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Circulation Desk Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Part-time Circulation Assistants are hired for a variety of different jobs that include performing all Circulation Desk activities, maintaining photocopiers, general filing, shelving, and completing ...

Part-time Circulation Assistants are hired for a variety of different jobs that include performing ... Responsible for Circulation desk activity when full time staff is unavailable. 40% of Time 2. ...

$17.55/hr

In this role, you will assist patrons at the circulation desk, support the use of library technology and resources, and help maintain an organized and welcoming space. As part of an innovative ...

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Circulation Desk Assistant information

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$9

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How much do circulation desk assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulation desk assistant in the United States is $15.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a circulation desk assistant?

A circulation desk assistant is a library staff member responsible for managing the check-in and check-out of library materials, assisting patrons, and maintaining the circulation area. They often use library management software and need good customer service skills. The role typically requires attention to detail and may involve working flexible hours.

What is the role of a circulatory assistant?

A Circulation Desk Assistant is responsible for managing the check-in and check-out of library materials, assisting patrons with locating resources, and maintaining the organization of the circulation area. They often use library management systems and provide customer service in a library or similar environment.

What are Circulation Desk Assistants?

Circulation Desk Assistants are staff members in libraries who help with the day-to-day operations at the circulation desk. Their main responsibilities include checking books and other materials in and out, assisting patrons with library accounts, processing library cards, and answering basic inquiries. They may also help with shelving, maintaining records, and handling overdue items. Circulation Desk Assistants play a key role in providing customer service and ensuring the efficient flow of materials throughout the library.

What are the main challenges a Circulation Desk Assistant might face during busy periods, and how can these be managed?

During peak times, Circulation Desk Assistants often encounter long lines, high volumes of material check-ins and check-outs, and frequent patron inquiries. Managing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, the ability to multitask, and effective communication with both patrons and team members. Staying calm under pressure and prioritizing tasks—such as quickly processing returns and renewals while politely directing patrons to appropriate resources—can help maintain a smooth workflow. Team collaboration is essential, as colleagues often assist each other during rush periods to ensure excellent customer service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Circulation Desk Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Circulation Desk Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), barcode scanners, and cataloging software is commonly required. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively assist patrons and handle inquiries. These skills are crucial for maintaining smooth library operations and providing a positive experience for library users.

Can you work in a library without being a librarian?

Yes, a Circulation Desk Assistant can work in a library without being a librarian. These roles typically involve tasks like checking out materials, managing overdue items, and assisting patrons, often requiring customer service skills and familiarity with library systems but not requiring a librarian certification.

What is the difference between Circulation Desk Assistant vs Library Clerk?

AspectCirculation Desk AssistantLibrary Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer customer service experienceHigh school diploma; customer service skills often preferred
Work EnvironmentPublic library circulation area, assisting patrons with checkouts and returnsLibrary front desk, handling patron inquiries, shelving, and administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and academic libraries, government agenciesPublic libraries, educational institutions, government libraries
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The Circulation Desk Assistant and Library Clerk roles share similar environments and credentials, often overlapping in customer service and administrative duties. While both work in libraries, the Circulation Desk Assistant primarily focuses on managing checkouts and returns, whereas the Library Clerk may handle broader administrative tasks and patron inquiries. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position in the library industry.

How much does a circulation clerk make?

A circulation desk assistant typically earns between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific library or institution. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the minimum wage, while experienced clerks or those with additional responsibilities can earn higher wages.
More about Circulation Desk Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Circulation Desk Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Circulation Desk Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Circulation Desk jobs? The most popular types of Circulation Desk jobs are:
What states have the most Circulation Desk Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Circulation Desk Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Circulation Desk Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Circulation Desk Assistant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Circulation Desk Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,955 per year, or $15.8 per hour.
Circulation Assistant

Circulation Assistant

Barry University

Orlando, FL • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Barry University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

165th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Part-time Circulation Assistants are hired for a variety of different jobs that include performing all Circulation
Desk activities, maintaining photocopiers, general filing, shelving, and completing special projects as
assigned by the supervisor.
Essential Functions: List up to ten essential functions
1. Assists patron at the Circulation Desk
• Checking Library materials in and out, including reserve materials.
• Following and implementing the library visitor policy.
• Maintaining the floor count and the sign in sheet.
• Responsible for Circulation desk activity when full time staff is unavailable.
40% of Time
2. Reshelves library materials in Reserve Collection or the Library's general collection on all three floors.
Participates in stack maintenance.
Assists in shifting the collection as needed.
Pre-shelves materials at the circulation desk.
15% of Time
3. Maintains photocopiers, including:
Clearing paper jams, filling paper drawers.
Assisting patrons in using copiers.
15% of Time
4. Files loose leaf titles received by the Law Library.
• Checks that reports are ready to be filed and reports any problems to Circulation staff members.
15% of Time
Position Description
Questionnaire
Essential Functions: List up to ten essential functions of the position in the space provided below,
indicating the most important first, and the approximate percentage of time spent on each function over the
course of a year. DO NOT list any duties or responsibilities that require 5% or less of the position's time.
5. Assists Circulation staff members in daily or special projects as needed; performs additional related
duties as assigned or required by the Dean.
15%
Must be a current Barry University School of Law student in good academic standing. Circulation staff must be
service oriented and have a helpful attitude and demeanor. Hours may include day or nighttime, weekdays or
weekends.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
15
Benefits: Barry University offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, tuition assistance, paid time off and work/life balance initiatives such as wellness programs, spirituality in the workplace, and training and development.
Barry University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

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