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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Madison, AL

Huntsville Public Library

Library Clerk I

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$12.50/hr

HMCPL is seeking a Library Clerk I to assist library patrons to utilize the library's resources and ... Work involves responsibility for routine circulation tasks, shelf maintenance, and clerical ...

Huntsville Public Library

Library Clerk I

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$12.50/hr

HMCPL is seeking a Library Clerk I to assist library patrons to utilize the library's resources and ... Work involves responsibility for routine circulation tasks, shelf maintenance, and clerical ...

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Library Circulation Assistant information

See Madison, AL salary details

$6

$14

$22

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Madison, AL is $14.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.77 and $15.96 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.

More about Library Circulation Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Library Circulation jobs in Madison, AL? The most popular types of Library Circulation jobs in Madison, AL are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Madison, AL? For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Madison, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Madison, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Madison, AL are:
What cities near Madison, AL are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near Madison, AL with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:
Library Circulation Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Madison, AL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 33% Physical, 34% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,740 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Library Clerk I

Huntsville Public Library

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$12.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Library Clerk I
The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is a non-profit library system comprised of ten locations providing library and information services to the city of Huntsville and the surrounding Madison County area. HMCPL is seeking a Library Clerk I to assist library patrons to utilize the library's resources and services at a library location and/or department.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about libraries and creating an engaging and welcoming space for members of the community to create their own future, explore the universe of ideas, and connect with our community and the world.
LIBRARY LOCATION:
Monrovia Public Library
254 Allen Drake Drive
Huntsville, AL 35806
Location Hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday & Tuesday: 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Wednesday & Thursday: 9:00 am-6:00 pm
Friday & Saturday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
HOURS AND COMPENSATION: This is a part-time, 20 hour a week position with a rate of pay of $12.50 an hour. Schedule will include 2-3 nights a week and 2 weekends a month (see location hours). Scheduling flexibility is required.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
Responsible for assisting other staff members and patrons with basic circulation tasks, answering questions, and providing information to patrons. This position is classified as Non-exempt for the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Work involves responsibility for routine circulation tasks, shelf maintenance, and clerical functions using the Library's library management software system. Duties include checking books in and out on behalf of patrons, performing basic patron record maintenance, shelving library materials, and answering general patron inquiries.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direction of the branch or department manager.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Teamwork & Leadership:
  • Acts as a team member in fulfilling the Library's Mission Statement: "This is the public's library. We empower individuals to create their own futures, explore the universe of ideas, and connect with our community and the world."

Customer Service:
  • Answers informational and directional questions from patrons both in-person and by telephone; refers questions and inquiries to the appropriate staff member or department as needed.
  • Monitors patron activities in the assigned area and may handle problems as they occur.

Circulation:
  • Responsible for shelving materials, shelf reading, weeding projects, and regular inventory as assigned.
  • Assists in shelving materials, shelf reading, weeding projects, and regular inventory as assigned.

Internet & Technology:
  • Uses automated library systems for transaction relating to library materials, managing patron accounts including recording fines paid, locating materials, and performing additional procedures as needed.
  • Operates a variety of standard office and library equipment.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires standing, walking, reaching, climbing, stooping, and lifting/carrying items generally not exceeding 40 pounds. Must possess the vision required to read printed materials and a computer screen. Must possess the ability to hear and speak both in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Generally involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of office environments. Involves regular contact with the general public. May interact with upset staff and/or members of the public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of basic computer skills; knowledge of basic math skills; ability to operate computer and library systems including telephone, tablets, and various devices; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions including posted schedules; ability to work both independently and as a member of a team; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, associates, corporate representatives, officials of other agencies, and the general public; ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
High school diploma from a school accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or GED certificate issued by the appropriate state agency; or any combination of education, training, and experience which provides a demonstrated potential for performing the above listed duties of the position is required.
Additional experience in a library or customer service-based role is desired.
This job description is not nor is it intended to be a complete state of all duties, functions, and responsibilities that comprise this position. Employees may be expected to perform additional duties that may not be reflected in this description.
The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Revised: 05/2021
Salary Description
$12.50/hr, part-time, 20 hours per week

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