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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Washington

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SCIENTIFIC TECHNICAL WRITER

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) requires a Scientific Writer to support executive ... Knowledge management and maintenance of communications resources * Assist in managing content on ...

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All JobsLibrary Circulation JobsLibrary Circulation Assistant JobsLibrary Circulation Assistant Jobs in Washington

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$8

$18

$28

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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 Washington? The most popular types of Library Circulation jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Washington? For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:
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, 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 $37,594 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Library and Research Intern (Graduate Student)

AARP

Washington, DC • On-site

$28/hr

Internship

Re-posted 3 days ago

AARP rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

140th of 771 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Overview
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.
AARP's Policy, Research and International Affairs leads the development and communication of AARP's public policies and, research and insights on the issues that matter to people 50-plus.
The AARP Library & Strategic Services team seeks a master's-level graduate student who is pursuing a master's in library science, to intern with our dynamic group focused on research, insights, synthesis, innovation, personal growth, and emerging technologies. This internship provides hands-on opportunities to conduct, interpret, and synthesize secondary research using licensed databases and internal research and is best suited for a student pursuing a career in reference services. You'll also gain practical experience designing and building SharePoint web pages and build valuable technical services skills.
Throughout the internship, we will challenge you to think creatively and work innovatively on real-world projects. By the end of the experience, you will have developed a strong foundation that prepares you for a range of career paths within the library and information field. AARP is committed to your growth and to cultivating your continued learning and professional development. This paid internship is anticipated to begin in Summer 2026 and continue through the end of the year, with a possible extension into 2027. Finalist must be available to work from AARP's Headquarters in Washington, DC. Local candidates are preferred.
Responsibilities
  • Synthesize research findings from AARP's collection of resources, including primary and secondary research, surveys, consumer and market research databases, academic journals, etc
  • Analyze and write up findings and insights; apply innovative thinking and problem-solving; utilize approved AI research tools
  • Conduct literature reviews and market scans for stakeholders throughout the association, and perform company due diligence and people vetting
  • Support technical services activities, including collection development, database management, building web pages, promoting library events, and programming via internal channels
  • Proactively distribute research from a collection of resources to internal stakeholders, including contributing relevant research to issue area newsletters enterprise-wide
  • Provide face-to-face interactions at the Library's Reference Desk and monitor and provide timely responses via the library's internal communication channels to help manage project intake
  • Manage several projects simultaneously and answer ad-hoc research requests as assigned; assist in managing special projects and marketing internal library events
  • Explore and demonstrate emerging technologies in the AARP Library collection, such as virtual reality (VR) technology, and AI capabilities within research and knowledge management tools

Qualifications
  • Prospective intern must be enrolled in a Master's-level program in Library and Information Science college or university in the DC, Maryland or Virginia area, and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
  • Availability to work on-site at the National Office located in downtown Washington, DC is required. Local students are preferred. (We observe Monday and Friday as teleworking days, with Tuesday-Thursday in the office)
  • Experience with research databases (eg, ProQuest, Westlaw, EBSCOhost, LexisNexis)
  • Excellent written, oral communication, and critical thinking skills, and the ability to synthesize research findings
  • Ability to identify, analyze, and creatively solve problems, with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a curiosity to learn more about reference services
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of the team
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and shift priorities as directed
  • A strong commitment to providing outstanding customer service
  • Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.
Additional Requirements
  • Regular and reliable job attendance
  • Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
  • In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

Hybrid Work Environment
AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly range is $18.40 for undergraduates, $21 for graduate students, and $28 for Ph.D. candidates. Internships are non-exempt positions and are not eligible for employee benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

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