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Circulation Clerk Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clerk I - Circulation

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$14.84 - $18.57/hr

SUMMARY The Circulation Clerk serves patrons by issuing library cards and maintaining registrations; handling all transactions related to the circulation of library materials, assisting in collection ...

SUMMARY The Circulation Clerk serves patrons by issuing library cards and maintaining registrations; handling all transactions related to the circulation of library materials, assisting in collection ...

Description Responsible for performing paraprofessional responsibilities in the Circulation section of the Library. Performs a variety of clerical tasks in assisting library patrons and maintaining ...

Performs a variety of tasks at the circulation division, including checking library materials in and out, registering patrons, updating patron's records, preparing daily automated reports; and ...

Performs a variety of tasks at the circulation division, including checking library materials in and out, registering patrons, updating patron's records, preparing daily automated reports; and ...

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Circulation Clerk information

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How much do circulation clerk jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulation clerk in the United States is $16.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by circulation clerks, and how can they be addressed?

Circulation Clerks often manage a high volume of patron requests, returns, and checkouts, which can lead to busy periods and the need for strong organizational skills. They may also encounter situations where they need to enforce library policies or resolve disputes over overdue materials. Effective communication, patience, and familiarity with the library's cataloging and circulation systems can help address these challenges. Collaborating with other library staff and staying updated on library technology are also key to providing excellent service and maintaining a smooth workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a circulation clerk, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Circulation Clerk, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library management systems, barcoding equipment, and basic office software is essential for daily tasks. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills help you interact effectively with patrons and staff. These abilities ensure efficient library operations, accurate record-keeping, and a positive experience for library users.

What is a circulation clerk?

Circulation Clerks are library staff members responsible for managing the circulation desk, which includes checking materials in and out, issuing library cards, handling returns, and assisting patrons with locating materials. They often answer basic questions about library services, enforce borrowing policies, and may help with shelving and organizing library materials. Circulation Clerks play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of a library and providing quality customer service to library users.

What is the difference between Circulation Clerk vs Library Assistant?

AspectCirculation ClerkLibrary Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer customer service experienceHigh school diploma; some roles may require basic library training
Work EnvironmentPublic library, handling checkouts, returns, and customer inquiriesLibrary setting, assisting with shelving, organizing, and patron support
Job DutiesManaging circulation desk, checking out/in materials, collecting finesSupporting library operations, shelving, and helping patrons

While both roles work in libraries and involve customer service, Circulation Clerks primarily focus on managing the checkout process and handling fines, whereas Library Assistants support broader library functions like shelving and patron assistance. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in specific duties and responsibilities.

What states have the most Circulation Clerk jobs?

States with the most job openings for Circulation Clerk jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Circulation Clerk jobs?

For Circulation Clerk jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Circulation Clerk job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,164 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Clerk I - Circulation

Elkhart Public Library

Elkhart, IN • On-site

$14.84 - $18.57/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY
The Circulation Clerk serves patrons by issuing library cards and maintaining registrations; handling all transactions related to the circulation of library materials, assisting in collection development; and creating a helpful, welcoming environment for all library visitors.
12 hour per week, two to three evening (4-7 pm) shifts/week and alternating Saturdays 9-3.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESinclude the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Organization-Wide EXPECTATIONS
  • Follows [for supervisors include: and enforces] established Library and personnel policy, procedures and work standards.
  • Attends work regularly, on time, and as scheduled.
  • Exhibits welcoming, helpful, positive and friendly behavior to all patrons, staff and guests at all times in all communications formats (verbal and non-verbal).
  • Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Regularly monitors Library communication venues including but not limited to employee email, staff bulletin boards and the intranet.
  • Participates in meetings, conferences, continuing education, community engagement, and special projects as required by the Elkhart Public Library or as dictated by professional commitment.
  • Addresses, or assists in addressing, issues and concerns related to the safety of Library staff and users as well as the security and maintenance of Library buildings and equipment.

Job-Specific ACCOUNTABILITY
  • Creates and maintains patron accounts.
  • Circulates materials: checks in and out; pulls and routes holds, etc.
  • Handles financial transactions at circulation desk and public copiers.
  • Performs opening and closing task as assigned.
  • Selects materials and/or performs collection maintenance as assigned, with oversight from the appropriate collection manager(s) and approval of the department head.
  • Provides customer service at the Circulation Desk and at other public desks in the library.
  • Performs designated administrative and/or clerical duties per specified Work Instructions.

WORK CONDITIONS
  • Full-time/Part-time (including evenings and weekends)
  • Frequent local travel, occasional long distance travel

QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
  • Minimum of High School Diploma or equivalent required
  • Prior library experience preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
  • Ability to deal tactfully and courteously in person and on the telephone with people of all ages in a business and public service context, and with professional colleagues
  • Ability to learn and adapt
  • Basic clerical, computer and mathematical skills
  • A general knowledge of standard office equipment
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to follow written and verbal instructions
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

LANGUAGE SKILLS
  • Above-average written and oral language and communication skills
  • Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and business correspondence
  • Ability to effectively write routine reports and business correspondences
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from Library personnel and the general public in one-to-one and group situations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Effective communication skills, including the ability to convey information verbally or through other means
  • Ability to perform tasks that may require visual and auditory acuity
  • Ability to remain in seated or standing position for prolonged periods
  • Ability to perform tasks that may require reaching, either independently or with assistance
  • Ability to occasionally perform tasks that may involve climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crawling
  • Ability to perform job duties in a variety of environmental conditions, which may include extreme fluctuations in temperature.
  • Ability to occasionally lift or move objects weighting up to 40 pounds
  • Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the physical functions of this position.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
  • See Elkhart Public Library Salary Schedule
  • See Elkhart Public Library Personnel eManual

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. The above statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities that may be performed by a qualified applicant or individual with a disability. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.