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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Frederick, MD

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Frederick, MD salary details

$7

$15

$24

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Frederick, MD is $15.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.97 and $17.69 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 are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Frederick, MD? For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Frederick, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Frederick, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Frederick, MD are:
What cities near Frederick, MD are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near Frederick, MD with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Frederick, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,003 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
Library Associate - Part-Time - (Children Services), Grade 18

Library Associate - Part-Time - (Children Services), Grade 18

Montgomery County, MD

Rockville, MD • On-site

$32K - $50K/yr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Montgomery County (Maryland) rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

311th of 705 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $32,052.00 - $50,562.00 Annually
Location : 202 Meadow Hall Dr Rockville MD 20851 USA
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number: 2026-00407
Department: Department of Public Libraries
Division: LIB 71 Twinbrook Library
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
Closing Date: 7/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
About the Position
Please note: The salary range above represents this position's earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position based off 20 hours per week will be $32,052 to $41,050 based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
WHO WE ARE
MCPL has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1 million diverse customers.
Approximately 500 engaged and passionate staff provide services in 21 library locations and in community engagement using direct outreach and virtual assistance. MCPL is an open, inviting, and vital gateway to the information, ideas and enrichment that strengthens our county. A diverse, highly qualified staff continually assesses community needs and interests to support, encourage and inspire our customers.
MCPL believes in the right of all to learn and to grow. We value intellectual freedom, accountability, quality service, diversity, fairness, professional ethics, integrity of information and respect for our customers, our community, and ourselves. We are a learning organization that functions openly by exploring new ideas and using the collective talent, knowledge, and creativity of employees at all levels.
The Montgomery County Library System is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. MCPL values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures. MCPL encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), immigrants, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. As part of this commitment, MCPL provides reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Are you looking to join an innovative, collaborative, and diverse team? Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is seeking innovative team players that embrace the transformative nature of public libraries, who enjoy connecting customers with materials and resources and are eager to learn. The ideal candidate for this role is an effective communicator, is customer service oriented, and a committed public servant who equalizes opportunities for Montgomery County residents.
Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Additional multi lingual pay may be available after successfully passing a multilingual examination.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Promote and support MCPL's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion values with staff and customers. Center the experiences of people and communities who are most affected by structural inequities when engaging in programming, partnerships, and information services work.
  • Connect Children and people with disabilities with materials and resources both in-person and over the telephone.
  • Assist customers at information or circulation desks
  • Assist with programming for Children, including staff-led and partner-led events.
  • Assist with collection maintenance, including shelving and processing of library materials.
  • Use new technologies and platforms.
  • Attend meetings and workshops for professional development.
  • Stay up to date with changes in MCPL policies and procedures, and technologies used by MCPL.
  • Prepare library exhibits and displays; identify items of high potential demand or widespread interest.

Successful Candidates will:
  • Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in public service.
  • Be a genuine person who enjoys interacting with people on the telephone and in person.
  • Value building collaborative relationships with community members and organizations, as well as colleagues across MCPL.
  • Be responsive to the emerging needs of Montgomery County residents, developing and delivering programs and services that reflect the unique needs of diverse populations.
  • Be a life-long learner who readily grasps new technologies and platforms.
  • Be a team player who energizes others.
  • Be a great communicator and a patient listener who takes the time to understand customer service needs.

Employees in this position must complete LATI, the state's Library Associates Training Institute, as scheduled, or complete at least 9 hours of coursework in an MLS program accredited by the American Library Association.
THIS RECRUITMENT WILL GENERATE A 6-MONTH ELIGIBLE LIST TO FILL CURRENT AND FUTURE VACANCIES FOR LIBRARY ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AT ALL BRANCH LOCATIONS WITHIN MCPL.
Hours for this position:
  • Library hours of operation are 7 days a week including evenings, days, and weekends. Employees are expected to be available for work during these times. All employees are expected to work Sundays in rotation, at an assigned branch. Individual schedules, including evenings and weekends, will vary based on branch operational needs.

