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Library Assistant Circulation Desk Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$19.75 - $20.75/hr

Staff the circulation desk and utilize the library circulation software to check materials in and ... Help the Library Assistant and Librarian set up book displays, decorate the library, and work on ...

Library Clerk

Hampton, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

Harvey Library invites applications for the position of Library Assistant- Circulation (Evenings). The position follows the following schedule during fall and spring semesters- Sunday- Thursday 4pm ...

Library Assistant The University of Miami's Library has an exciting opportunity for a full time ... Ensure that the library entrance and the circulation desk are neat and equipped with the necessary ...

Library Clerk

Hampton, VA

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Harvey Library invites applications for the position of Library Assistant- Circulation (Evenings). The position follows the following schedule during fall and spring semesters- Sunday- Thursday 4pm ...

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Library Assistant Circulation Desk information

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How much do library assistant circulation desk jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for library assistant circulation desk in the United States is $15.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are hiring for Library Assistant Circulation Desk jobs? Cities with the most Library Assistant Circulation Desk job openings:
What states have the most Library Assistant Circulation Desk jobs? States with the most job openings for Library Assistant Circulation Desk jobs include:
Infographic showing various Library Assistant Circulation Desk job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Part Time, 20% Temporary, and 60% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,193 per year, or $16 per hour.

Library Assistant 2 - Mansfield

Commonwealth University

Campus, IL • On-site

$40K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Number S356 Classification Title Library Assistant 2 Working Title Library Assistant 2 - Mansfield Department Library Public Services Home Campus Mansfield City Mansfield State Pennsylvania Zip Code 16933 Bargaining Unit AFSCME - Agreement Work Location Home Campus Position Type Staff Temporary/ Permanent Permanent Full-time/ Part-time Full-Time If Part-time, specify percentage (Examples: 0.75; 0.50; 0.25) Benefits
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education provides a comprehensive package of employer benefits to eligible employees and their enrolled dependent(s), which include*:
  • Medical and prescription drug benefits.
  • Generous retirement plans, two options:
    • Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP)
    • State Employees' Retirement System (SERS)
  • Tuition benefits for employees and dependents.
  • Paid time off.
  • Employer-paid dental and vision benefits.
  • Employer-paid life insurance.
  • Voluntary insurances and additional retirement programs.
*Specific benefits may vary based upon university, employee group and/or collective bargaining unit. Visit: http://www.passhe.edu/inside/HR/syshr/healthcare/Pages/Summary-of-Benefits.aspx for additional information regarding benefits.

