1

Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Edison, NJ

Security Officer

Princeton, NJ

$17 - $20/hr

... Library, the Princeton University Art Museum, and the off-site storage facility. To read the ... Officers understand access control systems, circulation, and safety systems, and known locations of ...

Security Officer

Princeton, NJ

$17 - $20/hr

... Library, the Princeton University Art Museum, and the off-site storage facility. To read the ... Officers understand access control systems, circulation, and safety systems, and known locations of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Edison, NJ salary details

$7

$16

$25

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Edison, NJ is $16.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.45 and $18.41 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.

What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Edison, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Edison, NJ are:
What cities near Edison, NJ are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near Edison, NJ with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Edison, NJ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,363 per year, or $16.5 per hour.
Security Officer

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Princeton University rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Overview

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the primary department charged with creating a safe and secure environment at Princeton University. DPS operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is comprised of 153 staff members.   The department consists of professional University police, security officers, dispatchers, and administrators dedicated to providing best-in-class service to the community.

DPS was originally recognized and awarded Law Enforcement Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in July 2015, and subsequently awarded reaccreditation status in July 2018 and July 25, 2022. CALEA serves as the "International Gold Standard for Public Safety Agencies" and oversees a rigorous accreditation process.  In addition, DPS was awarded accreditation status by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (NJLEAC) on March 14, 2019, and subsequently awarded reaccreditation status in March 2022, and March 2025. These awards are a mark of professional excellence and signify that we have earned these distinguished honors through continued compliance with CALEA/NJLEAC Standards. Throughout these processes, we established and implemented policies and practices that meet or exceed the National and State standards, to serve both the Department and the community well in the future.

Non-sworn security officers work in several different areas, including the main campus, the James Forrestal campus, Firestone Library, the Princeton University Art Museum, and the off-site storage facility.

To read the Princeton University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, click here.

Responsibilities
  • As part of an assigned team, security officers provide general security, personal safety, and customer services to the University community as well as specialized security preserving and protecting University property from theft and vandalism.
  • Officers patrol campus, conduct security inspections, building lockups, and staff the two access kiosks and serve as the first point of contact for vehicular traffic coming onto the main campus.
  • Officers understand access control systems, circulation, and safety systems, and known locations of emergency exits in event of an emergency. 
  • Officers staff the control rooms at Firestone and the Art Museum.  They actively monitor security access, CCTV, fire, and environmental systems.
  • Officers maintain constant standing and active walking patrol to assist University guests with information and assistance.
  • Officers maintain effective working relationships with all members of the campus community including students, faculty, staff, alumni, docents, and visitors.
  • Officers are aware of and understand all special and general orders about the job. 
  • Officers inspect and ensure security and safety and report all deficiencies to their supervisor. 
  • Officers are knowledgeable of pedestrian traffic flow, recognize unusual incidents or unwarranted intrusions, and effect prompt and proper requests for assistance when required. 
  • They utilize communication means available for reporting purposes, emergency requests, and normal business.
  • They operate departmental vehicles as needed and perform other duties as assigned.
  • Officers respond to incidents, accidents, and other emergencies and are responsible for administering CPR and First Aid.
  • Officers are required to engage in various community-oriented public safety activities.
  • Officers report to a sergeant or supervisor as appropriate to the assigned location.
Qualifications
  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Ability to work on all shifts (standard work week is 40 hours, standard shifts are 8, 10, or 12 hours), during various hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Overtime is mandatory.
  • Successfully complete various fitness for duty assessments including:
    • Post offer pre-employment (POPES) medical exam for hire, transfers, promotions, and/or layoff placements
    • N-95 mask fitting
    • Background check.
  • Physical demands are more than those for sedentary or medium heavy work; must be able to remain on feet for a minimum of eight hours at a time with scheduled breaks.
  • Position requires moderate physical activity.
  • Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, carry, push, pull, climb, balance, walk, and run.
  • Must be able to restrain, lift and/or carry adults of varying weights.
  • Must be able to exert up to thirty pounds of force frequently or constantly lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
  • Must operate a variety of machines and equipment including, but not limited to automobile, office equipment, radio, telephone, etc.
  • Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperature and loud noises.
  • Work involves moderate exposure to hazards and physical risks to personal safety.
  • Must be physically fit and able to defend one's self or others from attack or physical assault.
  • Must have 20-20 or 20-30 vision either naturally or with corrective lenses.
  • This is a unionized position: International Union, Security, Police, and Fire Professional of America (SPFPA).
  • Per the SPFPA contact the starting salary is $23.79/hour = $49,483.20/annual.
  • Per the SPFPA contract this position has a 12-month probationary period.
  • This is a year-round full-time position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Associate or Bachelor's degree.
  • Previous security experience.

All positions within the Department of Public Safety are subject to completion of a comprehensive background screening process. This includes both a University Human Resources background check and a fingerprint-based criminal history background check conducted by the Department of Public Safety. Successful completion of both processes is required as a condition of employment.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours40.00Eligible for OvertimeYesBenefits EligibleYesProbationary PeriodPer union contractEssential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)YesPhysical Capacity Exam RequiredYesValid Driver's License RequiredYesUnion CodeFSO-Security, Police, & Fire Profs #LI-CN1Salary Range$23.79 Minimum Hourly RateEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Princeton University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom