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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Library Assistant The Library Assistant performs varied tasks to support library materials processing and circulation, assist students and staff and support the school librarian. Roles and ...

Library Assistant

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$22.47 - $23.87/hr

Library Assistant The Library Assistant performs varied tasks to support library materials processing and circulation, assist students and staff and support the school librarian. Roles and ...

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Library Circulation Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$7

$16

$25

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Reston, VA is $16.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $18.51 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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Library Circulation jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Reston, VA? For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,532 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Community Circulation Manager (Library Assistant III)

Fairfax County, VA

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$55K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Fairfax County rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary : $55,417.02 - $96,979.79 Annually
Location : CULMORE COMMUNITY LIBRARY, 6101 KNOLLWOOD DR, FALLS CHURCH (KJ24), VA
Job Type: FT Hourly W BN
Job Number: 26-01163
Department: Library
Opening Date: 08/01/2026
Closing Date: 8/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: S19
Posting Type: Open to General Public
Job Announcement
Manages the operations of the circulation department of a community library and serves as person-in-charge as needed. Serves on branch management team. Responds to the needs of library customers and resolves customer issues. Performs all essential circulation and support duties. Performs other duties as may be assigned to further the goals and objectives of Fairfax County Public Library.
Fairfax County Public Library supports the goals of fostering equity and opportunity in the delivery of programs and services.
Notes: This job announcement may be used to fill future Community Circulation Manager (Library Assistant III) vacancies.
  • Location: Culmore Library is closed for renovations with an anticipated reopening in January 2027. The position will temporarily report to Tysons-Pimmit Regional library located at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, 22043 during the branch closure.
  • Salary: The selected applicant's starting salary will be in the minimum to midpoint range ($55,417.02 to $76,198.51) of the advertised compensation range. Compensation rules apply per Fairfax County personnel regulations for current Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools employees.
  • Schedule: Scheduling flexibility is imperative. Standard hours may include day and/or evening hours to include weekdays and weekends.

To learn more about a career with Fairfax County Public Library, watch our video
Illustrative Duties
(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)
Manages the circulation department of a small or mid-size library (community library);
Supervises the page manager of a small or mid-size library (community library);
Communicates and implements circulation policies and procedures at a small or mid-size library (community library);
Assigns circulation support tasks;
Identifies and implements departmental development and training needs;
Resolves complex circulation problems and clients' account issues, such as outstanding books and fines referred from other staff;
Develops agendas and conducts monthly circulation department staff meetings;
Serves as liaison with Facilities Coordinator and county facility departments;
Prepares daily and biweekly circulation or page schedules, ensuring efficient branch coverage;
Interviews, selects, trains and evaluates the performance of subordinates and volunteers;
Performs all general public service circulation duties and support tasks;
Serves as a member of the Branch Management Team;
May serve as branch Person-In-Charge;
May assist with outreach and other library programs.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)
Thorough knowledge of library duties, policies and procedures;
Mastery in operating a library's automated circulation system;
Ability to lead and supervise a large team;
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously;
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with others;
Ability to exercise tact, good judgment and initiative;
Ability to deal with stressful situations and difficult customers;
Knowledge of library policies and procedures;
Ability to work independently within established policies, procedures, and guidelines;
Ability to evaluate procedures and recommend improvements;
Ability to analyze problems and recommend solutions;
Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of others;
Ability to effectively train others;
Ability to learn and independently use office equipment, including software suites and
specialized databases;
Knowledge of word processing and computer applications;
Ability to adapt to workplace change;
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing;
Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation;
Ability to sort alphabetically and numerically;
Ability to perform basic arithmetic.
Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Completion of an associate degree or two years (60 semester hours) of course work at an accredited college or university; plus, three years of full-time library experience or the equivalent amount of part-time library experience, including two years performing duties comparable to or one year comparable to a
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check and Child Protective Services Registry check to the satisfaction of the employer.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Four or more years of experience working in a library setting with three or more years of supervisory experience to include training, coaching, evaluating, scheduling or directing the day-to-day activities of staff.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift up to 15 pounds. Ability to input, access, and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to perform repetitive hand, arm, wrist and shoulder movements. Ability to stand for 2 hours at a time. Ability to shelve materials at all height levels. Ability to stoop, bend, reach, squat, and kneel. Ability to push and pull 4-wheeled book bins filled at 90% capacity, requiring 20 pounds of initial (starting) force, and a sustained force of 10 pounds after initial acceleration. Ability to push and pull 4-wheeled book carts filled at 70% capacity, requiring 14 pounds of initial (starting) force, and a sustained force of 7 pounds after initial acceleration. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.
Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.
#LI-JY1
Merit Positions
Fairfax County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:
  • Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
  • Group Term Life Insurance
  • Long Term Disability
  • LiveWell Program
  • Flexible Spending Programs
  • Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employees' Child Care Center
  • Continuous Learning Opportunities
Please click for a summary of our benefits.
NOTE: Fairfax County Government is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For more information about the PSLF program:
For additional details please visit the
Non-Merit Positions
  1. Non-Merit Benefit Eligible: scheduled to work a minimum 1,040 hours and no more than a maximum of 1,560 hours in a calendar year.
    • Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
    • Flexible Spending Program
    • Deferred Compensation
  2. Temporary: scheduled to work a maximum of 900 hours in a calendar year.
    • No benefits

01
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
  • Less than 12th grade
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Some college
  • Associate's degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Doctorate degree

02
If you answered "Some college" for the highest level of education completed, please indicate the number of quarter or semester hours you have completed towards a degree.
  • Less than 45 quarter hours
  • 45 to less than 90 quarter hours
  • 90 to less than 135 quarter hours
  • 135 to less than 180 quarter hours
  • 180 or more quarter hours
  • Less than 30 semester hours
  • 30 to less than 60 semester hours
  • 60 to less than 90 semester hours
  • 90 to less than 120 semester hours
  • 120 or more semester hours
  • Not applicable

03
How many years of full-time equivalent library experience do you have?
  • None
  • Less than one year
  • One to less than two years
  • Two to less than three years
  • Three to less than four years
  • Four to less than five years
  • Five or more years

04
How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have performing duties comparable to a Library Assistant I, i.e., performing paraprofessional library duties in an entry-level lead and/or supervisory capacity?
  • None
  • Less than one year
  • One to less than two years
  • Two to less than three years
  • Three to less than four years
  • Four to less than five years
  • Five or more years

05
How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have performing duties comparable to a Library Assistant II, i.e., performing paraprofessional library duties as the Assistant Circulation Manager or Page Manager in a large library (regional library)?
  • None
  • Less than one year
  • One to less than two years
  • Two to less than three years
  • Three to less than four years
  • Four to less than five years
  • Five or more years

06
How many years of full-time equivalent supervisory experience do you have in a library setting, i.e., training, coaching, evaluating, scheduling or directing the day-to-day activities of staff?
  • None
  • Less than one year
  • One to less than two years
  • Two to less than three years
  • Three to less than four years
  • Four to less than five years
  • Five or more years

07
The selected applicant's starting salary will be in the minimum to midpoint range ($55,417.02 to $76,198.51) of the advertised compensation range. Are you willing and able to accept a potential salary offer within the aforementioned range if selected for the position? (Note: Compensation rules apply per county personnel regulations for current Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools employees)
  • Yes
  • No
  • Not applicable (Compensation rules apply: I am a current Fairfax County Government or Fairfax County Public Schools employee)

Required Question

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