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Circulation Desk Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Part-time Weekend & Evening Circulation Desk Supervisor works independently under general supervision to provide guidance and research assistance to patrons during evening and weekend hours. This ...

Circulation Supervisor - Evening

Towson, MD · On-site

$23.32 - $27.44/hr

The Part-time Weekend & Evening Circulation Desk Supervisor works independently under general supervision to provide guidance and research assistance to patrons during evening and weekend hours. This ...

Clerk I - Circulation

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$14.84 - $18.57/hr

Handles financial transactions at circulation desk and public copiers. * Performs opening and closing task as assigned. * Selects materials and/or performs collection maintenance as assigned, with ...

Clerk I - Circulation

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$14.84 - $18.57/hr

Handles financial transactions at circulation desk and public copiers. * Performs opening and closing task as assigned. * Selects materials and/or performs collection maintenance as assigned, with ...

Circulation Paraprofessional

Elon, NC · On-site

$9.50 - $12.50/hr

The Library Circulation Paraprofessional - Law provides day-to-day access services support, with a primary focus on circulation desk operations and patron assistance. This position consistently opens ...

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Circulation Desk information

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$10

$20

$33

How much do circulation desk jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulation desk in the United States is $20.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $23.08 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 basic knowledge of library operations, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS) such as Koha or Sierra, barcode scanners, and cataloging software is commonly required. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving abilities help in assisting patrons and handling inquiries efficiently. These skills ensure smooth library operations, accurate record-keeping, and a positive experience for library users.

What is a circulation desk?

Circulation desk jobs refer to positions in libraries where staff members assist patrons with borrowing, returning, and renewing library materials. People working at the circulation desk also handle tasks like checking library cards, managing fines, processing holds, and answering general questions about library services. These roles are vital for ensuring smooth library operations and providing excellent customer service to visitors. Circulation desk staff may also shelve returned materials and help maintain the organization of the library’s collection.

What is the difference between Circulation Desk vs Library Assistant?

AspectCirculation DeskLibrary Assistant
Primary RoleManage book checkouts, returns, and renewalsAssist with shelving, cataloging, and patron support
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require library certificationsHigh school diploma; relevant experience helpful
Work EnvironmentFront desk of library, customer service settingLibrary floors, shelving areas, and front desk
Employer & IndustryPublic, academic, or special librariesPublic, academic, or special libraries

While both roles support library operations, the Circulation Desk primarily handles book transactions and patron checkouts, whereas the Library Assistant performs broader tasks like shelving and assisting patrons. Both roles require similar credentials and work in the same environment, often overlapping in public and academic libraries.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working at the circulation desk, and how can they be managed effectively?

Staff at the Circulation Desk often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of patrons during peak hours, resolving overdue or lost item disputes, and maintaining accuracy in checking materials in and out. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and familiarity with library management systems help address these issues. Additionally, teamwork and regular training ensure staff can provide efficient, courteous service and handle unexpected situations with confidence.
What cities are hiring for Circulation Desk jobs? Cities with the most Circulation Desk job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Circulation Desk jobs? The most popular types of Circulation Desk jobs are:
What states have the most Circulation Desk jobs? States with the most job openings for Circulation Desk jobs include:
Infographic showing various Circulation Desk job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,356 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Circulation Supervisor - Evening

Goucher

Hudson, OH

$23.32 - $27.44/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

The Part-time Weekend & Evening Circulation Desk Supervisor works independently under general supervision to provide guidance and research assistance to patrons during evening and weekend hours. This position: manages student employees assigned to the desk during scheduled work hours, processes interlibrary lending and borrowing requests, coordinates the Library's social media p ostings, participates in stacks maintenance tasks, resolves issues regarding the circulation of materials, and manages (alert Public Safety) issues involving patron or building safety and security.

Essential Job Functions:

35 % A. Circulation Desk: Manages Library Student Assistants and manages services performed at the front desk; provides patrons with instructions or assistance in discovering and retrieving library materials; loan, renew, and return materials via a traditional integrated library system; assists patrons with complex resource management questions, online account management issues, printing complications, and book location activities; provides training, directions, support and supervision to the student employees assigned to work shifts; creates or compiles, saves, and stores documents that track daily tasks and activities.

25 % B. Stacks Maintenance: Ensures books are shelved and other library materials are returned to their proper shelving locations; enters all shelved materials into an analysis document and summarizes shelving activities, particularly when completing stacks maintenance projects such as weeding and shifting.

15 % C. Social Media Coordination: Coordinates the Library's social media postings (presently primarily on Instagram and Facebook), including writing some of them and working with others (including student workers) to create others; responds as appropriate to comments or questions on the Library's social media accounts.

15 % D. Interlibrary Loan Fulfillment: Processes interlibrary loan (ILL) requests (incoming and outgoing items - electronic and physical) efficiently and diligently; uses bibliographic search techniques to locates online articles and physical books requested through the ILL module (currently WorldShare); submits borrowing requests, fills lending requests; packs, ships, and unpacks physical items in accordance with delivery systems utilized by the library; performs electronic and paper record-keeping to track transactions; follows up with libraries and patrons to extend, renew or bill materials, and troubleshoot missing, overdue, expired, unfilled requests, and packages.

8 % E. Building Management & Other Duties: Opens or closes the library based on scheduled work hours; ensures furniture is orderly and well maintained; returns library materials to prper shelving locations; addresses and documents any emergency, maintenance, or housekeeping situations, and maintains a direct and effective relationship with campus public safety.

2 % F. Other Duties: Participates in staff meetings and training; may receive assignments from staff in other library departments and may be required to perform other duties that support library activities and the mission of the college.

Education:

Required: High school diploma

Preferred: Undergraduate degree

Professional Experience:

Required: Experience working with young adults and working in a public-facing service environment

Preferred: Library experience in a Circulation or Access Services unit

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Job Category:

Staff

Pay Range:

$23.32-$27.44

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Goucher Benefits Information

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Application Instructions:

Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Please submit the following application materials:

  • Cover Letter

  • Resume

  • 3 references

Goucher College is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Candidates must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the USA. No Visa sponsorship is offered for this position.

Goucher College is committed to increasing the equity of our community and seeks applicants dedicated to applying principles of equity and inclusion in all areas of the campus community.