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Circulation Assistant Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Circulation Assistant information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$10

$18

$28

How much do circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulation assistant in Seattle, WA is $18.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $19.13 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 are popular job titles related to Circulation Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA? For Circulation Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Circulation Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Circulation Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Circulation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Circulation Assistant job openings in Seattle, WA 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 $37,503 per year, or $18 per hour.
Library Assistant - Elementary

Library Assistant - Elementary

Federal Way Public Schools

Federal Way, WA โ€ข On-site

$31.48 - $35.45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Classified/Clerical
Date Posted:
7/16/2026
Location:
Rainier View Elementary
Date Available:
09/02/2026
Closing Date:
07/30/2026
Hours per Day:
5.5 Hrs per Day, FWEA-ESP 04 Range: $31.48-$35.45 per Hour DOE
Days of the Week:
Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday
Shift Times:
9:30 AM-3:00 PM Monday - Friday
Days per Year:
191POSITION SUMMARY: The Library Assistant - Elementary School plays a large part in ensuring that students have productive library experiences. This is accomplished in a variety of ways, including keeping the library neat and tidy, shelving books accurately, and checking books in and out in a timely manner. This individual also assists students in locating appropriate reading material. The Library Assistant assists students in accessing and using technology tools but does not provide direct instruction. This position is responsible for greeting guests cordially, making them feel welcome in the library and helping to ensure that their needs are met.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Greet students, staff, parents, community members and other visitors upon their entrance to the library.
  • Assist individual students who are visiting the library and supervise to ensure students follow library expectations.
  • Responsible for material check-ins and checkouts.
  • Accurately shelving books, and processing magazine and other library materials.
  • Maintain patron and circulation records.
  • Responsible for maintaining records for overdue, lost and damaged books; notifying teachers and parents of overdue books.

OTHER RESPONSIBLITIES:
  • May assist Librarian with clerical tasks such as filing, sorting, photocopying and light correspondence.
  • Assist with preparing new books for circulation
  • Assist with repairing and cleaning materials and equipment.
  • May assist Librarian in cataloging materials and equipment into the district library software system.
  • May assist Librarian with displays corresponding with holidays, special events, celebrations, etc.
  • May be responsible for schedule and coordinate use of audiovisual equipment and software, including computer labs and storage systems for technology equipment (aka COWS).
  • May assist Librarian with end-of-year inventory.
  • May assist with maintaining laminating machine; may be responsible for laminating materials for staff.
  • Multilingual staff member may be asked to translate within their scope of work.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent
One (1) year clerical experience
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Positive evaluations
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience working in a school or library environment
Basic knowledge of the district library software system
Basic knowledge of the Internet is helpful
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:
Criminal background clearance
Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis
KNOWLEDGE OF:
School board policies and procedures
Microsoft WORD and a general aptitude for computers
ABILITY TO:
Organize and perform job responsibilities efficiently and independently without close supervision and able to pay strict attention to detail.
Perform safety responsibilities while under pressure.
Demonstrate basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness and ability to increase knowledge to proficiency
Speak, read and follow written or verbal communications: able to proofread
Exhibit proper telephone etiquette
Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines
Remain flexible; able to cope with frequent interruptions as part of a daily routine, to multi-task and shift priorities to meet required deadlines
Develop and maintain positive customer relations with staff, students, parents, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community
Cope with and assist angry or distraught students, parents, and other community members
Work collaboratively with District staff and promote teamwork with co-workers
Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality
Abide by Federal Way Public Schools' Policies and Procedures
Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY:
Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District.
Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools' commitment to "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future."
Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly stand and walk, bend neck and back, use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling. The employee will frequently be required to sit for extended periods of time and use a computer screen and keyboard. The employee may occasionally be required to squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation, climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, and lift/carry. The employee must regularly lift/carry up to 5 pounds and must frequently lift /carry up to 15 pounds. The employee will occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 25 lbs. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum weight of 200 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee regularly works in indoor conditions and regularly works near video display. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The position constantly deals with frequent interruptions, demanding deadlines, and occasionally deals with angry and distraught employees, students, and community members.
WORK SCHEDULE
This position typically works, ___ hours per day, Monday through Friday, ___ days per year
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
This position reports to and is evaluated by the building Principal and/or Designee. This position also receives direction and setting of priorities from the school librarian.
REPRESENTATION
Federal Way Education Association - Education Support Professionals (FWEA-ESP)
LEVEL OF COMPENSATION
Level 4 on the FWEA-ESP Salary Schedule. This position includes the following benefits prorated based on FTE - Medical, dental, vision, sick and vacation leave, life insurance, professional development dollars, retirement.
CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
Update 9/1/01
Update with physical demand/working conditions 5/2015
FWEA-ESP review 7/2015
Updated FWEA-ESP job review 11/2019
Disclaimer
The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements, skills or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.
All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status.
Job descriptions are written as a representative list of the ADA essential duties performed by the entire classification. They cannot include, and are not intended to include, every possible activity and task performed by every specific employee.