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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Renton, WA

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Renton, WA salary details

$8

$18

$27

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Renton, WA is $18.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $20.10 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 are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Renton, WA? For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Renton, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,488 per year, or $18 per hour.
Library Assistant - Elementary

Library Assistant - Elementary

Federal Way Public Schools

Federal Way, WA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:ย  The Library Assistant - Elementary School plays a large part in ensuring that students have productive library experiences. This is accomplished in a variety of ways, including keeping the library neat and tidy, shelving books accurately, and checking books in and out in a timely manner. This individual also assists students in locating appropriate reading material. The Library Assistant assists students in accessing and using technology tools but does not provide direct instruction. This position is responsible for greeting guests cordially, making them feel welcome in the library and helping to ensure that their needs are met.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Greet students, staff, parents, community members and other visitors upon their entrance to the library.
  • Assist individual students who are visiting the library and supervise to ensure students follow library expectations.
  • Responsible for material check-ins and checkouts.
  • Accurately shelving books, and processing magazine and other library materials.
  • Maintain patron and circulation records.
  • Responsible for maintaining records for overdue, lost and damaged books; notifying teachers and parents of overdue books.

ย 
OTHER RESPONSIBLITIES:

  • May assist Librarian with clerical tasks such as filing, sorting, photocopying and light correspondence.
  • Assist with preparing new books for circulation
  • Assist with repairing and cleaning materials and equipment.
  • May assist Librarian in cataloging materials and equipment into the district library software system.
  • May assist Librarian with displays corresponding with holidays, special events, celebrations, etc.
  • May be responsible for schedule and coordinate use of audiovisual equipment and software, including computer labs and storage systems for technology equipment (aka COWS).
  • May assist Librarian with end-of-year inventory.
  • May assist with maintaining laminating machine; may be responsible for laminating materials for staff.
  • Multilingual staff member may be asked to translate within their scope of work.

ย 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent
One (1) year clerical experience
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Positive evaluations
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience working in a school or library environment
Basic knowledge of the district library software system
Basic knowledge of the Internet is helpful
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:
Criminal background clearance
Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis
KNOWLEDGE OF:
School board policies and procedures
Microsoft WORD and a general aptitude for computers
ABILITY TO:
Organize and perform job responsibilities efficiently and independently without close supervision and able to pay strict attention to detail.
Perform safety responsibilities while under pressure.
Demonstrate basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness and ability to increase knowledge to proficiency
Speak, read and follow written or verbal communications: able to proofread
Exhibit proper telephone etiquette
Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines
Remain flexible; able to cope with frequent interruptions as part of a daily routine, to multi-task and shift priorities to meet required deadlines
Develop and maintain positive customer relations with staff, students, parents, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community
Cope with and assist angry or distraught students, parents, and other community members
Work collaboratively with District staff and promote teamwork with co-workers
Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality
Abide by Federal Way Public Schools' Policies and Procedures
Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY:
Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District.
Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools' commitment to "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future."ย 
Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:ย  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly stand and walk, bend neck and back, use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling.ย  The employee will frequently be required to sit for extended periods of time and use a computer screen and keyboard. The employee may occasionally be required to squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation, climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, and lift/carry. The employee must regularly lift/carry up to 5 pounds and must frequently lift /carry up to 15 pounds.ย  The employee will occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 25 lbs.ย  The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum weight of 200 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:ย  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee regularly works inย  indoor conditions and regularly works near video display.ย  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.ย  The position constantly deals with frequent interruptions, demanding deadlines, and occasionally deals with angry and distraught employees, students, and community members.
WORK SCHEDULEย 
This position typically works, 5.5 hours per day, Monday through Friday, 191 days per year
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
This position reports to and is evaluated by the building Principal and/or Designee. This position also receives direction and setting of priorities from the school librarian.
REPRESENTATION
Federal Way Education Association Education Support Professionals (FWEA-ESP)
LEVEL OF COMPENSATION
Level 4 on the FWEA-ESP Salary Schedule. This position includes the following benefits prorated based on FTE - Medical, dental, vision, sick and vacation leave, life insurance, professional development dollars, retirement.
CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
Update 9/1/01
Update with physical demand/working conditions 5/2015
FWEA-ESP review 7/2015
Updated FWEA-ESP job review 11/2019
Disclaimer
The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.ย  The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements, skills or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.ย 
All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status.
Job descriptions are written as a representative list of the ADA essential duties performed by the entire classification. They cannot include, and are not intended to include, every possible activity and task performed by every specific employee.