Minimum Qualifications
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.
Experience: None
Licensure: None
Continuing Education: Employees will be responsible for maintaining appropriate level of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to sustain certification/licensing requirements. Note: There will be no substitutions for this section.
Note: An appointee with only a bachelor's degree shall have two (2) years from date of appointment to complete a minimum of ninety (90) clock hours of approved in-service training under Departmental sponsorship, by attending a program meeting the standards for approval promulgated by the Maryland State Library Agency; or, complete nine (9) hours of formal academic coursework in library science.
Medical Exam Protocol: This position requires completion of a pre-employment Medical History Form to assess your ability to safely perform the essential duties of the role.
Physical Ability: Ability to perform light physical effort, such as keyboarding, standing, or staying in place for long periods of time and lifting, carrying and/or moving of book tubs, carts and library books and materials weighing 20 pounds, regularly, and up to 50 pounds, as required. Ability to work effectively and calmly under pressure.
Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences
Resume must include information specific to the preferred criteria listed below. Make sure that your resume references your knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to the preferred criteria.
  • Experience providing direct customer service to Children.
  • Experience in locating information and materials through general reference, electronic resources, and book recommendation services.
  • Experience or familiarity using Public Access Catalogs and electronic online databases to locate material, place holds, and search indices.
  • Experience educating and informing groups and/or conducting programs for Children.

  • Experience with technology such as software, digital signage, e-readers, iPads, hotspots, Smart TVs, and other equipment to support customer service needs.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.
Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at Hiring@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.
MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.
All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.
This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.
If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.
Montgomery County Ethics Law: Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website.
Leave Benefits
Our generous leave package starts with non-MLS permanent and term employees earning 15 days of sick leave and 15 days of annual leave in their first year, as well as up to three additional personal days each calendar year. Positions in MLS earn 35 days of paid time off each year. In addition, we offer all employees 10 paid holidays. Our leave policies adhere to the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, and we provide six weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
Retirement Benefits
All permanent and term positions are eligible for robust retirement plans. Public safety positions are eligible for a defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after only five years. Employees in non-public safety positions can participate in retirement plans that contribute up to 12 percent of their annual salary. All employees can also participate in a supplemental retirement plan, the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, to contribute even more to their retirement goals.
Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Forgiveness
Montgomery County employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Participants who meet all requirements may qualify for forgiveness on the remaining balance on their Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time in a qualifying public service position. To learn more about PSLF, please visit the Student Loan Repayment Benefits page. Our tuition assistance program allows you to receive up to $2,130 annually in tuition assistance to help you achieve a degree that supports your career path.
Free Mass Transit Benefit
County employees are entitled to use the RideOn Bus service for free with a valid County-employee ID. This benefit can be used any time of the day or evening, including weekends. We also offer a pre-tax flexible spending account to reduce the cost of other mass-transit options such as MARC trains and Metro.
Reduced Child and Health Care Costs
Working for Montgomery County also entitles permanent and term employees to participate in healthcare and childcare Flexible Spending Accounts. These plans allow eligible employees to save on a pretax basis for healthcare and dependent care costs incurred during the plan year.
Employee Wellbeing
We deeply care about your holistic wellness. Our award-winning wellness program, LiveWell, will support you in improving and maintaining your physical, mental, financial, social, and intellectual well-being.
Learn more about our wonderful benefits available to you once you join our team. Montgomery County Benefits
01
What is your highest level of completed education?
  • N/A
  • High School/GED
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Juris Doctor
  • Doctorate

02
Do you have the ability to perform light physical effort, such as keyboarding, standing, or staying in place for long periods of time and lifting, carrying and/or moving of book tubs, carts and library books and materials weighing 20 pounds, regularly, and up to 50 pounds, as needed?
  • yes
  • No

03
Are you able to complete a minimum of ninety (90) clock hours of approved in-service training under Departmental sponsorship, by attending a program meeting the standards for approval promulgated by the Maryland State Library Agency; or, complete nine (9) hours of formal academic coursework in library science within 2 years from date of appointment?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have experience provid

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