development

EEO Statement
The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.
Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.
Salary Description
$ 20 - $25