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Circulation Desk Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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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:
Circulation Desk Assistant jobs near you
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.

Law Library Circulation Desk Assistant

Lewis & Clark College

Portland, OR • On-site

$16.80/hr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE I APPLY?
Welcome! We're excited that you're interested in applying for a position at Lewis & Clark College. Before you get started, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
  • Returning Applicants: If you've previously been hired for a position at Lewis & Clark College, we'd love to see you back! Please close this window and log into your Workday account using your LC credentials. You can easily apply through the Talent and Performance icon on your home page.
  • New Applicants: If you're applying for the first time, we encourage you to prepare your resume and gather your I-9 documents in advance. This will help streamline your application and hiring process! For more information and resources, please visit our Student Employment Resources.
WHO WOULD I REPORT TO?
Law Library Circulation Desk (Lara Elliott)
WHAT DEPARTMENT IS THIS IN?
5420 Non Work Study, Boley Library - Law
WHEN DOES THIS POSITION BEGIN (AND END, IF APPLICABLE?
2026-07-23
2026-08-03
JOB PURPOSE:
Law Library Circulation Desk Assistants are essential members of the Circulation and Resource Sharing team. Our student staff help to create and maintain a welcoming atmosphere by greeting everyone who enters the Law Library and by providing helpful friendly service to every patron who approaches the desk.
PREREQUISITES FOR ELIGIBILITY:
  • Resume, uploaded
  • Cover letter, uploaded
  • Currently enrolled Lewis & Clark student in good standing and/or enrolled for Fall 2026
  • Must be available to work evenings and weekends, including during reading and final exams periods
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Law Library Circulation Desk Assistant is responsible for opening and closing the Law Library, assisting with the operations of the Circulation Desk and maintaining the integrity of the Law Library collection.
Specific duties include:
  • Opening and closing the Law Library
  • Greeting visitors as they enter and exit the library
  • Checking materials in and out
  • Communicating with patrons about library policies and procedures
  • Answering general informational questions from patrons, both in-person and over the telephone
  • Referring patron questions to a supervisor or Reference Librarians as appropriate
  • Collecting and recording patron fines and fees
  • Re-shelving materials and shelf reading
  • Assisting staff with set up and tear down of library displays
  • Scanning, copying, and performing other resource sharing activities as necessary
  • Assisting patrons with use of the copier, scanner, microform reader, and online catalog
  • Collecting and distributing campus mail
  • Pick up and delivery of interlibrary loan materials to/from Watzek Library (select shifts only)
  • Other duties as assigned
RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS DIVERSITY:
  • Ability to honor and work with all identities and individuals, particularly those who are underrepresented in the country and/or at Lewis & Clark College.
SCHEDULE:
  • Work hours are variable and dependent on a student's class schedule. Shifts are available in 3+ hour increments from 7:45 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 7:45 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Fridays; 9:45 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturdays; 9:45 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sundays during the academic year. Available shifts during Summer Sessions I and II, Interim, Holidays, Reading and Final Exams periods will vary.
RATE OF PAY:
  • $16.80 /hr
WORK STUDY REQUIREMENT:
  • No Work Study Requirement

Being able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies. Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators.
(https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance)
Reasonable Accommodation
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
Eligibility to Work
In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.

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