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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.

York County

Library Clerk (Circulation)

Yorktown, VA

$40K - $47K/yr

Ability to assist patrons in a tactful and courteous manner both in person and on the telephone ... Standing is frequent when at the circulation desk. Gripping is involved when writing with pen or ...

County of Oconee

P/T Circulation Assistant

Walhalla, SC · On-site

$15/hr

The purpose of this position is to assist with the circulation of materials in the library. Assist ... Performs all activities at the circulation desk, including checking in/out items for patrons ...

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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.
STUDENT-Library Student Manager

STUDENT-Library Student Manager

Ithaca College

Ithaca, NY

$16.30 - $16.60/hr

Part-time

Posted 21 days ago

Ithaca College rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

JOB SUMMARY: 

As a Library Student Manager, you will be responsible for demonstrating leadership at the Circulation Desk.  In addition to performing routine Access Services tasks and providing excellent customer service, you will be responsible for library security and the safety of users during the morning, evening, and weekend hours, or in the absence of library staff. You will be expected to open or close the library as scheduled and monitor desk schedules; arranging for last-minute desk coverage (for yourself & others) when needed. 

SUPERVISION: 
This position reports to the Access Services Staff. This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but will direct and monitor the work of Library Circulation Desk Student Assistants. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

Responsible for opening/closing the Library on designated shifts. 

Identify and respond to building emergencies in the absence of library staff. Notify after-hours staff or Public Safety when needed. 

Respond to security-gate alarms, disarm emergency exit alarms, and write incident reports when required. 

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. 

Routine desk duties, including, but not limited to, checking out and returning materials, placing recalls/holds, and utilizing library systems. 

Monitor and record building usage each scheduled shift. 

Provide a high level of customer service to patrons. Advise users of library policies or procedures; refer questions regarding overdue, lost items, fines, claims and returns to library staff when needed.  Protect student and colleague privacy and confidentiality.   

Assist with the operation of printers and other technology located within the library; assist with paper jams; report any ongoing problems to Library Staff. 

Accept faculty course reading materials to be added to the personal course readings collection.  

Perform stacks related tasks including but not limited to: Tracing/searching for missing library materials, organizing and reshelving library materials, shelf-reading, and inventory.   

Facilitate interlibrary loan services by retrieving and scanning library materials and packing or unpacking or sorting mail when requested. 

Notify the Access Services Staff of any problems or suggestions related to policies, procedures, or building security.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

The Ideal candidate will be an Ithaca College Student who has strong attention to detail, organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and working knowledge of personal computers. Candidates must be available to work evenings, late nights, weekends, or early mornings.  Preference will be given to those candidates that have previously worked at Ithaca College Library as a Circulation Desk Assistant.  Library experience or experience working a Customer Service Desk is preferred.
Instructions to apply: 
Only those candidates submitting a cover letter and resume will be considered for the position.

Pay Rate: $16.30-$16.60

Hiring Manager: Sarah Shank

Ithaca College's student employment program offers meaningful experiential learning opportunities that develop transferable skills sought by employers across various industries. These positions allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world professional settings, fostering both personal and professional growth.

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

It is advised that applicants apply attaching both a resume and cover letter. Application screening will begin immediately. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the I-9 and employment eligibility requirements. You will need to bring your original, unexpired, authorized personal identification documents to your designated representative or The Office of Human Resources (Peggy Ryan Williams Center, Garden Level) to complete the form. More about acceptable documentation can be found here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acce... Please note that photos or copies will not be accepted.

In an effort to promote campus safety and the security of College resources, Ithaca College will, consistent with the requirements of the law and prudent practices, conduct criminal background investigations per College policy. This positionis subject to a criminal background check. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of the criminal background check. 

For assistance with the application process, contact Student Employment at StudentEmployment@ithaca.edu.

For more information about student employment or specific job inquiries, visit our website or contact the hiring manager listed on the job posting.

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