1

Circulation Assistant Jobs in Bessemer, AL (NOW HIRING)

CNC Maintenance Technician - Casting

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$26.50 - $33.25/hr

... burners, circulation fans, atmosphere control systems, and material handling equipment. • ... Assist with spare parts identification, inventory management, and critical spare parts planning ...

... burners, circulation fans, atmosphere control systems, and material handling equipment ... CMMS). Assist with spare parts identification, inventory management, and critical spare parts ...

Circulation Assistant information

See Bessemer, AL salary details

$8

$14

$22

How much do circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulation assistant in Bessemer, AL is $14.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.59 and $15.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 job categories do people searching Circulation Assistant jobs in Bessemer, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Circulation Assistant jobs in Bessemer, AL are:
What cities near Bessemer, AL are hiring for Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near Bessemer, AL with the most Circulation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Circulation Assistant job openings in Bessemer, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,440 per year, or $14.2 per hour.

Library Public Services Assistant - 529647

University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL • On-site

$15.48 - $18.56/hr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago


University Of Alabama rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

409th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job no: 529647
Position type: Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)
Location: Tuscaloosa
Division/Equivalent: Academic Affairs
School/Unit: Libraries
Department/Office: 219101 - University Libraries
Categories: Library/Research/Scientific

Apply now

Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Minimum: $15.48 - Midpoint: $18.56 (Hourly N2)


Department/Organization: 219101 - University Libraries


Normal Work Schedule: Tuesday - Thursday 1:00pm to 10:00pm; Friday - Saturday 12:00pm to 9:00pm


Job Summary: The Library Public Services Assistant assists patrons in the use of the library and its resources. Creates, edits, and maintains records in libraries online database system. Supports various library units depending upon department assigned, any of the following: reserves and current periodicals, circulation, interlibrary loan, acquisitions and government documents, library ordering, purchasing and budgeting. Obtains and lends materials outside the University campus. Provides routine library facilities and equipment support. May supervise student workers.


Additional Department Summary: Manages course reserves. Ensures that print and electronic materials are available for University of Alabama student coursework. Assists University of Alabama instructors with linking items within a course's Blackboard shell. Processes new books to ensure they are shelved and available for checkout. Assists with stacks maintenance and database maintenance of Gorgas materials to ensure proper access to items in the stacks. Monitors unit e-mail accounts and responding to patron inquiries. Processes document delivery requests during evening and weekend shifts and directs student assistants in completing circulation and interlibrary loan tasks. Processes book drop and pickup. Shelves materials within 24 hours of return. Pulls and scans items for document delivery. Processes and recycles newspapers and periodicals. Orders supplies. Processes 3D print requests. Assists with reservations for team workrooms, individual study carrels, whisper booths, and media equipment through the LibCal online system. Processes new media equipment in Voyager and LibCal and maintains the media equipment closet. Closes the building on Friday and Saturday nights. Serves as the point person for any emergencies involving UAPD or UA Facilities personnel.
This position includes scheduled desk and chat hours and provides Circulation Services support as needed. Assists with night and weekend coverage in Bruno, Gorgas, and Rodgers Libraries. Assists with shifting and special projects, and other duties as assigned. Staff positions in the University Libraries can be reassigned to different library buildings on campus based on needs assessments.


Required Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED and two (2) years of library experience; OR associate's degree or higher and some library experience.


Preferred Qualifications: Supervisory experience in a library environment. Good understanding of computer systems, mobile devices and other tech products. Ability to diagnose and resolve basic technical issues.


Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.


Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC's Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.

The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.

Advertised: Jul 15 2026 Central Daylight Time
Application close: Aug 05 2026 Central Daylight Time

Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App
Apply now

Back to list Refer a friend


What University Of Alabama employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom