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Circulation Desk Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

IvyTech

Federal Work Study, Library

Muncie, IN · On-site

The employee will receive a training period which will include a Part-Time Library Assistant Guide ... Observing Circulation Desk protocol. Becoming familiar with the library's web pages and resources.

Ivy Tech

Federal Work Study, Library

Muncie, IN · On-site

The employee will receive a training period which will include a Part-Time Library Assistant Guide ... Observing Circulation Desk protocol. Becoming familiar with the library's web pages and resources.

Ivy Tech

Federal Work Study, Library

Muncie, IN

The employee will receive a training period which will include a Part-Time Library Assistant Guide ... Observing Circulation Desk protocol. Becoming familiar with the library's web pages and resources.

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All JobsCirculation Desk JobsCirculation Desk Assistant JobsCirculation Desk Assistant Jobs in Indiana

Circulation Desk Assistant information

What is a circulation desk assistant?

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?

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.

What are popular job titles related to Circulation Desk Assistant jobs in Indiana? For Circulation Desk Assistant jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Circulation Desk Assistant jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Circulation Desk Assistant jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Circulation Desk Assistant jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Circulation Desk Assistant job openings:
Circulation Desk Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Circulation Desk Assistant job openings in Indiana as of August 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.

Senior Circulation Assistant (Library Services Coordinator)

Indiana University

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$32K - $43K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Indiana University (IU) Robert H. McKinney School of Law resides on Indiana's urban research and health sciences campus. As the only law school in our vibrant capital city, we are committed to accessibility, affordability, and excellence in public legal education.
Job Summary
The Senior Circulation Assistant provides direct support to the department manager in staffing the front desk, training student employees, processing interlibrary loan requests, billing for overdue/lost library materials, and maintaining the stacks. Alongside circulation desk support, the Senior Circulation Assistant opens and closes the library on Saturdays with minimal supervision.
Department-Specific Responsibilities
  • Bills for overdue and/or damaged materials
  • Processes interlibrary loan requests and deliveries
  • Assists faculty, students, and other patrons with locating library materials and online resources
  • Assists management with training student employees
  • Staffs circulation department front desk
  • Answers circulation department email and phone
  • Opens and closes library on Saturday
  • Manages the stacks
  • Helps support student engagement through the design of physical and digital graphics
  • Performs other projects as directed under supervision of circulation manager
General Responsibilities
  • Handles and monitors library materials, including re-shelving, processing new material, restocking, and ensuring that all materials can be located quickly and easily. Evaluates condition of library materials and may perform repair and preservation of library materials, as needed
  • Assists faculty, students, and other patrons by answering phones and handling library-related issues, resolving non-routine problems related to library activities
  • Monitors library systems. Creates and updates basic records, maintains automated records, reviewing for completeness and accuracy
  • Collects and collates data, compiles statistics, uses compiled information to prepare unit reports
  • May assist with cataloging new items, performing audits of outstanding items, and/or inter-library loan materials processing
  • May oversee library department desk and provide training and direction for students employees working the front desk
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
  • High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
  • 2 years of library experience
SKILLS
Required
  • Proficient written and verbal communication skills
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
  • Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
  • Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
  • Highly thorough and dependable
  • Experience with information systems and web-based applications, such as databases, online search and discovery tools, and cataloging/metadata applications
  • Understands common security protocols related to Internet use and protecting the information privacy of library users
Working Conditions / Demands
This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Work Location
IU Indianapolis Campus
McKinney School of Law, Ruth Lilly Law Library
This is an in-person position.
Advertised Salary
$32,760.00 - 43,513.00 annually
Work Hours
7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
  • Health savings account with generous IU contributions
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Basic group life insurance paid by IU
  • Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
  • Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
  • Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
  • 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
  • Generous paid time off plans
  • Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .
Job Classification
Career Level: Intermediate
FLSA: Nonexempt
Job Function: Educational Resources & Tech
Job Family: Library Services
Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.
Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .
Campus Safety and Security
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.
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