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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Washington

Fairfax County Government

Library Aide

Reston, VA · On-site

$21.18 - $29.12/hr

... circulation reports; * Assists with maintenance of the library collection. * Assists with library support duties; * May recommend reading materials to customers; * May assist with outreach and other ...

Fairfax County

Library Aide

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$44K - $77K/yr

Retrieves and processes daily circulation reports; Assists with maintenance of the library collection. Assists with library support duties; May recommend reading materials to customers; May assist ...

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How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Washington is $18.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $20.14 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.
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For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Library Circulation Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,594 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Library Assistant (Onsite)

Middle East Institute

Washington, DC • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Location: Washington, DC (On-Site)
Employment Type: Part-Time (15-20 hours per week)
Compensation: $25 to $30 per hour
About Middle East Institute
Founded in 1946, the Middle East Institute is the oldest Washington-based institution dedicated solely to the study of the Middle East. It is a non-partisan think tank providing expert policy analysis, educational and professional development services, and a hub for engaging with the region's arts and culture.
Position Summary
The Library Assistant plays a key role in supporting the management and development of the library's collection, providing essential library services to patrons and staff, and coordinating the digitization of the Held Archive. This position requires a strong foundation in library science, cataloging standards, and digital resource management. The Library Assistant will also assist in training and supervising interns and will contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of library operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Oversee daily library operations and supervise library interns.
  • Provide circulation, reference, and reader's advisory services to patrons and staff.
  • Maintain and manage the library's collection of books, periodicals, records, DVDs, and other materials.
  • Support the digitization efforts of the Held Archive, ensuring metadata standards are met.
  • Perform cataloging and classification using contemporary bibliographic standards including MARC, RDA Toolkit, and Library of Congress subject headings.
  • Manage bibliographic records using Koha open-source library software.
  • Compile and submit statistical reports related to library usage and collections.
  • Evaluate and assist in developing library programs and services.
  • Train and mentor interns in library processes, cataloging, and administrative tasks.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, patrons, and external partners.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills
  • A bachelor's degree in library science from an ALA-accredited institution.
  • Experience working in an academic, research, or special library setting.
  • In-depth knowledge of cataloging and classification systems, including MARC and non-MARC metadata standards.
  • Proficiency with Koha open-source cataloging system is essential.
  • Familiarity with library administration and collection management.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, pay attention to detail, and think critically.
  • Proficiency in either Turkish, Arabic, or Farsi is required.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations and across departments.
  • Demonstrated capacity to train and evaluate support staff or interns.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
  • This position typically operates in an office and library setting.
  • Must be able to lift and move library materials (up to 25 lbs.).
  • May require occasional evening or weekend work.

Disclaimer:
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Duties may be subject to change based on organizational needs.

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