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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

Library Assistant 2

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.42 - $23.40/hr

Law Library Salary/Grade: NEX/10 Target hiring range for this position will be between $18.42- $23 ... Circulation and Access * Performs full range of circulation functions including charging and ...

Library Assistant - Technical

Palatine, IL · On-site

$22.10 - $24.85/hr

... library statistics, curates data, and compiles reports to support student and library user needs ... Assists the Circulation Supervisor with the refreshing and upgrading of Technology Loan Program ...

Library Assistant - Technical

Palatine, IL · On-site

$22.10 - $24.85/hr

Library service experience and evidence of organizational and multi-tasking skills preferred ... Assists the Circulation Supervisor with the refreshing and upgrading of Technology Loan Program ...

Showing results 41-60

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$7

$15

$24

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Park Ridge, IL is $15.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.83 and $17.50 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library Circulation jobs in Park Ridge, IL? The most popular types of Library Circulation jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Park Ridge, IL? For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Park Ridge, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, 46% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,662 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

$18.42 - $23.40/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Northwestern University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

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Job description

Apply for Job Job ID 54203
Location Chicago, Illinois
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Department: Law Library
Salary/Grade: NEX/10

Target hiring range for this position will be between $18.42- $23.40 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Job Summary:

The Pritzker Legal Research Center of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law invites applications for the full-time, permanent position of Evening Circulation and Fulfillment Assistant. Located in the heart of the Gold Coast on Northwestern's Chicago campus, the Pritzker Legal Research Center supports the research and instructional needs of more than 900 J.D. and LL.M. students and 90 residential faculty of the Northwestern University School of Law

The Pritzker Legal Research Center is a highly service-oriented library. We are looking for someone who enjoys building positive working relationships with a wide variety of people ranging from students to peers to faculty members. The successful candidate will join a team of librarians and staff who maintain a very collaborative work environment and will also have the freedom to work independently and must have a strong sense of responsibility and reliability.

Further information about the Pritzker Legal Research Center is available at the library's website

https://library.law.northwestern.edu/

Specific Responsibilities:

Circulation and Access

  • Performs full range of circulation functions including charging and discharging items, processing fines, placing holds, requesting items from other Northwestern libraries, helping patrons search for items. Maintains student lockers. Reports library facilities and maintenance requests to appropriate departments. Supervises students in this capacity as well.

Collection Maintenance

  • Performs full range of duties to maintain physical collection, including shelving, sorting, shifting, shelf reading, reclassifying items, locating missing books, and book repair. Supervises students in this capacity as well.

Materials Retrieval and Request Fulfillment

  • Performs full range of duties related to patron requests including retrieving items from open and closed stacks, processing reserves, document scanning, fulfilling interlibrary loan requests, and delivery of materials.

Opening and Closing

  • Closes the library on weekdays and opens the library periodically during intersession periods and summer months. Closing and opening duties include locking/unlocking various library staff and patron areas the main doors, computer lab and copy rooms; turning on/off lights throughout facility; receiving and processing newspapers; turning on/off circulation desk equipment. Full schedule details below.

General

  • Participates in other library support services involving collection processing, library records, and new initiatives, as needed. Other duties as assigned.

Supervises

  • Supervises 1-2 staff.

Miscellaneous

Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

  • A high school diploma or equivalent required.
  • 2 years of administrative support or other relevant experience required.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

  • Must be exceptionally reliable and have demonstrated reliability in prior work experience.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and organizational skills.
  • Ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with library users, especially students, coworkers, supervisors, and law school staff members.
  • Careful attention to detail.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Flexibility and commitment to providing outstanding customer service.
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office software.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish positive working relationships with a wide variety of people ranging from students to peers to faculty members.
  • Strong sense of responsibility and reliability; must be able to assume responsibility for entire library facility during off-peak hours. Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as shifting books and pushing book carts.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

  • Bachelor's degree or higher.
  • Library circulation experience.
  • Experience in an academic library environment.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

  • Facility using library research databases, integrated library systems such as Alma.
  • Proficiency with digitization software.
  • Familiarity with legal resources.
  • Successful customer service experience in an organization that values a positive customer experience.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.


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