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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

County of Chester, PA

Library Assistant

West Chester, PA · On-site

$16.78/hr

... Library Assistant who is responsible for performing Circulation procedures to ensure quality ... The position also requires the ability to master basic and specialized online circulation functions ...

County of Chester

Library Assistant

West Chester, PA

$16.78/hr

Summary The Chester County Library has an opening for a Part Time Library Assistant who is responsible for performing Circulation procedures to ensure quality customer service and a smooth, accurate ...

County of Chester

Library Assistant

West Chester, PA · On-site

$16.78/hr

Summary The Henrietta Hankin Branch Library is seeking a Part Time Library Assistant who will be responsible for performing Circulation procedures to ensure quality customer service and a smooth ...

County of Chester

Library Page

West Chester, PA

$15.68/hr

... librarians. Assist patrons in locating library materials. Assist patrons in using the library ... Ability to learn circulation and care of library materials procedures. Ability to work alone and as ...

County of Chester, PA

Library Page

West Chester, PA · On-site

$15.68/hr

... * Assist patrons in locating library materials. * Assist patrons in using the library catalog ... Ability to learn circulation and care of library materials procedures. * Ability to work alone and ...

All JobsLibrary Circulation JobsLibrary Circulation Assistant JobsLibrary Circulation Assistant Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$7

$16

$24

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Philadelphia, PA is $16.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $17.93 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.

More about Library Circulation Assistant jobs
What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Philadelphia, PA? For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:
Library Circulation Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,494 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
Library Circulation Desk Worker - PT

Library Circulation Desk Worker - PT

Westminster Theological Seminary

Glenside, PA • On-site

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Description

Position Purpose 

Responsible for assisting library staff with various tasks including staffing the circulation desk, interfiling books and other projects as needed.


Essential Functions

  • Check library materials in and out, interfile returned items and items used within the library, collect fines and fees: 50%
  • Assist students and other library patrons in locating library materials, accessing electronic resources, using the photocopiers/scanners, etc.: 20%
  • Maintain neatness and organization of the Circulation Desk area, answering phone: 5%
  • Carry-out opening and closing procedures per schedule: 10%
  • Other responsibilities as required by supervisor:15%



Requirements

Qualifications

  • Good verbal communication skills in the English language
  • Attention to detail, ability to organize and prioritize tasks
  • Understanding of basic research skills and basic computer skills
  • Familiarity with use of library catalog, electronic resources, library facilities, and Library of Congress call numbers 
  • Able to prioritize tasks
  • Current Westminster Theological Seminary student who is familiar with using the library;
  • Dependable, flexible, able to take direction;
  • Interacts well with co-workers and library patrons.


Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

  • Some lifting (up to 25 lbs.), pushing of carts (up to 50 lbs.), bending, reaching, and stooping required.


Work Schedule

  • Various shifts cover all hours the library is open which may include opening and closing the library.
  • Weekend and evening work expected.
  • Approximately 8-10 hours per week
  • Total work time from all seminary employment may not exceed 1,250 hours in a year.


Westminster Theological Seminary hires only personnel who belong to a Protestant evangelical church and subscribe to Biblical orthodoxy (belief) and orthopraxy (practice). Employees shall affirm their agreement with the historic, trinitarian Christian faith as expressed in the Apostles' Creed. Otherwise, Westminster Theological Seminary is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, except as specifically allowed by federal and state law, and basing employment decisions on merit, qualifications and training. Westminster Theological Seminary does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion (except as religion is a bona fide occupational qualification), sex, national origin, age, disability or any other classification protected by law.

In accordance with the above paragraph, all employees are required to sign Westminster Theological Seminary's Community Life Policy affirming their commitment to Christian belief and practice as described in the policy.

This is   intended to be an accurate presentation of this position. There may be duties   and accountabilities that will be presented to an incumbent of this position   that are not included in this position description. Position descriptions are   subject to on-going changes so as to ensure the organization operates   effectively.


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