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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in North Adams, MA

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Library Circulation Assistant information

See North Adams, MA salary details

$7

$15

$23

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in North Adams, MA is $15.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.30 and $16.73 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 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 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.

More about Library Circulation Assistant jobs
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in North Adams, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in North Adams, MA are:
What cities near North Adams, MA are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near North Adams, MA with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:
Library Circulation Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in North Adams, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,227 per year, or $15 per hour.

Part-time Library Assistant (2 Openings)

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

North Adams, MA • On-site

$17.50/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Part-Time Library Assistant (2 Openings)

The Part-Time Library Assistant plays an important role at MCLA by providing access to library services, collections, and facilities on a small, residential liberal arts college campus. Core job duties include staffing the front desk; circulating library materials; answering basic informational, directional, and policy questions in a variety of modalities; gathering data and monitoring conditions in the library facility; assisting with collections maintenance; opening and closing the building; referring specialized questions to librarians and other campus service providers; and participating in ongoing and special projects.

Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Associate Dean for Library Services and the direct supervision of full-time Library Assistants.

Responsibilities:

  • Work at the library's front desk: check items in and out; answer basic informational, directional, and technical questions; and complete routine off-desk tasks such as shelving books and retrieving holds.
  • Interact with library visitors in a friendly, professional manner; help create a welcoming and inclusive library experience; resolve issues according to procedures and policies.
  • Collaborate with other staff to determine workflow and make decisions about security and service.
  • Perform opening/closing procedures, including securing equipment, clearing the building, and locking/unlocking entrances.
  • Periodically move throughout the facility to perform headcounts, monitor building conditions, and assist visitors.
  • Assist with ongoing and special projects such as displays, library events, inventory, and book repair; participate in shelf reading, shifting, and other stacks maintenance activities.
  • Maintain knowledge of Freel Library circulation policies and information resources. Refer patrons with specialized questions to librarians or other campus service providers as appropriate.
  • Oversee the work of student library assistants in the absence of full-time staff.
  • Provide substitute coverage for staff absences, when possible.
  • Assist with other general library duties as requested by supervisors.

Requirements:

  • Minimum: At least one year of experience working directly with the public in a library, customer service/retail, or similar environment. Proficient in basic office software, hardware, and applications, including Microsoft Office, Windows hardware and operating system, online communication tools, and printers/scanners.
  • Preferred: Bachelor's degree or equivalent. At least one year of experience in the library field via employment, internship, volunteering, and/or coursework in a library science program.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully as part of a diverse community
  • Commitment to providing excellent customer service
  • Strong self-motivation and a proactive approach to work
  • Ability to perform detailed work accurately
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and with others in a collaborative environment
  • Reliability, punctuality, and the ability to work regularly assigned shifts as scheduled

Physical Demands:

  • Moving between and throughout the floors of the building
  • Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at will.
  • Lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds
  • Reaching overhead and at/below shoulder level
  • Pushing and pulling doors and book carts
  • Keyboarding
  • Gross and fine manipulation of objects
  • Understanding and distinguishing speech and other sounds
  • Near and far visual acuity

These are two part-time, permanent, non-benefitted, 9 month positions working 7.5-15 hours per week. The salary for these positions is $17.50/hour. Schedule Details: Fall and spring semesters when classes are in session (early September-mid December; mid-January-mid May), for an average of 30 weeks per year. This position is not scheduled to work during breaks in the academic calendar (Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break) or summers. Available hours currently include Mondays 9-5, Fridays 9-5, and Sundays 12-5, to be split between two positions. Additional regular hours may become available, and frequent substitute opportunities arise. Availability to cover occasional Saturdays is desirable. Schedules may change from semester to semester based on the needs of the library. At times, the library remains open during inclement weather, and this position is expected to work any regularly scheduled hours under those circumstances. Regular hours to begin on or after Wednesday, September 2, 2026; training/orientation to take place in late August/early September.

Until further notice, in response to the Presidential proclamation, issued on September 19, 2025, imposing a significant fee on the entry of individuals with new H-1B visas, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Should you need to request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email Brenda Stokes, Executive Director of Human Resources.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is deeply committed to fostering a community of excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We provide equal access to educational, co-curricular and employment opportunities for all applicants, students, and employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, veteran status, or membership in any other legally protected class. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that they operate, which extends to admission and employment.

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