To be eligible for most benefits, you must be a permanent, full-time employee (including temporary, full-time faculty with at least an academic year contract) or a permanent, part-time employee (including temporary, part-time faculty with at least an academic year contract) who is scheduled to work every pay period for at least 50% of full-time hours.
Start Time 13:00 End Time 21:00 Hours Per Week 37.5 hours per week Days Worked (Check all that apply) Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs Salary $40,685.00 Anticipated Start Date
April 2026
Anticipated End Date
N/A
Position Summary Information
Position Purpose
Provides direct public services at the Circulation Desk and assists the Daytime and Evening Circulation Supervisors to ensure that patrons are able to use the building and the library's resources productively, appropriately, and safely.
This position is considered an essential personnel position.
Description of Duties
ACCESS SERVICES
Assists the Daytime and Evening Library Technicians in the overall operation of the Library, including, but not necessarily limited to, greeting patrons; providing directional assistance; explaining and enforcing policies and guidelines that enable patrons to use the building and its resources productively, appropriately, and safely; responding to patron concerns; problem solving; making appropriate referrals; and overseeing the circulation of materials.
Provides basic assistance to patrons in using collections and materials and basic assistance to patrons in using associated equipment such as microform reader/printers, photocopiers, scanners, and computers, while making appropriate referrals to library faculty, technology staff, and other library and university units.
Assists with Stacks Maintenance-i.e., maintaining the condition and appearance of the physical collections, including, but not limited to, shelf-reading, shifting, and straightening.
In cooperation with the Daytime and Evening Library Technicians, makes and posts signs in the library to keep library patrons informed-for example, to indicate a change in library hours.
Assists the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Technician, as needed, in operating an efficient interlibrary loan system for the CU Libraries by participating in the verification of bibliographic information through both computerized and print sources; helping to locate appropriate lenders; and transmitting requests for material to them in an effective and timely manner.
Serves as back-up to the Daytime Circulation Coordinator in maintaining the Reserve Collection. This includes identifying and inputting materials into Alma, removing materials as necessary, and serving as the library's liaison to the faculty who requested materials to be placed on reserve.
Assists with the creation of library displays.
Assists with planning and set-up of library events.
Assists with resetting passwords unique to the library for Community Borrowers.
Assists with keeping all public machines (printers, copiers, microfilm and microfiche readers, etc.) in working order.
In times of staff shortage, this person's first priority is to staff the Circulation Desk.
OTHER
Cooperates with colleagues across all Commonwealth University (CU) campuses to ensure smooth operation of CU Libraries.
Contacts Facilities and/or Campus Police in emergencies-for example, reporting a burst water line that presents an immediate danger to library collections, patrons, and/or staff.
Decision Making
Based on established policies and guidelines, the person in this position responds immediately to patron concerns. Should the patron concern remain unresolved, the person in this position refers the patron to the appropriate library staff, faculty, or Director. In matters of policy or procedural changes, decisions are made in consultation with immediate supervisor and with members of the CU Libraries Circulation Team and, when needed, with the Associate Directors and Director of the CU Libraries.
Fiscal Responsibility
Assists with accepting payments of fines and fees at the Circulation Desk.
Supervisory Responsibility
Assists the Daytime and Evening Library Technicians in coordinating and overseeing student work in the Library.
Minimum Requirements Profile
Two years of library clerical experience; or one year as a Library Assistant 1. An associate degree or equivalent training with major course work in library science may be substituted for the required experience.
Preferred Qualifications Applicant Rating Criteria Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Ability to be self-motivated, detail-oriented, organized, and manage multiple projects and duties.
Ability to present ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to use word processors, spreadsheets, and other software and equipment used by library patrons.
Must be comfortable using and learning new technologies as needed.
Must be able to work well with non-technical patrons.
Ability to balance a service-orientation with the teaching function of an academic library.
Ability to access and research information in electronic and print sources.
Knowledge of library techniques, procedures, and references used in circulating and maintaining library materials.
Ability to apply library methods and principles of circulation and providing patron service.
Knowledge of skills required to effectively use an automated library system.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other library personnel and the public.
Ability to work with electronic/mechanical equipment and the ability to make minor repairs such as clearing paper jams, changing developers and toners, maintaining paper supplies, etc.
Ability to interact effectively with the diverse populations who come to the library.
Reliability in attendance and performance of duties.
Ability to ensure confidentiality and discretion in the dissemination of sensitive information.
Essential Functions
1. Sitting - 80%; walking - 10%; standing - 10%
2. Working indoors - 95% and Outdoors (for errands) - 5%
3. Frequent lifting of objects weighing less than 5 pounds
4. Occasional lifting of objects weighing 25 pounds
5. Reaching for objects at, above, and below shoulder
6. Occasionally twisting at waist, and stretching to reach objects
7. Basic math skills and reading skills including understanding written documents
8. Writing skills in preparing and organizing documents
9. Sensory skills, i.e. visual, hearing, and speaking
10. Keyboard skills
Posting Detail Information
Open Date mm-dd-yyyy 03/26/2026 Close Date mm-dd-yyyy Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, applications must be received by April 8, 2026.
Finalists for this position must communicate well and successfully complete an interview process. Completing this search is contingent upon available funding.
Background Clearances
Offers of employment are conditional, pending successful completion of the background clearances mandated by Act 153 of 2014 and Board of Governors Policy 2014-01-A: Protection of Minors. In order to qualify for a provisional appointment, the Applicant Acknowledgement Consent Form, Provisional Hire Form, Pennsylvania State Police and Justifacts portion of the clearance process must be successfully completed prior to your start date. The remaining PA Child Abuse History Clearance and FBI Clearance must be successfully completed and returned as soon as possible within the first 90 days of employment.
Diversity Statement
At Commonwealth University we recognize our responsibility to continuously support a living, learning, and working environment that values the diverse contributions from all members of our campus community. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion enriches our campus community and is instrumental to our institutional success. Commonwealth University strives to cultivate a campus climate that allows all members to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion as we achieve success both in and out of the classroom, in our work responsibilities, and in our professional lives beyond Commonwealth University. We uphold our commitment to DEI by:
Actively supporting and promoting the intellectual and personal growth of our students, inside and outside of the classroom.
Providing workshops, trainings, programs designed to broaden the knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion within our campus community.
Ensuring that all learning and living environments throughout our campus are welcoming and capable of serving all individuals.
Title IX/Clery
The University prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or family status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or participation in a University program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

The University also complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crimes Statistics Act, as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Title IX prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discrimination. VAWA imposes additional duties on universities and colleges to investigate and respond to reports of sexual assault, stalking, and dating or domestic violence, and to publish policies and procedures related to the way these reports are handled. The University has designated the Title IX Coordinator (Jennifer Raup, Elwell Hall, ORL, 570-389-4808, jraup@commonwealthu.edu or titleixcoord@commonwealthu.edu), to coordinate the University's compliance with Title IX and VAWA and to respond to reports of violations. The University has directed the Police Department to coordinate the University's compliance with the VAWA-related Clery reporting requirements. For information on the University's crime statistics, which is available in a publication called "Annual Security Report", please contact Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg Police at 570-389-2211, Commonwealth University - Mansfield Police at 570-662-4900, or Commonwealth University - Lock Haven Police at 570-484-2278 or by accessing the following website: https://www.commonwealthu.edu/offices-directory/university-police/annual-security-report. Additionally, inquiries concerning Title IX and its implementing regulation can be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Region III, The Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East - Suite 505, Phila...