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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IN

Ivy Tech

Part-Time Library Assistant

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$16.22/hr

Manage the circulation desk independently and with minimal supervision. * Help students find ... Shelve and shelf read materials according to Library of Congress Classification. * Assist in ...

All JobsLibrary Circulation Assistant JobsLibrary 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 Jun 20, 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 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 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 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 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:
Library Circulation Assistant jobs near you
Senior Library Assistant

Senior Library Assistant

Purdue University

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$15.75/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 538 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Req Id: 42627
Job Title: Senior Library Assistant
City: Fort Wayne
Job Description:
Join Purdue University Fort Wayne:
We are currently seeking a full-time, on-site Senior Library Assistant in our Library. This position serves as the evening and weekend shift lead, ensuring smooth front-line operations and high-quality service for students, faculty, staff, and community patrons. The pay for this position is $15.75/hr.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Performs as shift lead for evenings and weekends, acting as responsible employee for issues with staffing, customer service, and building problems.
  • Leads front line service in a timely, accurate, and effective manner to PFW students, faculty, staff, and residents of Indiana, providing circulation assistance, and demonstrating a courteous, professional attitude to all patrons.
  • Processes ingoing and outgoing materials requested through the Purdue fulfillment network and InterLibrary Loan on evenings and weekends, and functions as back-up for the Document Delivery Services Department.
  • Handles patron complaints and concerns, and communicates existing policy and procedures to internal and external patrons.
  • Leads opening and closing procedures.
  • Provides functional supervision of student employees through training, deployment to specific service points, review of activities for accuracy and correctness, and allocation of tasks.
  • Aids in the physical movement of materials in the building, such as shelving and shifting materials.
  • Answers the Library phone and IM chat, providing mid-level reference assistance, directional information, scheduling, and referrals.
  • Instructs patrons in use of microform reader/printers, computers, printers, and other equipment, and troubleshoots basic mechanical problems.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • 2 yrs. exp required in computer skills, high level of customer service, and interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • Maintain reliable attendance and report to work on time, and adapt to a work schedule dictated by the university academic calendar.
  • Knowledge and effective use of computer applications and equipment.
  • Effective written and oral communication, including communicating technical information to non-technical people.
  • Active listening, and ability to interpret information, then quickly analyze and solve problems.
  • Exceptional customer service, self-motivation, time management, and task prioritization.
  • Work as a team member and foster a cooperative work environment.
  • Ability to quickly adapt to a changing environment.
  • Ability to assist in physical movement of materials in the building.
  • Schedule: Sunday-Thursday, Noon-9pm.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Library Science or Library and Information Science coursework, certificate, or degree.
  • Library circulation and/or reference experience, and work in an academic library or employment in an academic setting.
  • Familiarity with and knowledge of library databases, basic search theory, the Library of Congress Classification system, library circulation policies, and electronic library resources.
  • Experience with library management systems such as ILLiad, OCLC, Ex Libris's Alma and Primo.

Benefits:
  • Free tuition through Purdue University Global.
  • Fee remission for a traditional Purdue degree for yourself, your spouse, and your child(ren).
  • Insurance starts on first day of employment.
  • Generous Paid Time Off - additional PTO in December.
  • Additional benefit information: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/benewell/

Additional Information:
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.
  • Resumes and cover letters that contain portraits or personal information will not be reviewed by the hiring committee.
  • A background and misconduct check will be required for employment in this position

Purdue Fort Wayne is an EEO/AA.
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

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