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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in O Fallon, IL

Library Circulation Assistant information

See O Fallon, IL salary details

$6

$14

$23

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in O'Fallon, IL is $14.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.20 and $16.59 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 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 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.

What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in O'Fallon, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in O'Fallon, IL are:
What cities near O'Fallon, IL are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near O'Fallon, IL with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in O'Fallon, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,962 per year, or $14.9 per hour.
Circulation Clerk

Part-time

PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

University City Public Library is hiring! If you are outgoing, creative, self-motivated, and possess both a positive attitude and a strong desire to help and work with the public, please apply. UCPL serves a highly diverse, civic-minded, eclectic population and enjoys tremendous community support. It is an exciting time to join us as we explore new ways to be of service, while continuing to offer one of the finest standalone library collections in metro St. Louis and an array of lifelong learning and entertainment opportunities for patrons.


Schedule: Part-time, fixed but flexiblescheduling. This position will start with 8 permanent hours, with (optional) additional hoursavailable per department needs.


Reports to: Head of Circulation


Benefits: Vacation and sick leave accrual, holiday pay depending on schedule


Required Qualities: Fine attention to detail, good interpersonal skills, ability to handle busy work periods calmly and handle challenging situations with tact, as well as initiative, motivation, and enthusiasm.


Specific duties include:


  • Provide exemplary customer service to the public

  • Circulation functions, to include:

    • Check out and return library materials

    • Collect library fees

    • Create, update, and renew patron accounts

    • Inspect and check in returned items

    • Resolve patron disputes, or refer to the appropriate supervisor

  • Answer and route incoming phone calls

  • Explain library policies to patrons

  • Assist patrons with use of library equipment

  • Respond to simple information requests

  • Maintain cleanliness of circulation area and adjacent equipment

  • Participate in outreach with Library book trike, if desired

  • Comply with all COVID-related safety practices

  • Other related work as requested

Qualifications:


  • Knowledge of and/or ability to quickly learn Dewey Decimal system

  • Ability to file numerically and alphabetically

  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions

  • Ability to work without supervision once trained

  • Strength and agility to maneuver heavy book carts, bend and reach, and perform constant lifting of library materials

  • Ability to work cooperatively with public and coworkers

  • Good interpersonal skills

General requirements for all library employees:


  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

  • Commitment to the library's mission and goals

  • Ability to read, write, and speak English

  • Ability to give and receive instructions in English

  • Alpha-numeric recognition skill

  • Ability to exercise good judgment

  • Ability to use basic office equipment: telephone, fax, e-mail, copier

  • Honesty, punctuality, accuracy, ability to maintain confidentiality

  • Ability to pass a criminal background check

  • One-year probationary period


To apply or for questions: Apply at ucpl.bamboohr.com/careers
or address questions to humanresources@ucitylibrary.org.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer University City Public Library is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer and will continue to recruit, hire, promote, train, and develop into all job levels without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), religion, national origin, genetic information or disability. In recognition of the essential rights of all employees and applicants as individuals, it is the policy of the University City Public Library to recruit, hire, train, develop, and promote in all job classifications without discrimination to achieve equality in employment practices. The Library does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability. It is also the policy of the Library to act affirmatively in those areas where societal discrimination has denied equality of opportunity, particularly where under-representation exists. Special emphasis will be placed upon recruiting qualified minorities, women, veterans, and disabled individuals.