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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Cottage Grove, WI

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Cottage Grove, WI salary details

$7

$15

$23

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Cottage Grove, WI is $15.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.39 and $16.83 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 job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Cottage Grove, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Cottage Grove, WI are:

What cities near Cottage Grove, WI are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs?

Cities near Cottage Grove, WI with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:

Library Access Services Specialist - Late Evening/Overnight

Madison, WI โ€ข On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage and oversee the general functioning of library services during evening and overnight shifts, including security, emergency response, and closing duties.

  • Supervise, train, and mentor student staff members involved in access services and circulation activities.

  • Assist patrons with navigating library resources, support the use of library systems and technologies, and contribute to policy development and departmental improvements.


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Job Category:University StaffEmployment Type:RegularJob Profile:Library Assistant IIIJob Summary:

The Access Services team at the University of Wisconsin - Madison Libraries connects patrons to the Libraries' world-class collections, services, and spaces. Access Services manages circulation and service desks at College, Memorial, Steenbock, and Kohler Art Libraries. As the first point of contact for students, staff, researchers, faculty, and community members, Access Services staff have a dual mission of creating welcoming spaces and moving library materials efficiently.

Reporting to the Access Services Neighborhood Coordinator, the Library Access Services Specialist will regularly work as the library's Manager on Duty. Managers on Duty oversee the general functioning of library services, coordinate circulation, supervise student staff, and exercise judgement in the application of policies and procedures. When not acting as Manager on Duty, the Specialist will contribute to departmental projects and initiatives and participate in student supervision.

As an evening and weekend Manager on Duty, the Library Access Services Specialist will contribute to a safe and secure environment for the library's patrons, staff, collections, and contents by responding to security and emergency situations, handling facilities issues, and managing closing duties.

Access Services staff work across campus libraries. Individuals in this unit are assigned to a home library where they have a dedicated workspace but regularly work in at least one other location. This position's home location is College Library.

The successful candidate will perform a variety of tasks, including, but not limited to:

  • Facilitating and strengthening Access Services student staff members' relationship with the Libraries through management, hiring, training, and mentorship.

  • Contributing to continuous improvement within the Access Services department including through policy development, aligning departmental strategy with library strategic directions, service assessment, and community building.

  • Assisting patrons by providing support navigating UW-Madison resources and identifying areas for service improvement.

  • Managing regular circulation services and collection maintenance tasks related to providing access to library patrons and community.

  • Conducting regular building rounds and managing overnight access procedures, including preparation for Wiscard-only access and ensuring appropriate use of library spaces in accordance with the Libraries Code of Conduct.

This position is eligible for partial remote work. During periods when College Library is operating on a 24-hour, five-day-a-week schedule, this position is expected to work onsite. During academic breaks and other periods when College Library is not open overnight, a remote work agreement may allow for a maximum of 20% remote per week.

This position is full-time, 100%.

Ongoing/Renewable

Typical hours for this position are 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. during the fall and spring academic semesters. Schedules may vary, and shifts may be adjusted to accommodate changes to library hours.

Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Provides complex support to the day-to-day operations of library services to provide guidance in the use of library information resources, operations, and policies; or to acquire, prepare, and preserve library information resources for use (10%)
  • Contributes to the development of policies and procedures (10%)
  • Participates in committee work within the library and the university (5%)
  • Fosters a safe and secure library environment for the Libraries' patrons, staff, collections, and facilities, including on-site response to safety and security emergencies (15%)
  • May assist and educate both face-to-face and remote customers in the use of technologies and tools to create, seek, use, and manage information (5%)
  • Interprets policies and procedures to answer non-routine questions and resolve complex issues (5%)
  • Utilizes designated library systems, tools, standards, and practices to locate, retrieve, and organize; or describe, edit, preserve, and reformat a variety of library information resources (5%)
  • Utilizes library software and systems to retrieve, enter, and report on data using a wide variety of applications (5%)
  • May create invoices, process complex orders, and resolve any purchasing discrepancies (0%)
  • Provides complex library services support in absence of a supervisory authority. Acts as a resource to other library staff (15%)
  • Actively participate in an inclusive, welcoming and respectful workplace (5%)
  • Conducts reference searches to locate relevant materials and answer questions as needed (5%)
  • Hires, trains, and guides student employees and monitors student workflows (15%)
Department:

Libraries, Access Services

Compensation:

Starting hourly pay will be based on experience and qualifications. Well-qualified applicants can anticipate earning $19 per hour, with final salary based on experience and qualifications.

Additionally, there is a $0.80/hr night differential for all hours worked between 6:00 pm - 6:00 am and a $0.80/hr weekend differential for all hours worked between 12:01 am Saturday and 11:59 pm Sunday. These differentials are layered, so when working a weekend night, you will receive both.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please seehttps://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/univstaff.pdf

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/).

Required Qualifications:
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, faculty, students, and other stakeholders

  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills

  • Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize workload, manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively, and follow-through on tasks

  • Physical demands: Ability to lift 30 lbs with or without assistance, lift materials overhead, and stand or move for over 2 hours a day

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working in a library setting

  • Experience leading teams or projects

  • Ability to work independently and as a part of a team across multiple locations and modalities

  • Demonstrated ability to recognize and appropriately address safety, security, and/or facilities concerns while maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment for patrons, customers, clients, or other members of the public

Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent required

How to Apply:

Click the "Apply" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents:

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

Applicants should attach a cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process.

References will be requested from finalists only and are not required with the initial application. Reference requests will be sent via email from SkillSurvey.

Failure to submit the required documents will result in no longer being considered for the position.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Contact Information:

Abram Hopp, abram.hopp@wisc.edu, (608)890-1795

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. SeeRELAY_SERVICEfor further information.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.


The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.


To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying to.Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.


Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.