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Circulation Desk Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MA

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Circulation Desk Assistant information

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$9

$15

$24

How much do circulation desk assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulation desk assistant in Springfield, MA is $15.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Circulation Desk Assistant, and why are they important?

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 are Circulation Desk Assistants?

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 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 Springfield, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Circulation Desk Assistant jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Circulation Desk Assistant jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Circulation Desk Assistant job openings:
Circulation Desk Assistant jobs near you
Law School Library-Student Assistant

Law School Library-Student Assistant

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY

Springfield, MA

$15/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Western New England University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

172nd of 530 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Law Library is seeking several students to work various shifts at the circulation desk. Primary duties include, but are not limited to: staffing the circulation desk, handling circulation transactions, familiarity with circulation and reserve polices, re-shelving library material, registering new patrons, collecting fines, filing loose-leaf release, answering basic directional questions, performing shelf-reading of stacks, and handling short-term projects

Essential Job Functions:

  1. Handle Circulation Desk activities, including checking materials out and in, registering new patrons, and resetting PINs through the Library's integrated library system.
  2. Assist patrons with printing issues, including clearing paper jams, replacing toner, adding money to Phares accounts, and issuing printing cards to patrons not affiliated with the University.
  3. Answer the telephone at the Circulation Desk; provide answers to basic questions and refer other inquiries to the appropriate Library staff member.
  4. Shelve/reshelve materials in proper place, shelf, file, etc.
  5. Open and close the library, including opening or locking doors, and shutting down equipment, etc.
  6. Collect fines, and other monies owed and record information properly in both the patron's account and the written log.
  7. Update materials by filing looseleaf releases and pocket parts.
  8. Other projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

  1. Strong ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions.
  2. Very good oral communication and interpersonal skills.
  3. Attention to detail.

COMPETENCIES:

  1. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions. and overcome problems.
  2. Teamwork/Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure, and can negotiate and manage conflict.
  3. Digital Technology: Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. The individual demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies.
  4. Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The individual demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Lifting books and stretching/stooping or using step stool.
  2. Sitting and standing.
  3. Lifting and unpacking boxes delivered in the mail. 4) Pushing book trucks that weigh up to 75 lbs.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

  1. Previous customer relations experience preferred.
  2. Previous library experience preferred.
  3. Minimal typing skills.

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