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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Muscatine, IA

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Library Circulation Assistant information

See Muscatine, IA salary details

$6

$14

$23

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Muscatine, IA is $14.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.30 and $16.68 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.
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What cities near Muscatine, IA are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs?

Cities near Muscatine, IA with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:

Library Circulation Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Muscatine, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,154 per year, or $15 per hour.

Library Technician - Circulation Clerk

City of Muscatine

Muscatine, IA • On-site

$19.77/hr

Other

PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Musser Public Library is hiring a Library Technician - Circulation Clerk. The Circulation Clerk performs general and specific library circulation functions, provides direct service to patrons, and handles clerical tasks. Patron service is paramount and situational awareness is the key to continued success in this position. As a Library employee this individual is an ambassador of the City of Muscatine and needs to exemplify superior patron service in an often fast-paced, highly variable environment. This position's schedule is 20 hours per week, which includes some evenings and weekend shifts. It reports to the Circulation Supervisor. This is an excellent part-time (20 hours per week) starting at $19.77/hour with some benefits including IPERS, vacation and sick leave, and holiday pay.
Responsibilities:

  • Provide exceptional service to patrons and assist them in the use of library facilities and equipment
  • Check out books and other library materials to patrons
  • Receive returned books and other library materials from patrons and ensure timely handling of materials so they are available for public access
  • Shelve and organize library materials onto proper carts
  • Issue and renew library cards
  • Process holds, including delivery, picklist, and holds shelf returns
  • Accept fees for lost and damaged materials
  • Inspect returned materials for damage and submit to technical services for repair as needed
  • Assist in resolving patron disputes in the absence of a supervisor
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
  • High school graduate or equivalent and one year of experience in customer service, or any equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Knowledge of current library practices
  • Knowledge of personal computers and related hardware, email, the Internet, office software, document imaging, etc., and other standard office equipment
  • Skill in checking information for accuracy and completeness and correcting errors
  • Skill in organizing and prioritizing multiple responsibilities within an assigned framework
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, patrons, and the public
  • Ability to learn computer programs or software and use them effectively to perform duties
  • Ability to handle high volumes of work
  • Ability to work with patrons in a friendly and tactful manner
  • Ability to excel as a productive and positive team member
  • Ability to communicate orally and effectively with patrons and other library staff in English, in person or on the phone
  • Sufficient physical ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods; to reach with arms and hands; to occasionally climb or balance; and to occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
  • Sufficient physical ability to engage in extended periods of repetitive use of hands and fingers
  • Sufficient physical ability to push or pull a full book cart and lift up to 25 pounds

Hiring Process
For civil service positions, applications are screened for minimum qualifications. Applicants meeting the criteria will be invited to participate in the civil service testing process.
For non-civil service positions, the hiring process is established in a manner appropriate for the position. It is the City's goal to successfully match the right candidates for the right positions.
It is the policy of the City of Muscatine not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, religion, or disability. The City is an EQUAL. OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER, and recognizes the requirements of THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. The City of Muscatine has also made a strong commitment to employees and the public to provide a safe and drug-free work environment through the implementation of a DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAM.
The CITY OF MUSCATINE has, and will continue to make, a reasonable commitment toward achieving the spirit and intent of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibit discrimination against the handicapped/disabled.

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