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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IN

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Decatur, IN salary details

$7

$15

$23

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Decatur, IN is $15.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.59 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Library Circulation Assistants?

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 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 job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Decatur, IN look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Decatur, IN are:
What cities near Decatur, IN are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, IN with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:

Part-Time Library Media Specialist

Southern Wells Com Schools

Poneto, IN

$41.60K - $55.40K/yr

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

POSITION TITLE: LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST


REPORTS: Principal (and/or other designated building administrators)


JOB GOAL: To instill in students a love for reading by providing students with an enriched library environment containing a wide variety and range of materials that will invite intellectual probing, growth and aid all students in acquiring the skills needed to take full advantage of library/media sources.


PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Shall develop short and long range goals which guide the development of the Library Media Program.

2. Shall develop and implement policies and procedures for the operation of the Library Media Program. (e.g. selection, circulation, scheduling)

3. Shall help with selection, training and supervision of Library Media Center assistant(s) and student helpers to perform duties efficiently.

4. Shall serve as the coordinator/lead teacher for credit recovery and exploratory college/career classes.

5. Shall help evaluate the Library Media Center assistant(s).

6. Shall select resources and technology which supports the school’s curriculum and educational philosophy.

7. Shall classify, catalog, process and organize for circulation the educational media and technology for easy access.

8. Shall maintain a current inventory of holdings.

9. Shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Principal.


SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS: None


QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree or higher and the required Indiana certificate for the assigned position. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, peers and adults. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students, parents and faculty.


LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals, reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from administrators, faculty, students, or parents. Ability to effectively present information to students, peers, principals and assistant principals, faculty, public groups, and/or members of the community as needed.


MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.


REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.


OTHER SKILLS: Ability to perform keyboarding, document formatting, word processing, and other technology skills appropriate to the functions of this job. Ability to communicate with people in a positive and constructive manner.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.


CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES: The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the Corporation.


WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The work environment is smoke free.


TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary, benefits, and work year defined in collective bargaining agreement as determined through agreement by the School Board.


EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of certified personnel.