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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Albany, NY

Perfusionist NE

Albany, NY · On-site

$116K - $186K/yr

... Assist in maintaining a constant update of administrative procedures, perfusion library and ... extracorporeal circulation techniques. Qualifications: Certified by American Board of ...

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Albany, NY salary details

$7

$15

$24

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Albany, NY is $15.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.92 and $17.64 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 the most commonly searched types of Library Circulation jobs in Albany, NY?

The most popular types of Library Circulation jobs in Albany, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Albany, NY?

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

What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Albany, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Albany, NY are:

What cities near Albany, NY are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs?

Cities near Albany, NY with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Albany, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,956 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

$16 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

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Library Associate (10-months)

Apply now Job no: 495970
Work type: Full Time
Location: Troy, NY
Categories: Information Technology, Staff, Student Services and Academic Support, CFHE

Job Summary:

 The Library Associate is primarily responsible for providing customer service at the Libraries' Service Desks and using information systems for circulation, class reserves and Interlibrary Loan. This position may also coordinate daily collection management, provide training to student workers, and assist with materials and transactional processing.

NOTE: This is a 10-month role with a scheduled work period of August 1 through May 31 of the following year. The position will enter the non-work period beginning June 1, extending through July 31. This role is eligible for year-round benefits.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan.

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world's fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Two (2) or more years of directly related experience

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working in a library
  • Experience in Higher Ed environment
  • Customer service experience 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to create a welcoming environment that is inclusive of constituents from diverse background
  • Ability to interact effectively with faculty, staff and students as well as external clients
  • Ability to learn new software
  • Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to perform basic financial functions
  • Ability to supervise student workers

Representative Job Duties:

  • Provides customer service by using various library information systems tools
  • Assists customers with material and transactional processing including requests for circulation, class reserves, and interlibrary loan
  • Processes customer requests, which may include searching various databases, scanning library materials, transferring files, and the sorting and shelving of library materials
  • Answers general reference, citation, and directional questions using major bibliographic databases
  • Participates in interviewing and training student workers in departmental procedures. May operationally supervisor student workers as assigned including verifying hours worked
  • Open and close the library on designated days. Prepare the library for service in accordance with start-up and shut down procedures including but not limited to the alarm and information systems
  • Coordinates and communicates work assignments with staff on other shifts
  • Supports special projects, assignments and initiatives as assigned
  • Other duties as assigned

Shift:

Sunday through Thursday: 1:30PM - 10:00PM

(schedule may flex during intersessions)

Starting Salary/Rate:

Expected hiring range: $16.00 - $19.00 / hr

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate's salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate's qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer's good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

NOTE: This is a 10-month role with a scheduled work period of August 1 through May 31 of the following year. The position will enter the non-work period beginning June 1, extending through July 31. This role is eligible for year-round benefits.

Application instructions:

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Job Posted Date:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information:

Rensselaer's Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.

Advertised: 31 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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