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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Arkansas salary details

$6

$13

$20

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Arkansas is $13.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.95 and $14.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Library Circulation Assistant vs Library Clerk?

AspectLibrary Circulation AssistantLibrary Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer library experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; minimal certification needed
Work EnvironmentPublic library, school library, or academic library settingPublic or academic library, often in customer service roles
Job ResponsibilitiesChecking out/in materials, managing holds, assisting patrons with library systemsChecking out materials, managing returns, assisting with basic library tasks
Common UsageOften used interchangeably in job postings and industrySimilar roles, sometimes used in different regions or institutions

Both roles involve assisting with library operations and customer service, with slight variations in responsibilities and terminology. The Library Circulation Assistant typically has a broader scope in managing circulation systems, while the Library Clerk may focus more on basic check-out and returns. Both positions require similar credentials and work environments, making them closely related in the library industry.

What is a library circulation assistant?

Library Circulation Assistants are staff members who manage the daily operations at a library's circulation desk. Their responsibilities typically include checking books and other materials in and out, assisting patrons with library accounts, shelving items, and answering basic questions about library services. They also help maintain the organization of library collections and may handle overdue notices or fines. Circulation assistants play a key role in ensuring that the library runs smoothly and that patrons have a positive experience.

What are some common challenges faced by library circulation assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Library Circulation Assistants often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as assisting patrons at the front desk, managing check-ins and check-outs, and resolving overdue or lost material issues. One common challenge is handling high-volume periods when many patrons require assistance simultaneously. Effective time management, clear communication, and familiarity with library software can help manage these busy times. Additionally, maintaining a calm and patient demeanor ensures positive interactions with patrons, even during peak hours.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a library circulation assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Circulation 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 often required. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you interact effectively with patrons and staff. These skills ensure efficient library operations, positive patron experiences, and accurate record-keeping.

What does a library circulation assistant do?

A library circulation assistant provides basic support to the circulation clerk, other library staff, and patrons. Your daily responsibilities involve maintaining circulation and the circulation desk, returning books and reference materials to the shelves, shelf maintenance as necessary, and clerical functions like data entry. Additional duties include checking books, magazines, and other library materials in and out, inputting data, and assisting patrons in person and over the phone. You are responsible for referring in-depth research requests to librarians.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library Circulation jobs in Arkansas? The most popular types of Library Circulation jobs in Arkansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Arkansas? For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Arkansas look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Arkansas are:
What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities in Arkansas with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,447 per year, or $13.2 per hour.

Circulation Specialist

Northwest Missouri State University

State University, AR • On-site

$16.59/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Northwest Missouri State University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

SALARY:
$16.59
POSITION TITLE:
Circulation Specialist
DEPARTMENT:
Access Services
JOB DESCRIPTION:
PRIMARY DUTY:
The Library Circulation Specialist position is a highly collaborative, service-oriented position. This position co-manages the Library Services Desk; supervises student employees in customer service, circulation, course reserves, and stack management; assists patrons; and opens/closes the B.D. Owens Library.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Co-manages circulation services, assists patrons, and supervises student employees in circulation processes.
  • Collaborates to screen, interview, hire, schedule, train, develop, and evaluate student employees working in Access Services.
  • Assumes supervision of library services desk operations, student assistants, and the facility, including assisting patrons and responding to any emergency in the building. Is cross trained on library services desk tasks to provide quality customer service to patrons and support library assistants in providing quality customer service experience to library patrons.
  • As part of the Access Services Team creates, implements, and evaluates stacks maintenance processes and procedures, including shelving, shifting, shelf-reading, missing item searches, and inventorying the collection.
  • Monitors, reports, recommends, coordinates repairs for the building, furnishings, and non-computing equipment.
  • Collaborates and communicates with library administration and affected personnel regarding the building, furnishings, repairs, space allocations, modifications, placement and assembly of furnishings.
  • Works with other circulation specialists to cover specialized tasks including stacks maintenance, facility maintenance, course reserves, billing, and resource sharing.
  • Coordinates patron requests for library holds and missing materials.
  • Provides back-up coverage for reserves, interlibrary loan, billing, and equipment maintenance.
  • Assists other university personnel to ensure B.D. Owens Library is safe, accessible, attractive, and comfortable for patrons and employees by monitoring air quality and temperature, custodial services, and the condition and location of furnishings and equipment.
  • Serves on library, institutional, and consortia working groups, as needed.
  • Performs other duties, as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:
Education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: One to two years supervising personnel in a customer service setting. Working knowledge of standard office computer application software, including Microsoft Suite.
Skills: Evidence of effective verbal, written and social communication skills. Excellent time management skills. Ability to work effectively as a team member and to promote teamwork among colleagues. Ability to organize and prioritize tasks independently. Ability to understand and implement policies and procedures. Ability to learn to enter brief catalog records. Strong project management skills.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position works in a typical academic library setting.
During Fall and Spring semesters, this position works the following shift with a one-hour break: Sunday - Thursday, Afternoon and Evening Shift
During non-semester times, this position works 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday -Friday
Must have a flexible schedule to cover other circulation specialist's absences and library events, as needed.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervises student employees.
EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS USED:
Standard office equipment, including computer, printer, copier, and typical office supply products.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical abilities include the ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds manually or with mechanical leverage; traverse flights of stairs throughout the day; and walking, standing, pushing, reaching, and grasping.
COMMUNITY:
Northwest Missouri State University located in Maryville, Missouri, a community of 12,000 with a diverse economy and a strong industrial base. Maryville is located 45 miles north of St. Joseph, Missouri, 90 miles north of Kansas City, Missouri, and 110 miles southeast of Omaha, Nebraska. For more information visit the city's website at www.maryville.org.
UNIVERSITY:
With an enrollment of more than 8,500 students, Northwest is a coeducational, primarily residential four-year university that offers a broad range of undergraduate and selected graduate programs on its Maryville campus and through Northwest Online.
Founded in 1905, Northwest boasts a high retention rate and a graduation rate in the 95th percentile among its peers. Additionally, results of the Ruffalo Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory show Northwest students are more satisfied than students at national peers, and 78 percent of Northwest students report they would repeat their university experience, compared to 75 percent of students surveyed nationally at their respective institutions.
Furthermore, the University is a national model for student success and career placement with 93 percent of bachelor's degree earners and 98 percent of master's degree earners securing employment or continuing their education within six months of completing a degree at Northwest, according to the most recent data.
Northwest places a high emphasis on profession-based learning to help graduates get a jumpstart on their careers while maintaining competitive tuition rates and generous financial assistance to help minimize the financial barriers students may face when pursuing a college degree.
Students have opportunities to build their résumés with experiences on campus in nearly every area of study, including the Horace Mann Laboratory School, National Public Radio affiliate KXCV, the R.T. Wright Farm, Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area, a partnership with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency or Knacktive, a student-driven integrated digital marketing communications agency. In conjunction with its emergency and disaster management program, Northwest organizes and hosts Missouri Hope, an annual mass casualty training exercise that attracts first responders and emergency workers from throughout the nation and provides hands-on training in preparation for a natural disaster.
The University's vibrant and diverse learning community also offers more than 150 student organizations, and textbooks and a laptop are included in tuition, saving students an estimated $6,900 over four years. Northwest offers 1,200 student employment positions, allowing students to build professional skills through its internationally benchmarked student employment program.
For more information about Northwest and its performance, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/aboutus/facts/.

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