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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Gardiner, ME

Maine

Librarian - Generalist - Augusta

Augusta, ME · On-site

$18.34 - $28.28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maine State Library Librarian - Generalist - Circulation Opening Date: July 31, 2026 Closing Date ... Selects, compiles, and organizes library materials to assist with maintaining library resources and ...

All JobsLibrary Circulation JobsLibrary Circulation Assistant JobsLibrary Circulation Assistant Jobs in Gardiner, ME

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Gardiner, ME salary details

$7

$15

$23

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Gardiner, ME is $15.39, 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 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.
More about Library Circulation Assistant jobs
Library Circulation Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Gardiner, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,005 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Librarian - Generalist - Augusta

Maine

Augusta, ME • On-site

$18.34 - $28.28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State's career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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Maine State Library

Librarian - Generalist - Circulation

Opening Date:July 31, 2026

Closing Date:August 14, 2026


Grade/ Admin Unit:17/ Professional / Technical

Job Class Code: 3104
Salary:$18.34 - $28.28 / Hourly
Position Number:014701329

Location:Augusta

Telework: None

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This is professional services work in the general management of the Maine State Library. Work involves the application of general library techniques and procedures to library operations.

Responsibilities include cataloging/copy-cataloging, classifying, circulating, and maintaining library materials; explaining and assisting in the use of reference sources such as the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), readers advisory services, circulation services and utilizing circulation systems, troubleshooting basic public computing and technology issues, and identifying collection items in need of repair or requiring preservation.Functional direction may be exercised over clerical, volunteer, or contracted personnel. Work is performed under general supervision.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Responds to and assesses the customer's immediate needs via personal service or by making the appropriate referral to other staff in order to ensure that the customer's inquiries/needs are met.
  • Corresponds with the public in-person, in-writing, and electronically to deliver direct one-on-one library services.
  • Selects, compiles, and organizes library materials to assist with maintaining library resources and responding to library users' needs.
  • Recommends and suggests procedural changes to improve library operations and efficiency.
  • Enters and retrieves information utilizing the Integrated Library System (ILS) to assist library users in checking out/in materials.
  • Explains and demonstrates use of the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) in order to help library users identify resources in the collection and to demonstrate library procedures.
  • Explains and demonstrates public-access technologies offered by the library, such as: desktop/laptop computing and internet searches, office software applications, online database access, printing, and copying in order to assist with use of library related technologies.
  • Checks in and sorts all applicable materials to update and maintain library collection.
  • Assists with presentations and programs to small and large groups, other state agencies, and community organizations in support of the library's community outreach efforts.
  • Inventories and reviews library materials to ascertain presence and location of all materials assigned to the library, and to identify obsolescent and/or damaged materials for removal, potential digitization, or repair/preservation.
  • Applies copy-cataloging techniques in order to assist with cataloging of new materials.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Knowledge of professional library techniques, systems, tools, materials, and major library classification systems.
  • Knowledge of general cataloging guidelines and systems (i.e. Machine Readable Cataloging Records (MARC) / Resource Description and Access (RDA) Cataloging / Ohio College Library Center (OCLC)).
  • Knowledge of reader interest, books, and authors.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to use and explain the use of library equipment including catalogs, guides, technologies, and other library facilities to assist customers in their pursuit of utilizing Maine State Library resources.
  • Ability to assist library users in their use of technologies offered by the library.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Ability to write clearly.
  • Ability to read, understand, and interpret instructions, directives, policies, and procedures.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelors Degree in Library Science or four (4) years of progressively responsible library experience.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Pleasesubmita cover letter along with a current resumeand three (3) professional references.

In order forus to properlydetermineif you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Formore information orquestions specific to the position, please contact recruiting.ggsc@maine.gov

The selected candidate willbe requiredto pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may berequired) as a condition of employment.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

  • Work-Life Balance- Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave,and3+ weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

  • Health Insurance Coverage- The State of Maine pays85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

  • Health Insurance Premium Credit- Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information aboutprogram requirements.

  • Dental Insurance- The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).

  • Retirement Plan- The State of Maine contributes14.06% of payto the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

  • Gym Membership Reimbursement- Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts- Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

  • Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness- The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit theFederal Student Aid office.

  • Living Resources Program- Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employeeassistanceprogram.

  • Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receiveforty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave.Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under theFamily and Medical Leave Act.

  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation- Saveadditionalpre-tax funds for retirement in aMaineSaves457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for anextensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness.Learn aboutadditional wellness benefitsfor State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may varysomewhat accordingto specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. Ifyou'recurrently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.

If you require a paper application, please download and print oneHERE

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.

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