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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Mobile Services Assistant

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$32.08 - CA$37.54/hr

Library circulation procedures and practices * Methods and techniques for handling cash * Methods and techniques of responding to inquiries and resolving customer complaints * General knowledge of ...

CA$68K - CA$86K/yr

Library and Archives # of Open Positions: 2 Faculty/Service - Department: On-Site Team Campus ... Explain to users the status of their files and provide information on circulation policies and ...

CA$68K - CA$86K/yr

Library and Archives # of Open Positions: 2 Faculty/Service - Department: On-Site Team Campus ... Explain to users the status of their files and provide information on circulation policies and ...

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Ontario salary details

$7

$13

$25

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Ontario is $13.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.13 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 qualifications are needed to be a library circulation assistant?

Library circulation assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Strong customer service skills, basic computer proficiency, and attention to detail are important; some positions may require familiarity with library management systems. Additional certifications are generally not required but can be beneficial.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,971 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

Children's Programs & Public Service Assistant

City of Ottawa

Ottawa, ON

CA$35.06 - CA$41.02/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Requisition ID: 23437

Department: Ottawa Public Library 

Service: Branch Operations 

Employment Type: 1 Permanent Full Time Position 

Work Hours: 28 hours per week

Affiliation: CUPE 503 - Library/Full Time - Public Service Job 

Salary Information: $35.060  - $41.020  per hour (2026 rates of pay)

Location: Ruth E. Dickinson Branch, 100 Malvern Drive

City: Ottawa, ON 

Job Category: Ottawa Public Library

Application Close: 01/09/2026 

JOB SUMMARY

Ottawa Public Library (OPL) provides accessible, innovative library and information services throughout the City of Ottawa, that meet the unique needs of diverse communities, delivered through a range of vehicles and reflecting a citizen-centred approach. The Public Service units are responsible for the customer-centric public library activities, programs and services offered by the Library's 33 branches, mobile and digital services, to meet the needs in their catchment area.

You provide information, reference and readers advisory services; develop, implement and conduct children's programs; provide circulation and page services in the Library and/or the community and/or mini-libraries, nursing homes and other locations; and perform routine collection maintenance duties.

You may be the senior person in charge or exercise responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the library branch.

Work is performed within the context of the policies and framework of the Library corporate culture as embodied in the Mission Statement, Core Values, Customer Experience Guidelines and the Canadian Federation of Library Association position statements on Intellectual Freedom and Diversity and Inclusion, with particular emphasis on providing customer service excellence.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 2-year college diploma in Library and Information Technician, Early Childhood Education, or related field.

Minimum of 1 year of related experience working with children's programs.

KNOWLEDGE
  • Adult/children's literature in a variety of formats, readers' advisory services, trends in reading, literacy and ESL collections and adult programming.
  • Trends and techniques for developing effective library programming for children.
  • Reference resources in print, microform and electronic formats and of current developments in reference services.
  • Electronic database and other bibliographic searching techniques.
  • Principles of collection development and maintenance.
  • Methods and techniques for sorting and shelving library materials according to alphabetical, Dewey Decimal or other prescribed sequence and procedures.
  • Library circulation procedures and practices.
  • Methods and techniques of responding to inquiries and resolving patron complaints.
  • Desktop applications, intranet and internet and keyboarding procedures, to the extent where it may be required to demonstrate such usage to colleagues or library patrons.
  • General knowledge of library policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of customer service techniques and protocols
  • Working knowledge of applicable occupational health and safety legislation.
  • General knowledge of Ottawa Public Library's policies and procedures related to health and safety.
COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • To deliver library programs to a range of users including pre-schoolers, school age and adults.
  • Use tact, discretion and confidentiality.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills.
  • Exercise effective judgement and independent decision-making capabilities.
  • Ability to design and create thematic displays.
  • Data entry, retrieval and keyboarding skills including use of standard office equipment and operation of an IBM compatible computer in Microsoft Windows.
  • To perform routine manual or clerical tasks and manoeuvre book carts and lift boxes up to 40 pounds.
  • Minimum keyboard skills of 25 wpm.
  • Perform multiple tasks concurrently.
  • Customer service orientation, including the use of tact, discretion and confidentiality
  • Attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, ability to deal with the public and handle problems as they arise.
  • Flexibility, ability to adjust priorities.
  • Ability to work effectively as a team member.
  • Strongly committed to quality customer service.

 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Language Requirement: Designated Day 1 Ready - immediate requirement for language proficiency: French: oral, reading, writing English: oral, reading, writing Candidates must meet language requirement for position upon hire.  
  • Police Record Check: The successful candidate will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) with the Police Services detachment in their jurisdiction to the Ottawa Public Library's satisfaction.; Note: Under the age of 18, requires a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters (Level 2) check in place of the Vulnerable Sector Check.; Police record checks completed by a third-party company will not be accepted.
  • Additional vacancies may occur during the competition process. 
  • Alternative educational credentials combined with job-related experience, demonstrated performance, and ability may be considered in lieu of stated academic requirements. 
  • Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. 

The Ottawa Public Library promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion and adheres to the tenets of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from women, Aboriginal peoples and persons of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions. The Ottawa Public Library provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation. 

The Ottawa Public Library provides accommodation to applicants during all parts of the hiring process, upon request. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.

Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. Please contact the Employee Service Centre at 613-580-2424 extension 12211 or via email at esc-cse@ottawa.ca.