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Circulation Assistant Jobs in Spring Lake, NC (NOW HIRING)

Circulation Assistant information

See Spring Lake, NC salary details

$9

$15

$24

How much do circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulation assistant in Spring Lake, NC is $15.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.69 and $16.44 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 job categories do people searching Circulation Assistant jobs in Spring Lake, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Circulation Assistant jobs in Spring Lake, NC are:

What cities near Spring Lake, NC are hiring for Circulation Assistant jobs?

Cities near Spring Lake, NC with the most Circulation Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Circulation Assistant job openings in Spring Lake, NC 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 $32,180 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Library Assistant Part-Time -Coats Branch

GovernmentJobs.com

Lillington, NC • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Library Circulation Assistant

An employee in this position performs Library circulation tasks and provides information services to the public through modern library techniques and technology for the Harnett County Public Library System. Work involves: demonstrating excellent customer service skills while assisting patrons with technology, working at the circulation desk; searching for information, programming, and performing other Library service needs. Employee may work up to 29 hours per week and requires schedule flexibility as shifts include mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends at the Coats Public Library, as well as occasionally at other library branch locations in Harnett County. Hiring Range: $16.8022

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential functions of the position include:

  • Responds to routine inquiries and refers patrons in need of professional assistance to appropriate sources within the library or to various online reference materials.
  • Performs circulation duties including: registering new patrons, checking items in and out, collecting overdue fines and fees, performing basic financial transactions and cash handling, reserving library materials for patrons, searching the online catalog, updating and managing patron accounts, and troubleshooting minor problems with patron accounts.
  • Sorts books, publications, and other items according to established procedures and returns them to their proper shelf locations or other designated areas.
  • Efficiently locates library materials for patrons including books, periodicals, DVDs, and audiobooks.
  • Instructs patrons on how to access and utilize a variety of online and digital materials. Shares knowledge of the library's e-book collection and points of access for online reading.
  • Inspects returned books for circulating condition; identifies and notes various repair needs.
  • Assists patrons with various office equipment including fax, copier, and computer.
  • Selects substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as genre, age level, educational depth, and related subject interests.
  • Retrieves items to and from library stacks by hand or by use of pushcarts.
  • Generates a holds list report and locates specified items from a variety of locations within the library for fulfilling reservation holds and special requests.
  • Performs minor cleaning and disinfecting of high-traffic surfaces within the library; other procedures related to safety and security such as end-of-the-day walk-throughs, checking lights and doors, and ensuring the general cleanliness and positive appearance of the library.
  • Assists in the preparation of creative book displays. Assists other library staff with various projects and programs (e.g., adult outreach, children's department, local history, etc.).
  • Assists patrons with the use of self-checkout terminals, coin machines, and self-service holds.
  • Performs regular shelf reading assignments, identifies missing or lost items, discovers and communicates any questions about cataloging (e.g., call numbers and classifications).
  • Balances cash drawer at beginning and end of each day and prepares daily deposit.
  • Performs routine opening and closing duties.
  • Works together as a team that maintains a service focus, that prioritizes the patron experience, that creatively and efficiently connects readers to their books, that understands the community and its needs, that embraces the values of both learning and entertainment, that sees opportunity in the ever-changing dynamics of a modern public library, and that fosters an appreciation for the unique skills and talents that each staff member brings to the library.
  • Assists co-workers with various duties as assigned.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications

Minimum requirements to perform work include:

  • High school diploma;
  • No experience required but some work or volunteer experience in a library or a customer service setting preferred;
  • Or equivalent education and/or experience; and
  • Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of general computer technology, trends and applications.
  • Knowledge of the methods and practices of public library operations, including circulation, reference services, children's and adult services, and programming.
  • Skill in providing quality customer service to patrons.
  • Ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information.
  • Ability to plan and implement creative programming for children and teens.
  • Ability to operate and maintain a variety of office equipment as necessary in the performance of daily activities.
  • Ability to use independent judgment in performing routine and non-routine tasks.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
  • Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
Supplemental Information

Physical demands must be able to perform light work frequently exerting up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and occasionally requiring to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. This work also involves the physical abilities of crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, having manual dexterity, using mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, and walking. An incumbent must also possess the visual acuity to analyze data, work with color or depth perception, determine accuracy, and works with computer. Work environment: The employee works in a library environment. Job duties require working an assigned schedule which could be a combination of mornings, afternoons, and evening work as well as weekends in addition to working at various locations such as the main branch in Lillington and other branch libraries.