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Circulation Desk Assistant Jobs in Commerce, TX (NOW HIRING)

Circulation Desk Assistant information

See Commerce, TX salary details

$8

$14

$22

How much do circulation desk assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulation desk assistant in Commerce, TX is $14.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.07 and $15.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 job categories do people searching Circulation Desk Assistant jobs in Commerce, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Circulation Desk Assistant jobs in Commerce, TX are:

What cities near Commerce, TX are hiring for Circulation Desk Assistant jobs?

Cities near Commerce, TX with the most Circulation Desk Assistant job openings:

GA Non Teaching: LIB- Services Assistant

East Texas A&M University

Commerce, TX • On-site

$13.33/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Title

GA Non Teaching: LIB- Services Assistant

Agency

East Texas A&M University

Department

Library

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Commerce, Texas

Job Type

Graduate Assistant

Job Description

Position Summary

The Graduate Assistant (GA) for Library Services plays a vital role in ensuring the library remains a welcoming, efficient, and well-maintained environment for students, faculty, and researchers. This position balances direct customer service with essential operational oversight, including opening and closing the facility and maintaining the physical integrity of the library's collections (stacks maintenance).

Key Responsibilities

1. Public Services & Circulation

  • Serve as a primary point of contact at the Library Information Desk.
  • Assist patrons with checking materials in and out using the Library Services Platform (LSP).
  • Provide basic reference assistance, helping users navigate the library catalog and locate physical resources.
  • Resolve patron account issues, such as fines or lost item inquiries, with a professional and helpful demeanor.

2. Opening & Closing Operations

  • Opening: Unlock designated areas, power on public workstations, and ensure the facility is ready for operation by the scheduled start time.
  • Closing: Perform security sweeps on all floors to ensure all patrons have exited, secure doors, and shut down equipment according to library protocol.
  • Maintain a safe environment by reporting any facility issues or security concerns to library leadership.

3. Stacks Maintenance & Collection Care

  • Shelve returned books and media accurately according to the Library of Congress and Dewey classification systems.
  • Perform regular "shelf reading" to ensure materials are in the correct call number order.
  • Assist with shifting projects (moving large sections of books to create space) and identifying items in need of repair.
  • Monitor the physical condition of the stacks, ensuring aisles are clear and well-organized.

Qualifications

  • Required: Must be a currently enrolled graduate student in good standing at East Texas A&M University.
  • Reliability: Must be able to commit to a consistent weekly schedule.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office; ability to quickly learn library-specific software.
  • Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 25 lbs., push heavy book carts, and stand/walk for extended periods.
  • Attention to Detail: Strong organizational skills and the ability to follow complex alphanumeric filing systems.

Schedule & Commitment

  • Pay Hourly $13.33
  • Hours: 20 hours per week.

Availability: Must be available to work until 1:00am including weekends.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.