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Circulation Desk Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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 Oregon?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Library Specialist II - Delivery Services

City of Corvallis

Corvallis, OR • On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Position Summary
Corvallis-Benton Bounty Public Library
The Corvallis-Benton County Public Library's mission is simple: Enrich, Excite, Explore!
Our vision is to be an inspiring and vital part of the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds in our community. We will be responsive, flexible, and innovative in providing resources and services that enhance the quality of life for all. We will foster an impassioned spirit of exploration and discovery, as well as strengthen our sense of community by encouraging civic and cultural engagement and will support learning and knowledge.
About the Position
The Library Specialist II provides responsive and courteous service to patrons and staff. The position may serve as the patron's first point of contact with the Library and its services. Maintains the flow of materials in and out of the library, answers questions for general information about the library and its services in person, by phone, and electronically, and provides clerical support. Performs a variety of tasks using an integrated library system. Sorts, shelves, processes, repairs, and delivers library materials.
The Library Specialist II - Delivery Services facilitates the delivery of information to patrons throughout the community. Responsible for staging upwards of 100 deliveries per day, including packing and transporting materials.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide customer service, respond to patron emails, address patron needs including resolving issues and making corrections.
  • May be assigned to work the circulation desk at any branch.
  • Make decisions about service delivery that include weather conditions and vehicle safety.

Part-Time, 25 hours per week (.625 FTE), AFSCME represented position, 12-month probationary period

Schedule: Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday
Hours per day: Mon 7 Tue 6 Wed 6 Thu 6 -OR- Tue 7 Wed 6 Thu 6 Fri 6

Must meet all qualifications and requirements as listed in the position description.

Essential Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Staff the circulation desk which includes issuing library cards, checking materials in and out, collecting fees, placing holds on materials, answering the phone, responding to email, emptying material bins, sorting, transferring materials to carts, shelving, and providing various circulation services. Lock/unlock the building or work area, prepare for opening, close the building and perform a security sweep.
  • Answer patron questions regarding account information and general information about the Library and its services. Assist patrons with catalog stations and other equipment and in the use of the meeting rooms. Explain Library policies and procedures and refer questions to other appropriate staff members.
  • Assist in the training of volunteers and new employees, answer procedural questions and act as a resource in assigned area of responsibility.
  • Answer general library questions and make appropriate referrals to other library staff members as needed. Assist public in locating materials through print, non-print, and electronic resources. Provide basic instruction on computer use, including utilizing library internet, printing, and copying resources.
  • Provide a variety of clerical support activities:
    • search the shelves for problem materials or materials on hold
    • enter patron or library material data into computer systems
    • compile and generate computerized reports
    • notify patrons of damaged or problem material
    • order supplies and maintain supply stock
    • sort, shelve and retrieve holds
    • balance daily cash/credit card payment report
  • Provide technical support such as:
    • update inventory records
    • process new materials
    • assess, mend and discard damaged library materials
    • shelve and unshelve library materials
    • troubleshoot and assist patrons in use of self-checkout machines and other equipment.
  • May provide system-wide delivery service, including sorting, packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, and transporting materials.
  • May deliver or provide support for the delivery of patron programs including set up of meeting room equipment.
  • Perform related duties of similar complexity as assigned.
  • Operate and drive a motor vehicle safely and legally when providing delivery service.

It is the responsibility of all City of Corvallis employees to:
  • Participate in the Emergency Management program including planning, classes, training sessions, exercises and emergency events as required.
  • Respond as directed during unforeseen events, inclement weather, emergencies, or officially declared States of Emergency to support the continuity and restoration of critical public services, facilities, and infrastructure.
  • Act ethically and honestly; apply ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions. Build confidence in the City through own actions.
  • Maintain effective work relationships.
  • Conform with all safety rules and perform work in a safe manner.
  • Deliver excellent customer service to diverse audiences.
  • Adhere to all City and Department policies.
  • Arrive to work, meetings, and other work-related functions on time and maintain regular job attendance.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Position Assignment: Systems and Operations Division Delivery Services

Incumbents in Systems and Operations facilitate the delivery of information to patrons throughout the community. Responsible for staging upwards of 100 deliveries per day, including scanning, packing and loading materials. Provide customer service, respond to patron emails, address patron needs including resolving issues and making corrections. May be assigned to work the circulation desk at any branch. This position requires a motivated individual capable of anticipating and fulfilling the needs of patrons while providing delivery services. This position works independently; incumbents must make decisions about service delivery that include weather conditions and vehicle safety.

Qualifications and Skills
Qualifying Education / Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Two years of customer service, clerical or library experience.
Desired Qualifications
  • Library experience.
Certifications / Licenses
  • Possession or ability to obtain and maintain a valid Oregon Driver's License if providing delivery service.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge of: basic math; traffic laws and defensive driving if assigned to delivery.


Skill in: providing customer service; calculating fees and balancing cash; accurate keyboarding.


Ability to: pay attention to detail; understand and follow written and oral instructions; perform routine duties independently following established guidelines; deliver excellent customer service to diverse audiences; resolve problems with patrons following policies, procedures, and guidelines and determine appropriate action in a variety of circumstances; work accurately with numbers and the alphabet; communicate effectively orally and in writing; type by touch and use a computer to manipulate and retrieve data; get along well with and maintain effective work relationships with the public, coworkers, and volunteers; respond to others in a timely, respectful, and responsive manner; monitor patron behavior and explain and enforce the Library Code of Conduct; operate and drive library vehicles and effectively handle vehicular emergencies if assigned to delivery; use a variety of tools and equipment for processing and mending materials, multi-line phone system, computer and associated software and hardware, barcode scanners, copy machines and other office and library related tools and equipment.


In Addition: the employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace; have demonstrable commitment to sustainability; and have demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion.


Ability to pass a pre-employment background and/or criminal history check.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants must submit an online application located on the City of Corvallis website (click on "Apply" above). Applications must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, August 28, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter and resume with the online application; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed online application. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted/considered.