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Circulation Desk Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Brooklynpubliclibrary

Office Aide

Temperance, MI

$34K/yr

... Assist customers with library services, applications, technology, holds and circulation desk activities. Will communicate and interpret Library policy and procedure as necessary. This is a ...

Bay College

Library Assistant

Escanaba, MI · On-site

$16.30/hr

The Assistant contributes to ensuring that the Bay College Library is a place of belonging on ... Job Duty Assists at front desk with circulation functions such as the charging/discharging of ...

All JobsCirculation Desk JobsCirculation Desk Assistant JobsCirculation Desk Assistant Jobs in Michigan

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Circulation Desk jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Circulation Desk jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Circulation Desk Assistant jobs in Michigan?

For Circulation Desk Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Circulation Desk Assistant jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Circulation Desk Assistant jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Circulation Desk Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Circulation Desk Assistant job openings:

Circulation Desk Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Circulation Desk Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Office Aide

Brooklynpubliclibrary

Temperance, MI

$34K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

We offer thousands of free programs every day for people from all walks of life-immigrants learning a new language, aspiring entrepreneurs launching their dreams, children discovering the world, people of all ages exploring arts and culture. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life's greatest satisfactions: the discovery of a good book.

Now's your chance to join the best team in Brooklyn!

Under the direct supervision of the Circulation Manager the Office Aide will perform direct public service to all age groups in the culturally diverse community of Brooklyn including, circulation desk, data entry, training, evaluation and supervision of part-time staff.
The Office Aide position is responsible for delivering excellent customer service as well as routine administrative and clerical duties. Will assist in the hiring, recruitment, and training of part-time staff and volunteers, and provide Library customers with prompt and excellent customer services. Maintains, processes, and prepares paperwork, generates reports, coordinates schedules, and completes data entry. Assist customers with library services, applications, technology, holds and circulation desk activities. Will communicate and interpret Library policy and procedure as necessary.

This is a full-time, union, non-exempt position. The hiring salary for this position is $34,379.80.

Responsibilities

  • Direct public service and quality customer service

  • Complete check in and check out of library materials

  • Renew and verify the circulation status of Library materials

  • Assist customers in the use of technology

  • Enter data into the Library's automated system

  • Prepare and process supply orders and requisitions

  • Process Library card applications

  • Process incoming and outgoing material (mail, interchange, etc.)

  • Prepare budget reports

  • Prepare staff schedules as assigned

  • Train part-time staff and/or volunteers

  • Process holds

  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required

  • A minimum of at least 1 year experience in an office environment with an emphasis on clerical duties

  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)

  • Excellent communication skills

  • Experience working in an customer service oriented environment

  • Ability to work in a fast paced, team environment

  • Familiar with working in a diverse workforce

  • Must be organized with good attention to detail

  • Willing to be flexible and adapt in different situations

  • Ability to work evenings and weekends

  • Lifting material up to and not to exceed 40 lbs

  • Standing for long periods

  • Bending, Stooping, or crouching

  • Public service within the community (ex. outreach, school visits, fairs, etc.)

We seek professionals dedicated to providing excellent customer service, developing fruitful partnerships in the community, and implementing programs aligned with our mission and vision. You will be immersed in a motivating and challenging environment where innovation is key to the organization. If you are looking to be a part of a stimulating workplace that is highly regarded by its culturally diverse community, BPL is the place to be.

Brooklyn Public Library is an equal opportunity employer.

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