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Library Assistant Circulation Desk Jobs in Indiana

Purdue University

Library Assistant

Westville, IN · On-site

$15/hr

Under the guidance of the Library Director and part of circulation services, Library Assistant ... Responsible for maintaining the functional operation for the Public Services Desk. Supervise and ...

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Library Assistant Circulation Desk information

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

To thrive as a Library Assistant Circulation Desk, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), cataloging software, and basic office equipment is typically required. Exceptional customer service, communication abilities, and problem-solving skills help you interact effectively with patrons and colleagues. These skills ensure efficient circulation processes, a positive library experience for users, and smooth daily operations.

What is the difference between Library Assistant Circulation Desk vs Library Assistant Shelving?

AspectLibrary Assistant Circulation DeskLibrary Assistant Shelving
Primary ResponsibilitiesChecking out/in materials, managing overdue items, assisting patrons at the circulation deskOrganizing, shelving, and maintaining library materials on shelves
Work EnvironmentFront desk area, customer service settingLibrary stacks, storage areas
Required SkillsCustomer service, basic computer skills, familiarity with circulation systemsAttention to detail, organization, knowledge of library classification systems

Both roles support library operations but focus on different tasks. The Library Assistant Circulation Desk primarily handles patron interactions and circulation processes, while the Library Assistant Shelving concentrates on organizing and maintaining the library's collection. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right role for your skills and career goals.

What are some common challenges Library Assistants face at the circulation desk, and how can they effectively manage them?

Library Assistants at the circulation desk often juggle multiple tasks, such as checking materials in and out, answering patron questions, and handling overdue fines. A common challenge is managing high volumes of patrons during peak hours while maintaining accuracy and providing excellent customer service. Effective time management, clear communication, and familiarity with library software are key to handling these situations smoothly. Additionally, developing patience and problem-solving skills helps address unique patron needs and resolve issues efficiently.

What are Library Assistant Circulation Desk jobs?

Library Assistant Circulation Desk jobs involve supporting the daily operations of a library’s circulation desk. This typically includes checking books and materials in and out, issuing library cards, answering basic patron questions, shelving items, and managing overdue notices or fines. Library assistants also help maintain an organized and welcoming environment, and may assist with other administrative tasks as needed. Good communication and organizational skills are important for this role.
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Library Assistant Circulation Desk jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Library Assistant Circulation Desk job openings:
Library Assistant Circulation Desk jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Assistant Circulation Desk job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, and 57% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Library Assistant

Library Assistant

Purdue University

Westville, IN • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Req Id: 42389
Job Title: Library Assistant
City: Westville
Job Description:
Overview of Library Assistant
The University Library on the Westville Campus is seeking a Library Assistant to join their team! Under the guidance of the Library Director and part of circulation services, Library Assistant performs library opening and closing procedures, including evenings and weekends. Responsible for maintaining the functional operation for the Public Services Desk. Supervise and train Library Student Assistants.
The Library Assistant provides Interlibrary Loan services by preparing materials for patron use. Provide services to faculty, staff, students, and community borrowers using the Library Management System. Assist in the use of library collections, equipment, and technology. Provide reference service to the patrons, assist with social media postings, resolve patron complaints, provide clerical support to library staff, prepare reports and correspondence. The library recognizes and values diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. We seek a colleague who shares the library's commitment to diversity and who will be a dedicated staff member and mentor for students with diverse backgrounds and career goals. Must be willing to travel between campuses.
This position does have the opportunity for a flexible work schedule but does require a strong on-campus presence.
Pay:
  • $15.00/hour

Schedule:
  • Monday - Friday with 1 - 2 weekends during the fall and spring semester

Duties and Responsibilities of Library Assistant
  • Assist faculty, staff, students and community borrowers in the use of the library services, equipment and technology needs
  • Provide reference assistance to the patrons with research and class assignment questions
  • Assists the university archivist on special projects
  • Supervise, train, provide feedback for evaluations and give direct supervision to library student assistants on all areas of the library
  • Process Interlibrary Loans using current OCLC systems to lend and borrow items from various institutions for faculty, staff and students to determine appropriate methods to submit requests
  • Work with OCLC support to resolve any service issues
  • Assist in statistical record-keeping and tracking of Interlibrary Loan and document delivery transactions
  • Assist with emergency procedures when evacuation is required
  • Serve as back up for reserves and billing process requests
  • Participates in professional development activities including conferences, seminars, and workshops
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of the University Library

Benefits of Library Assistant
  • Full benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more
  • Ten paid vacation days first year of employment
  • Ten paid holidays
  • University paid and matching contribution to retirement
  • University contribution to Health Savings Account -
    • Plus, a chance to earn more through participating in University Wellness Initiatives
  • Employee Wellness Programs
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition remission for you, your spouse and dependent children at any Purdue campus

For more information on our excellent benefit package, please visit: https://www.pnw.edu/human-resources/benefits/
Education of Library Assistant
  • Requires a high school diploma/GED

Experience of Library Assistant
  • Three years of experience providing customer service in direct contact with clients, in an office setting
  • University and/or library experience preferred

Core Competencies of Library Assistant
  • Must be able to work rotating shifts and weekends occasionally
  • Have the ability to use good judgement, multitask, and meet deadlines
  • Provide good verbal and written communication and organizational skills
  • The ability to take initiative and work at times with little direction and under minimal supervision
  • The ability to maintain confidentiality and work effectively with diverse groups of individuals
  • The ability to navigate databases and other computer programs
  • Basic knowledge of library classification systems preferred
  • Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers and ability to interpret and communicate University policies and procedure
  • Able to adapt well to changes and willing to learn new things
  • The ability to conduct oneself in a positive and professional manner
  • Supervise student workers. Must be able to travel between campuses

Additional Information
Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
Professional references will be verified prior to any offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background check along with a motor vehicle records check if applicable.
Purdue University Northwest is an equal opportunity/equal access university.
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana in the greater Chicago area and near the Indiana Dunes National Park, PNW serves approximately 9,000 students, including 6,000 core students, in a wide range of academic programs at the baccalaureate, master's and applied doctoral levels.
Purdue Northwest employs more than 1,000 faculty and staff members for operations at its main campus in Hammond, Ind., and its branch campus in Westville, Ind., plus additional sites in Northwest Indiana including the Gabis Arboretum near Valparaiso, Ind. PNW's values reflect the university's commitment to respect, innovation, a student-centric university, and excellence.
PNW is consistently ranked among the best public regional universities in U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Colleges report and is recognized as a First Scholars institution as well an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. With its vision to cultivate leaders, inspire excellence, and impact our world, PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development.
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

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