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Circulation Assistant Jobs in La Crosse, WI (NOW HIRING)

Circulation Assistant information

See La Crosse, WI salary details

$9

$15

$24

How much do circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulation assistant in La Crosse, WI is $15.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.74 and $16.54 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 La Crosse, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Circulation Assistant jobs in La Crosse, WI are:

What cities near La Crosse, WI are hiring for Circulation Assistant jobs?

Cities near La Crosse, WI with the most Circulation Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Circulation Assistant job openings in La Crosse, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, and 98% Full Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,352 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Library Services Evening Associate

Winona, MN • On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Overview and Responsibilities

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is seeking candidates who are eager to contribute to its Lasallian Catholic mission of awakening, nurturing, and empowering learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. We invite individuals to help transform lives through education, inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition's quest to understand the human experience through faith and reason and its embrace of all who are dedicated to learning from one another through authentic conversations in search of the truth. We are especially interested in and give preference to candidates who demonstrate a vision to create and nurture initiatives that will advance our mission within the scope of their duties and who will foster a culture of dialogue that, with respect for all people, supports the search for meaning and purpose in pursuit of excellence.

Job Summary

The Library Services Evening Associate assists library staff to support Saint Mary's student, faculty, and staff academics by managing library access services, including circulation, reserves, and interlibrary loan (ILL). The Library Services Evening Associate also assists in the oversight of a team of student assistants who ensure the Winona Library is open and available for student, faculty, and staff use during all evening and weekend hours that the library is open. This position is part time, 40 hours per week during the academic year and works Sunday - Thursday, 1:30 - 10:00 pm. This position does not work during academic breaks or over the summer.

Salary Range: $14.00 - $18.00 per hour. 

Main Duties & Responsibilities

  • Responsible for closing and securing the library during weekday evenings and opening and closing the library during weekend shifts; preparing it for the next day's services.
  • Provides initial patron assistance for library directional questions, location of specific items, and library policies/procedures.
  • Provides basic reference assistance, making referrals as needed to the librarians.
  • Answers circulation desk phone, routing calls to librarians and library staff as needed. 
  • Uses the integrated library system (ILS) to check in and out library materials.
  • Assists the Library Circulation Services Manager with the management of student employees.
  • Assists the Instruction and Resource Sharing Librarians with interlibrary loan requests.
  • Assists with library stack maintenance.
  • Assists library users with technologies.
  • Performs other projects and duties, as assigned.
Qualifications

Experience and Education Requirements

Required

  • 2 year post-secondary education or equivalent education or experience

Preferred

  • At least 1 year experience in a library is preferred, and in an academic setting desirable.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

  • Excellent written, oral, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Commitment to excellent user-centered customer service.
  • Reliability and regular attendance.
  • Ability to develop effective working relationships with diverse groups of people.
  • Ability to produce accurate and detailed work.
  • Ability to use basic computer software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities while meeting deadlines.
  • Supports, respects, and advances the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic university.

Physical Demands

  • Light work. Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may be very little, a job is in this category when it requires a good deal of walking or standing, or when it involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls. To be considered capable of performing a full or wide range of light work, you must have the ability to do substantially all of these activities.

Physical Hazards - Health and Safety Concerns

  • General office environments
Application Requirements

Apply online at: https://www.smumn.edu/about/offices-services/human-resources/employment-opportunities/ and include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota believes inclusion and human dignity contributes to a robust academic and work environment and is critical to achieving the University's mission in an increasingly diverse society. Individuals with expertise and diverse skills from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The successful candidate must support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic institution.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Employment Type: PART_TIME