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Circulation Assistant Jobs in Chicopee, MA (NOW HIRING)

Circulation Assistant information

See Chicopee, MA salary details

$9

$15

$24

How much do circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulation assistant in Chicopee, MA is $15.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $16.92 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 job categories do people searching Circulation Assistant jobs in Chicopee, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Circulation Assistant jobs in Chicopee, MA are:

What cities near Chicopee, MA are hiring for Circulation Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicopee, MA with the most Circulation Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Circulation Assistant job openings in Chicopee, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,127 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Reporting to the Library Director and collaborating with the full Library Staff, the Library Circulation Assistant serves as a main point of contact for Library users; provides circulation services; troubleshoots minor technology issues; supports cataloging and processing activities; and provides responsive, user-centered service that supports the academic success of faculty and students.

This is an intermittent position during the Academic Year. 

 Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Serve as a welcoming and professional main point of contact for Library users; with an emphasis on promoting student-centered services;
  • Assists with collection development and maintenance, materials processing, shelving, and special projects.
  • Provides circulation services and troubleshoots minor technology issues over the phone, through email and other technology-based systems, and in person;
  • Monitors usage of the building, making occasional rounds, and serve as a visible presence in the physical spaces;
  • Contributes to a continuous process of assessment to ensure the Library’s success in advancing Deerfield Academy’s evolving goals in light of pedagogical, information, technology, and user preference changes.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 Job Specifications

  • High school diploma required. Associate’s degree preferred
  • 1 – 3 years’ library or equivalent experience required.      
  • Strong customer service orientation with the ability to foster a welcoming, responsive, and inclusive environment for all library users. 
  • Proven collaboration, communication, people skills and proficiency in working with a diverse and wide range of individuals, including adolescents. 
  • General knowledge of library principles and policies, including research and information literacy. 
  • Proficiency with multiple computer systems, software, and technology appropriate to libraries. 
  • Willingness to innovate and adopt new practices and procedures. 
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with an ability to provide reference instruction and technology support to students and faculty.  
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities and projects while working at a very high rate of accuracy 
  • Ability and willingness to perform regular evening and or/weekend work, as Library needs require. In some circumstances, be prepared to assist during adverse weather and emergency situations to ensure essential services and service points as covered.  
  • Ability to work independently with initiative, as well as be a part of a team 
  • Ability to manage, and sensitivity to, highly confidential information  
  • Energy, enthusiasm, initiative, friendliness. 
  • Commitment to excellence. 
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion and to serving the needs of a diverse community. 

 Physical Demands

  • Close visual acuity to analyze data and figures and to view a computer terminal
  • Ability to occasionally ascend and descend stairs
  • Ability to frequently sustain substantial movements of the wrist, hands and/or fingers
  • Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 25 lbs.
  • Ability to occasionally stoop, kneel or reach

 Working Conditions

The work takes place in an office environment, and the worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions. 

Special Instructions for Applicants

Application materials must include: 

  •  A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications
  • A complete resume or curriculum vitae

Disclaimer 

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  This job description is not intended to be construed as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. It is expected that job duties and responsibilities will develop over time commensurate with performance.