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Circulation Desk Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ithaca College

STUDENT-Library Student Manager

Ithaca, NY · On-site

$16.30 - $16.60/hr

Direct and monitor the work of Circulation Desk Student assistants on duty. Provide supplemental training to Circulation Desk Students. Operate the elevator for accessibility purposes when required.

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How much do circulation desk assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulation desk assistant in the United States is $15.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a circulation desk assistant?

A circulation desk assistant is a library staff member responsible for managing the check-in and check-out of library materials, assisting patrons, and maintaining the circulation area. They often use library management software and need good customer service skills. The role typically requires attention to detail and may involve working flexible hours.

What is the role of a circulatory assistant?

A Circulation Desk Assistant is responsible for managing the check-in and check-out of library materials, assisting patrons with locating resources, and maintaining the organization of the circulation area. They often use library management systems and provide customer service in a library or similar environment.

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 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, 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.

Can you work in a library without being a librarian?

Yes, a Circulation Desk Assistant can work in a library without being a librarian. These roles typically involve tasks like checking out materials, managing overdue items, and assisting patrons, often requiring customer service skills and familiarity with library systems but not requiring a librarian certification.

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.

How much does a circulation clerk make?

A circulation desk assistant typically earns between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific library or institution. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the minimum wage, while experienced clerks or those with additional responsibilities can earn higher wages.
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Circulation Desk Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Circulation Desk Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,955 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Work Study MO Library Circulation Desk

ATSU Work Study

Kirksville, MO • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
The A.T. Still Memorial Library supports the training of future health care professionals to effectively access and use the best evidence/information available to enable them to provide the highest quality of health care possible. Thus, the Library provides services, resources, and evidence-based collections that support both the students in the educational and clinical activities and the faculty in their teaching and research.
Work-Study Students report to the Libraries Public Services/3D Print Services Manager. Work-Study responsibilities generally fall into the following areas:
1. Circulation desk
2. Outreach/Customer Service
3. Duties as assigned
4. Basic housekeeping
Circulation Desk:
1. Checking in/out books, media, OMM/OTM tables, White Boards, etc. for students, faculty, and staff either through the libraries Sierra system or by hand if the system is down.
2. Making sure that all printers and copiers are filled with paper each shift and staplers are filled each shift.
3. Answering phones, taking messages, or transferring calls to the appropriate voicemail.
4. Opening and closing the library on nights and weekends.
5. Reshelve books.
Outreach/Customer Service:
1. Help students, faculty, and staff with online library catalog searches.
2. Help patrons with interlibrary loan requests (showing patrons how to request articles or books.)
3. Handling emergency procedures.
4. Help patrons with printers/copiers/computer issues.
Duties as assigned:
1. Light housekeeping duties. (i.e. keeping the circulation desk clean, emptying trash on the weekends, dusting shelves, etc.)
2. Help with library exhibits and open houses.
3. When possible, helping to fill in when the circulation staff is on vacation.
4. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Good academic standing, detail-oriented, able to follow directions and self-starter
Skills: Training will be given
Special characteristics: Friendly and helpful attitude, responsible, detail-oriented, able to follow directions while supervision is not there, punctual.
Number of Students Needed: 10-12
Times Needed: Monday - Thursday, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm, and 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Days Needed: Monday - Friday and weekends
Physical Requirements: Normal
Additional Physical Requirements:
Requirements
A.T. University (ATSU) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities.

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