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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in North Liberty, IA

Collections Care Associate

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

Maintain emergency response kits throughout all library locations. • Assist as needed with book ... circulation, rehousing) • Hands-on experience with book repair, conservation, or preservation ...

Collections Care Associate

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

Maintain emergency response kits throughout all library locations. Assist as needed with book ... circulation, rehousing) Hands-on experience with book repair, conservation, or preservation ...

Library Circulation Assistant information

See North Liberty, IA salary details

$6

$14

$22

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in North Liberty, IA is $14.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.96 and $16.25 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.

What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in North Liberty, IA?

For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in North Liberty, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in North Liberty, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in North Liberty, IA are:

What cities near North Liberty, IA are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in North Liberty, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,296 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Clinical Education Librarian

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

464th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The University of Iowa Libraries is seeking a collaborative and service-oriented Clinical Education Librarian at the Specialist Librarian classification (PLB2/4A) to join the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences. The librarian will serve as the primary liaison to the Carver College of Medicine (CCOM) Medical Doctorate (MD) and Physician Assistant (PA) education programs and reports to the CCOM Lead Clinical Education Librarian. The incumbent will also serve as liaison librarian to the residents, fellows, staff, and faculty of several CCOM departments.
Through embedded course instruction and consultations, the librarian will educate students on library resources, literature searching, evidence based clinical practice/critical appraisal of the medical literature, and research tools. The liaison supports Iowa's highly ranked PA education program, uniquely designed so that PA students attend classes with MD students during their first three semesters. This role supports the MD students in Iowa City and Des Moines through the preclinical, core clinical, & advanced clinical phases of medical school. The librarian will participate on education committees to connect library resources and skills to the curriculum. 
In these roles, the librarian will support the research, teaching, and learning needs of faculty and students across these disciplines and related programs. The incumbent will also participate in library-wide initiatives and programming that enhances the Libraries' role within the broader University community.
Key Areas of Responsibilities and Job Duties:

Instruction, Consultation, and Research Services
    Develop and conduct library education sessions customized for assigned liaison groups. 
    Provide evidence-based clinical practice instruction within the MD and PA education programs and other groups, including residency and fellowship programs.  
    In support of research and education, assist patrons with research skills, literature searching, and information management tools and maintain research guides for assigned programs and departments, enabling the discovery of library collections. 
    Provide systematic searching for evidence synthesis projects for or as a member of research teams. 
    Provide information and circulation services at the public service desk in-person and via telephone, email, and chat/instant messenger.

Leadership/Staff and Resource Management/Financial Responsibility
    Cultivate relationships with liaison areas to identify opportunities for library partnerships with education and research programs.
    Represent the UI Libraries and Hardin Library as a member of CCOM curriculum committees. 
    Assist in Libraries strategic planning at the unit or department level; collaborate to implement strategic vision and goals.

Continuous Learning & Skills Development
    Seek out new learning opportunities based on the needs and direction of the departments.
    Engage with the professional literature and attend events such as webinars, workshops, and conferences.
    Attend institutes or other specialized learning courses (e.g., Critical Appraisal Institute for Librarians) for skill development in teaching evidence based clinical practice. 
    Attend or complete specialized learning courses (e.g., MLA Systematic Review Services Specialization) for skill development in supporting evidence synthesis projects.

Professional Contributions 
    Stay informed about innovations, trends, and developments in health sciences librarianship through engagement with professional organizations.
    Acquire and maintain skills by participation in the profession through service, research, publishing, and/or teaching.
    Participate in and contribute to relevant library, health sciences, or university activities and committees.
 

Qualifications 
Required Education 
    ALA-accredited master's degree in library/information science. 

Required Qualifications 
    Two years professional experience working in academic libraries, health sciences libraries, or hospital libraries that primarily serve healthcare providers. 
    A strong interest in the field of health sciences librarianship demonstrated through professional experience, academic coursework, professional organization involvement, continuing education, or other experiences. 
    Ability to work independently and with others in a demanding and rapidly changing environment where flexibility, collaboration, consultation, and cooperation are essential.
    Demonstrated experience providing tailored instructional sessions to students, faculty, or staff that provide library resources, information literacy or evidence-based practice skills, or research concepts and skills.
    Demonstrated interest in professional development that will enhance the candidate's value to the Libraries, the University, and the profession.
    Ability to support a welcoming and respectful environment in a job-related experience, an academic setting, or the community.
    Excellent interpersonal skills and evidence of strong written and oral communication skills.

Desired Qualifications: 
    Demonstrated skill in using health sciences information resources (e.g., PubMed, CINAHL) and knowledge of emerging trends (e.g., artificial intelligence) in health sciences librarianship. 
    Experience in health sciences literature searching and/or providing searching and educational support for evidence synthesis projects (e.g., systematic reviews, scoping reviews) or a demonstrated interest in learning this methodology. 
    Training in or experience teaching evidence based clinical practice (e.g., critical appraisal of the biomedical literature) or a demonstrated interest in learning these skills. 
    Experience using research and learning tools, such as citation managers (e.g., EndNote), LibGuides, and course management software.
    Demonstrated understanding of the mission of a research university and the mission and functions of a large research library.


Application Details: 
Applications are only accepted through the Jobs@UIOWA website.
In order to be eligible for interview, applicants must upload the following and mark them as "relevant files" when you upload the documents:

1.    Cover letter that clearly addresses how you meet each of the required and any desired qualifications of this position. To ensure strongest consideration, applicants are encouraged to review all required qualifications and state directly how they meet each of them. 
2.    Current resume 
This job ad will be posted for a minimum of three weeks with a priority deadline of August 23, 2026, and may be removed from posting and filled any time after that date. Please contact andrea-rost@uiowa.edu if you have any questions about the position. 
The hiring salary range for this Specialist Librarian position is $55,000 - $74,000.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. 
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

This position is eligible for on-campus and/or hybrid remote work within Iowa, with the majority of work time being on campus, and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.

Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.


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