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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Northwestern University

Library Assistant 2

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.42 - $23.40/hr

Law Library Salary/Grade: NEX/10 Target hiring range for this position will be between $18.42- $23 ... Circulation and Access * Performs full range of circulation functions including charging and ...

Northbrook Public Library

Circulation Clerk

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$17.72 - $19.68/hr

... of library materials. As a Circulation Clerk, you will work under the guidance of the Circulation Manager or Assistant Circulation Manager. Your primary responsibilities will include managing the ...

Newberry Library

Library Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

TITLE: Library Assistant DEPARTMENT: Reader Services SUMMARY: Reporting to the Reading Room ... Accurately maintain circulation database (Aeon) through routing and charging; * Evaluate materials ...

Harper College

Library Assistant - Technical

Palatine, IL · On-site

$22.10 - $24.85/hr

... library statistics, curates data, and compiles reports to support student and library user needs ... Assists the Circulation Supervisor with the refreshing and upgrading of Technology Loan Program ...

Harper College

Library Assistant - Technical

Palatine, IL · On-site

$22.10 - $24.85/hr

Library service experience and evidence of organizational and multi-tasking skills preferred ... Assists the Circulation Supervisor with the refreshing and upgrading of Technology Loan Program ...

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Library Circulation Assistant information

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$7

$15

$23

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Illinois is $15.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.63 and $17.26 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.

More about Library Circulation Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Library Circulation jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Library Circulation jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Illinois?

For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:

Library Circulation Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Illinois 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 $32,165 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Circulation Services Lead (Full-time)

City of O'Fallon, IL

O Fallon, IL

$19/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

City Of O'Fallon (Missouri) rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

169th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Circulation Services Lead (Full-Time)

Reports to: Public Services Manager
Starting pay: $19.00 per hour. Schedule includes weekday, weekend, and evening shifts.

Position Summary
The Circulation Services Lead provides service leadership within the Circulation Department by fostering an exceptional patron experience, supporting staff development, and promoting consistent, high-quality public service. Through visible leadership, daily engagement, and on-the-job coaching, this position models the library's service standards while creating a collaborative, welcoming, and customer-focused environment.
Working in partnership with the Circulation Operations Specialist, this position helps ensure that both people and processes support the Library's mission of providing outstanding service to every patron.
Primary Area of Ownership
People | Public Service | Daily Operations
The Circulation Services Lead is responsible for leading the daily public service experience within the Circulation Department. This position focuses on developing employees, supporting patrons, maintaining service standards, fostering teamwork, and providing visible leadership throughout daily operations.
Primary ownership includes:
  • Staff coaching, mentoring, and development.
  • New employee onboarding and hands-on training .
  • Daily customer service leadership.
  • Patron conflict resolution and service recovery.
  • Floor supervision and operational support.
  • Employee engagement and team culture.
  • Reinforcement of library policies and service standards.
  • Acting supervisory responsibilities when management is unavailable.
  • Partnering with the Circulation Operations Coordinator to ensure operational practices support outstanding public service.
This position is responsible for leading people so they can confidently deliver exceptional service.
Essential Responsibilities
Leadership amp; Staff Development
  • Train, coach, and mentor Circulation Assistants and Pages.
  • Coordinate onboarding for new employees.
  • Provide ongoing performance feedback and support.
  • Foster employee engagement and professional development.
Customer Service
  • Model exceptional customer service.
  • Assist staff with complex patron situations.
  • Resolve patron concerns and support service recovery.
  • Reinforce library policies and service standards.
Daily Operations
  • Provide visible leadership during daily operations.
  • Assist with workflow and staffing priorities.
  • Serve as acting supervisor when needed.
  • Perform all duties of a Circulation Assistant.
Collaboration
  • Partner with the Operations Coordinator to support department effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with managers on departmental initiatives.
  • Recommend improvements to services and workflows.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Employees in this position regularly:
  • Lift, carry, push, and pull library materials and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
  • Stand and walk for extended periods.
  • Sit for extended periods while using a computer.
  • Reach, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, and use step stools when shelving materials.
  • Perform repetitive movements associated with shelving, scanning, keyboarding, and handling library materials.
  • Operate computers, telephones, scanners, printers, and other library equipment.
  • Communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically.

Working Conditions
This position is performed in a busy public library environment requiring regular interaction with patrons, staff, volunteers, and community partners. Employees must be able to:
  • Work effectively in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
  • Manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Respond professionally to challenging customer service situations.
  • Work daytime, evening, weekend, and occasional additional hours as needed.
  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in Library Science or related field preferred; other qualifications considered.
  • Minimum of three years of library customer service experience preferred.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Strong conflict-resolution and customer service abilities.
  • Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work independently while fostering collaboration.
  • Technological proficiency and willingness to learn new systems.
  • Ability to explain library technology and services to patrons.
  • Ability to coach, motivate, and develop employees.

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