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$7

$15

$24

How much do library circulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation 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 Circulation Clerk, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Circulation Clerk, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with library operations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with integrated library systems (ILS) such as Sierra or Koha, as well as proficiency in cataloging and using office software, is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you interact effectively with patrons and handle inquiries. These skills are essential for ensuring efficient library operations, accurate materials management, and positive user experiences.

What are library circulation staff responsible for?

Library circulation staff are responsible for managing the borrowing and returning of library materials, such as books, DVDs, and other resources. They assist patrons with checking out items, renewing loans, and handling overdue materials. Additionally, they may answer basic questions, issue library cards, and maintain accurate records of borrowed items. Circulation staff play a key role in ensuring that library operations run smoothly and that patrons have access to the resources they need.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Library Circulation staff member?

Library Circulation staff are responsible for checking materials in and out, managing patron accounts, shelving returned items, and assisting visitors with basic inquiries. They often handle holds and interlibrary loans, process overdue fines, and troubleshoot issues with library cards or technology at the circulation desk. Collaborating closely with other library departments, circulation staff play a key role in maintaining an organized collection and ensuring a positive experience for library users.

What is circulation work in a library?

Circulation work in a library involves managing the borrowing and returning of library materials, such as books, DVDs, and magazines. It includes checking items in and out, maintaining records, and ensuring materials are available for patrons. Library staff often use integrated library systems (ILS) to track items and may assist patrons with account questions or overdue items.

What is a circulation specialist in a library?

A circulation specialist in a library manages the borrowing and returning of library materials, maintains the circulation desk, and updates borrower records using library management systems. They often assist patrons with account inquiries and enforce overdue policies, requiring good customer service skills and attention to detail.

What does a circulation clerk do at a library?

A circulation clerk at a library is responsible for checking books and materials in and out, managing overdue items, and maintaining the circulation desk. They often use library management software and provide customer service to patrons. The role may require attention to detail and basic computer skills.

What is the difference between Library Circulation vs Library Technician?

AspectLibrary CirculationLibrary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentAssociate degree in library technology or related field
Work EnvironmentPublic and academic libraries, handling checkouts and returnsLibraries, assisting with cataloging, processing materials, and technical tasks
Employer & Industry UsageLibraries of all types, often entry-levelLibraries, often with more technical responsibilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Library Circulation staff primarily handle checkouts, returns, and managing library materials, often requiring only a high school diploma. Library Technicians perform more technical tasks like cataloging and processing materials, usually needing an associate degree. While both roles work in libraries and support library operations, Library Technicians typically have more specialized skills and responsibilities.

Can you work at a library without being a librarian?

Library circulation jobs typically do not require a librarian certification and are often open to candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. These roles involve tasks like checking out materials, assisting patrons, and managing overdue items, often requiring customer service skills and familiarity with library systems. Non-librarian staff are essential for daily operations and usually do not need a master's degree in library science.
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Library Circulation jobs near you

Library Circulation Supervisor

City of Stoughton

Stoughton, WI

$23 - $25.69/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY OF JOB The City of Stoughton, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Circulation Supervisor to oversee our busy Circulation Department at Stoughton Public Library. The ideal candidate will have a strong customer service ethic supported by a commitment to the principles of free access and equity. Previous experience managing staff in a library setting is preferred.

This non-exempt position requires the ability to work flexible hours, including evening and weekend hours. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Plans and schedules circulation staff to ensure that adequate staffing levels are maintained. Organizes circulation workflow and work areas.

Documents circulation procedures and trains staff on changes in procedures. Reviews and manages circulation reports. Works circulation desk; processes interlibrary loan materials, checks materials in and out; collects overdue fines and lost book payments; clears book drop and book return bin; distributes overdue notices and other mail; answers telephones providing information and directing calls as appropriate.

Maintains reports of patrons and items with problem statuses. Maintains the library's serials collection in collaboration with the Technical Services Supervisor. Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates circulation staff, shelvers, and volunteers.

Assists with hiring other positions as needed. Oversees collection agency accounts, damaged items, and collection maintenance. Attends management staff meetings and assists the Director in planning and policy decisions.

QUALIFICATIONS College degree or any combination of education and library experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must have varied and sophisticated computer-related skills and familiarity with numerous software programs. Previous supervisory experience and at least two years of library experience strongly preferred.

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Supervisory Skills Ability to assign duties, train, and schedule staff to maximize the efficient utilization of staff resources. Ability to evaluate staff performance. Mathematical Ability Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate decimals and percents.

Ability to interpret basic descriptive statistical reports. Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication Skills Ability to comprehend and interpret a variety of documents including circulation statistics, overdue notices, fine records, policy and procedure manuals, library reference materials, etc. Ability to counsel, mediate, and/or provide first-line supervision.

Ability to persuade, convince, and train others. Ability to prepare a variety of documents including circulation statistics and other reports, etc. using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.

Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow instructions. Ability to use and interpret library science terminology. Ability to communicate effectively with the Library Director, library users, volunteers, and staff, representatives of other libraries, the general public, and others verbally and in writing.

Ability to manage and work with others in a team-oriented environment. Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form. Ability to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objective.

Physical Requirements Ability to operate and troubleshoot a variety of office and library equipment including personal computer, photocopier, telephone, fax machine, variety of printers and other office machines and materials used in performing essential functions. Ability to lift and place boxes and other objects weighing up to 40 pounds onto carts. Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, and balance in order to shelve books.

Environmental Adaptability Ability to work effectively in library environment. Ability to work flexible hours, including evening and weekend hours.

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