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Circulation Assistant Jobs in Middleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Circulation Assistant information

See Middleton, WI salary details

$9

$15

$24

How much do circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulation assistant in Middleton, WI is $15.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $16.88 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.

How much does a circulation clerk make?

A circulation clerk typically earns between $25,000 and $35,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the library or organization. The role often involves customer service, managing checkouts, and using library management systems, with some positions offering part-time hours or evening shifts.

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.

Can you work in a library without being a librarian?

A Circulation Assistant is a library staff member responsible for tasks such as checking out materials, managing overdue items, and assisting patrons. This role typically does not require a librarian certification and often involves on-the-job training, making it possible to work in a library without being a licensed librarian.

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?

A circulation assistant is a library or bookstore staff member responsible for managing the borrowing and returning of materials, registering new members, and maintaining circulation records. They often use library management software and may assist patrons with locating items or answering questions about services. The role typically requires good organizational skills and customer service abilities.

What are Circulation Assistants?

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 jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

A Circulation Assistant typically earns less than $3,000 monthly, but jobs such as commercial truck drivers, sales representatives, or administrative roles can pay $3,000 or more without requiring a degree. These positions often rely on experience, certifications, or on-the-job training rather than formal education.
What job categories do people searching Circulation Assistant jobs in Middleton, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Circulation Assistant jobs in Middleton, WI are:
What cities near Middleton, WI are hiring for Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near Middleton, WI with the most Circulation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Circulation Assistant job openings in Middleton, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,072 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Library Circulation Supervisor

City of Monona

Madison, WI

$63K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description and Terms of Employment Under general supervision of the Library Director, the Circulation Supervisor manages the circulation department and serves patrons directly. The essential duties listed below are representative of those carried out by the circulation supervisor. Other tasks may be assigned if they are of a similar nature.

All library employees must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends. The library's mission statement is "The Monona Public Library enriches lives by building community connections, fostering imagination, and opening up a world of ideas." We welcome all who will help us achieve this for anyone who interacts with the library. Duties and Responsibilities The following essential duties are representative of those carried out by the circulation supervisor

Other tasks may be assigned if they are of a similar nature. Supervises on a daily basis a staff of 12-15 part-time employees, ensuring a rewarding job experience and that staff work efficiently and to the best of their abilities. Participates in employee hiring, annual reviews, and, in consultation with the library director, resolve disciplinary issues that may arise.

Prepares weekly staff work schedule, schedules vacations, deals with unforeseen absences, and related scheduling issues. Delegates circulation responsibilities to staff members as appropriate. Participates in staff coaching and development, providing advice to staff and assisting in problem solving; ensures staff have opportunity to take advantage of continuing education opportunities.

Manages the circulation department, supervising transactions involving 250,000+ items and more than 120,000 patrons annually. Develops procedures for the orderly operation of the department; manages the workflow of the department for maximum efficiency and customer service. Manages the flow of material out of the building and back to the shelf; assures proper transfer of hold items, identification of damaged material, and other issues related to process and quality control.

Coordinates delinquent account procedures. Coordinates running and handling of issues from item and account management reports provided by South Central Library System (SCLS). Responsible for maintaining a high degree of customer satisfaction from the checkout desk.

Identifies aspects of good customer service; communicates best practices; monitors staff actions. Resolves elevated customer concerns regarding overdue or lost materials, fines, claims returned, circulation policies and related issues. Miscellaneous Staffs the service desk as required.

Prepares administrative reports as requested, including contributions to the monthly board report. Maintains a high level of professional development by participating in continuing education activities. Qualifications 3-5 years of library experience on library desk and circulation Supervisory and managerial experience desirable Knowledge and Abilities Ability to perform effectively as a team leader, coordinating the activities of several staff members.

Working knowledge of an integrated library system (ILS), preferably in a public library setting Ability to work independently and solve work-related problems. Ability to train new staff and assist existing staff in adapting to new procedures or learning to use new equipment and technology. Ability to explain and promote library services and to work with diverse individuals and community groups.

Ability to work cooperatively as part of a management team and to work closely with other departments of the library. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with both the public and fellow staff. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and establish positive, mutually supportive working relationships with other staff.

Knowledge of new concepts and technological advances and ability to relate them to public services. Ability to act as person-in-charge. Ability to use good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.

Minimum Physical Abilities: Ability to frequently move among shelves and to place books on shelves; shelves range from a few inches off the floor to up to 90 inches tall Ability to retrieve books from bins, sort them, and place them on shelves Ability to accurately exchange information with library patrons and staff in person and via telephone Far vision at 20 feet or further, and near vision at 20 inches or less Ability to move a cart of materials on wheels weighing 60 - 80 pounds Ability to operate a computer