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Circulation Assistant Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

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Circulation Assistant information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$8

$14

$22

How much do circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulation assistant in Columbia, SC is $14.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $15.58 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 are popular job titles related to Circulation Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC? For Circulation Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Circulation Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Circulation Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Circulation Assistant job openings:
Circulation Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Circulation Assistant job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,488 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Access Services Assistant

The University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC • On-site

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo
Posting Number
TMP01387PO26
Job Code Title
Library Technical Assistant
Advertised Title
Access Services Assistant
Campus
Beaufort
College/Division
USC Beaufort College/Division Level
Department
BFT Libraries
Salary
Commensurate with experience
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time
Part Time
Hours per Week
24
Work Schedule
Ongoing Temporary, part time, Flexible to meet the needs of the department.
Job Search Category
Other
About USC
About University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is a globally recognized, high-impact research university committed to a superior student experience and dedicated to innovation in learning, research and community engagement. Founded in 1801, the university offers more than 300 degree programs and is a top-tier Carnegie Foundation research institution. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of 20 locations throughout the state, including the research campus in Columbia. With 60 nationally ranked academic programs including top-ranked programs in international business, the nation's best honors college and distinguished programs in engineering, law, medicine, public health and the arts, the university is helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and around the world.
Benefits for Temporary Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers temporary employees expected to work at least 30 hours per week health and life insurance, flexible spending accounts and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The USCB Library is seeking a service-oriented and collegial Access Services Assistant to work at the Bluffton Campus library. This position is responsible for staffing the circulation/information desk and providing access services to patrons, which includes providing occasional research assistance and technical assistance. The Access Services Assistant will work with other access services staff in opening and/or closing the library, monitoring facilities issues, gathering library usage data, and assisting in supervision of student workers. This is a part time position which includes weekend and evening hours, schedule might vary by semester.
Essential Duties
  • Staff circulation/information desk
    • Greets patrons and answers informational/directional questions.
    • Communicates policies to patrons.
    • Uses Ex Libris Alma Library Management System (LMS) to creates and updates patron records, check-in and check-out books, and process books and serials
    • Handles fines and copy charges
    • Assists with interlibrary loan and PASCAL processes
    • Gathers library usage data and documents interactions
    • Assists in providing directional assistance and troubleshooting issues such as computer-related issues or copier issues
  • Provides occasional research assistance to patrons
  • Provides technical assistance to patrons, including assisting with printing and access to print and electronic resources
  • Opens and/or closes the library following set operating procedures
  • Assists with stacks maintenance, such as shelving books, shelf reading, cleaning
  • Assists in training and supervision of student workers
  • Monitors facilities and communicates issues to librarians or submits maintenance tickets
  • Assists librarians with projects, such as book displays, marketing, collection management and maintenance, and systems maintenance
  • Communicates with library employees in the Microsoft Teams environment, verbally, and through email
  • Attends Library Team meetings
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma
  • Library experience, clerical work, or customer service experience
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Technologically literate. Comfortable with technology and learning new software. Experience with Ex Libris Alma a plus.
  • Experience working in a library
  • Ability to work independently and with others
  • Problem-solving skills

Job Duties
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
3
Desired Start Date
07/20/2026
Proposed End Date
Job Open Date
07/10/2026
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/209368
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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