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William and Mary

Circulation Desk Assistant

JR101748 Circulation Desk Assistant (Open) Job Posting Title: Circulation Desk Assistant Department: CC00210 WM001 | SLAW | Law Library Job Family: Staff - Library Support Worker Sub Type: Wage ...

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How much do circulation desk assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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 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.

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.

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:
Circulation Desk Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Circulation Desk Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% 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 Desk Assistant

William and Mary

Remote

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Requisition:
JR101748 Circulation Desk Assistant (Open)
Job Posting Title:
Circulation Desk Assistant
Department:
CC00210 WM001 | SLAW | Law Library
Job Family:
Staff - Library Support
Worker Sub Type:
Wage-Continuing (non-benefited)
Job Requisition Primary Location:
School Of Law
Primary Job Posting Location:
Posting Location - William & Mary
Job Description Summary:
The Law Library Circulation & Reserve Department's mission is to ensure that all library patrons find the materials they need in the proper location, quickly and easily, and that they receive prompt, knowledgeable, and friendly assistance with all circulation services.
The Circulation Desk Assistant:
• Works as part of a service-oriented team that greets patrons at the front desk of the library.
• Checks-out circulating library materials using an integrated library system (ILS).
• Interprets library policy and procedures to answer questions from students, faculty, staff, and the public, using good judgment to make sound decisions.
• Obtains materials for patrons from various library collections, or places holds or recalls as necessary to retrieve checked-out items. Searches for missing material.
• Checks-in, sorts, and shelves materials. Some stacks management projects.
• Maintains patron records in the ILS, updating information, and monitoring overdues.
• Communicates clearly with patrons and staff via phone, email, and in writing, in a Windows/Microsoft Office environment.
• Works with and directs student assistants in policies and procedures.
• Retrieves loose leaf services from stacks and completes assigned filing, following complex instructions, while monitoring circulation activities.
• Processes materials for course reserves at the request of faculty, and processes and delivers other material in the library and law school, as needed.
• Conducts cash and debit transactions from patrons, including photocopies, overdue fines, and fees for borrower's cards. Performs record keeping, data entry, and submits deposits and receipts.
• Assists patrons in the use of library photocopiers, scanners, and printers.
• Participates in staff training and staff development activities, and performs other duties as assigned.
Job Description:
Required Qualifications:
  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and make decisions without direct supervision.
  • Demonstrated ability to follow complex written instructions.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new computer programs and operating systems.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior library experience.
  • Experience handling cash transactions.
  • Knowledge of and experience in an office environment using Microsoft Office programs.

Conditions of Employment:
  • This is a part-time, hourly position limited to an average of 25 hours per week with limited benefits after one year of employment based on a minimum of 1,000 hours per calendar year.
  • All hourly employees are subject to the limitations of the Virginia Manpower Control Program and total hours worked may not exceed, on average, 29 hours per week over the course of a twelve- month period beginning May 1 each year.
  • This position is eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc., as directed and approved by the supervisor.
  • Must be able to maintain confidentiality of patron records and security of library systems
  • Physical requirements: Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds; push a cart full of books or hand truck with boxes; as well as reaching, stooping, kneeling, and climbing.
  • Set schedule is: Summer: The schedule is more flexible with Sunday afternoons 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM and 4-6 hours weekday mornings or afternoons; Academic year: Sunday - Tuesday 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Wednesday 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Hours may be changed slightly due to department needs.

Job Duties:
45% Circulation Materials Management:
Checks-out circulating library materials using an integrated library system (ILS). Interprets library policy and procedures to answer questions from students, faculty, staff, and the public, using good judgment to make sound decisions. Obtains materials for patrons from various library collections, or places holds or recalls as necessary to retrieve checked-out items. Searches for missing material. Checks-in, sorts, and shelves materials. Some stacks management projects. Reports problems and communicates regularly with the supervisor.
15% Customer Service:
Maintains patron records in the ILS, updating information, and monitoring overdue items. Communicates clearly with patrons and staff via phone, email, and in writing, in a Windows/Microsoft Office environment. Works with and directs student assistants in policies and procedures. Processes materials for course reserves at the request of faculty, and processes and delivers other material in the library and law school, as needed.
15% Filing:
Retrieves loose leaf services from stacks and completes assigned filing, following complex instructions, while monitoring circulation activities.
10% Payment Processing:
Conducts cash and debit transactions from patrons, including photocopies, overdue fines, and fees for borrower's cards. Performs record keeping, data entry, and submits deposits and receipts.
10% Equipment Management:
Assists patrons in the use of library photocopiers, scanners, microfilm readers, and printers. Helps maintain library equipment, adding paper or toner as necessary and clearing paper jams. Reports problems.
5% Other Duties:
Participates with library staff in training/staff development activities. Assists with special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
Pay: Up to $19.89 an hour commensurate with experience.
Additional Job Description:
Job Profile:
JP0049 - Library Specialist I - Nonexempt - Hourly - H03
Qualifications:
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Compensation Grade:
H03
Recruiting Start Date:
2026-05-22
Review Date:
2026-06-05
Position Restrictions:
EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal
Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.

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