1

Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ

next page

Showing results 1-20

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Ridgewood, NJ salary details

$7

$16

$25

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Ridgewood, NJ is $16.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.16 and $17.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Ridgewood, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Ridgewood, NJ are:
What cities near Ridgewood, NJ are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near Ridgewood, NJ with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Ridgewood, NJ as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 50% Physical, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $33,584 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
Collections Processing Assistant II - Shared Services Sorting & Delivery

Collections Processing Assistant II - Shared Services Sorting & Delivery

The New York Public Library

Long Island City, NY

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


New York Public Library rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
The BookOps Logistics  Department is primarily responsible for receiving, processing, sorting, and delivering all new and circulating materials for 150 branches across 4 boroughs comprising the BookOps member libraries.  The workload volume for the Logistics Department is exceptionally high. These materials are all in high demand and selected to meet the needs of the communities of New York. This service level is a foundation of NYPL's Strategic goal of "More People Reading More." It is made possible through the full staffing and leveraging of this unit.  The unit supports countless projects aligned with Learning, Creating, and Reading.

This Collections Processing Assistant II serves three departments within Logistics Operations: Receiving and Processing, Sorting, and Distribution.  The primary function of this role is to ensure the timely delivery of library materials to the BookOps member libraries.  The significant steps involved in this process are receiving, transporting, processing, shelving, sorting, and delivering library materials accurately and timely. CPAs can work across any of these departments.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Manager of Sorting and Distribution, the Collections Processing Assistant II will:
  • Work with manual and automated systems to accurately sort library materials, supplies, and inter-branch mail
  • Prepare print and non-print library materials for circulation (separate and shelve new materials, link records, label materials, cover library books for preservation, etc 
  • Receive and vet materials in the Integrated Library System (ILS)
  • Transport book trucks and other book containers to designated destinations
  • Separate designated materials and stage them for delivery 
  • Sort and deliver mail and packages throughout the building
  • Perform mailroom duties at other library locations when necessary
  • Vet and accept incoming materials from USPS, UPS, and other vendors
  • When necessary, work within other BookOps logistics units to serve our patrons
  • Work on specialized projects as they arise
  • Perform other related duties as required
Required Education & Certifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
Required Experience
  • Experience working in a fast-paced environment
  • Familiarity with Sierra
Required Skills
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
  • Ability to process a large quantity of work while maintaining a high degree of accuracy
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Successfully demonstrated ability to work independently or in a team environment
  • Demonstrated flexibility, reliability, punctuality, and attention to detail
  • Data entry knowledge
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Drive
  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs
  • Must be able to push a loaded book cart
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities: 
  • Alert the supervisor if there's a mechanical issue with our equipment
  • Assist the supervisor in finding missing interoffice mail and packages
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
  • Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
  • Be Resourceful in solving problems 
  • Be Curious in all aspects of your work
  • Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
  • Mixed Warehouse / Office setting
  • Located in the Library Services Center (this building is not a public-facing branch Library)
Physical Duties
  • Lifting up to 50 lbs. Required
  • Moving book trucks
  • Moving bins
  • Shelving at various levels
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
Yes
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
  • Monday - Friday 
  • 35 hours/ week, 9 am-5 pm,
  • Coverage of other departmental shifts as required, Saturdays and evenings as required

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement

At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.

Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).

What New York Public Library employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


New York Public Library logo

About New York Public Library

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations--including research and branch libraries--throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.

Industry

Libraries and archives

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1895