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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$7

$16

$25

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Riverside, CA is $16.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $18.56 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 Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Library Circulation jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,629 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

$5.2K - $7.3K/mo

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Salary: $5,202.00 - $7,362.00 Monthly
Location : Irvine Valley College - Irvine, CA
Job Type: IVC - Staff (Full-Time)
Job Number: 202400802
Office, Division, or School: IVC - School of the Arts
Department or Operating Unit: IVC - Library Services
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Culture of Care:
At the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), we foster a Culture of Care grounded in connection, collaboration, inclusion, and service. We seek employees who contribute to a welcoming, student-centered environment and who understand the important role every position plays in advancing student success and strengthening our District community. Our employees build meaningful relationships, demonstrate empathy and professionalism, and promote a culture of belonging, engagement, and mutual respect.
Join SOCCCD and be part of a community dedicated to connection, purpose, and impact. We are seeking collaborative professionals committed to supporting students, creating meaningful experiences, and contributing to an inclusive and supportive workplace. Every employee helps shape a Caring District-one where students, colleagues, and the broader community feel valued, respected, and empowered. If you are passionate about service and making a positive difference, we invite you to bring your talents to our team.
Application Instructions:
  • Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents - incomplete applications may not be considered.

  • Include all relevant education, training, and/or experience on the application.

  • Do not include any personally identifiable, confidential, or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g., social security number, date of birth, pictures, etc.) on your application or attached documents.

  • For job postings with a close date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting close date, will receive consideration.

  • For job postings with an initial screening date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting initial screening date, will receive priority consideration; however, typically the job posting will remain open, and continue to accept applications, until the position is filled.
Description
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under direction from an appropriate level manager or administrator, performs a wide variety of technical and clerical duties in support of various sections/functions of the library, including acquiring, cataloging, and circulating materials for a specific function of the library; supervises student workers and oversees circulation desk activities during assigned hours; oversees an assigned functional area; and provides information and assistance to library patrons.
May receive technical training and work direction from professional Librarians or other higher-level library staff.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey level class in the Library Assistant series independently performing a full range of technical and clerical duties in support of an assigned library function/program area. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Library Assistant II level by the performance of the most complex operational duties assigned to Library Assistants. Positions at this level regularly train and supervise student workers, oversee the circulation desk during evening or other assigned hours, oversee an assigned functional/program area, catalog materials, and conduct complex bibliographic searches. This class is distinguished from the Library Technician classification in that positions allocated to the Library Technician classification perform and supervise technical and public service library duties on an ongoing basis. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Oversee the activities and operations of the circulation desk during the evening or other hours as assigned; ensure patrons are served quickly and courteously and that materials are checked in and out in accordance with established library policies and procedures.
Oversee assigned operations during assigned hours, including overseeing the computer commons area, maintaining the library atmosphere, and resolving student problems.
Train and supervise student workers; assign and review work; provide guidance and respond to questions; participate as requested in the selection, scheduling, and discipline of student workers.
Assist in developing and implementing library policies and procedures; make recommendations for improved services in the assigned areas of responsibility.
Assume responsibility for maintaining all aspects of the Reserve Room; catalog, process, and maintain reserve materials; perform bibliographic searches for reserve materials using automated library systems and databases; maintain, add, delete, track, and monitor Reserve Room materials; prepare the reserves report; notify faculty and staff of overdue material; resolve conflicts and errors in bibliographic records for reserve items.
Assume responsibility for maintaining all aspects of the periodicals area of the library; order periodicals, newspapers, and indexes for library collection; prepare and maintain lists and reports relating to the periodicals collection; prepare duplicating orders and forms for necessary copies; process new periodicals, including sorting, entering issue information into a computer, typing and applying labels, stamping, inserting anti-theft strips, and placing periodicals on display racks and in stacks; claim missing periodicals and newspapers; maintain periodicals, including repairing, reinforcing, taping pages, and laminating covers; retrieve and reshelf periodicals; perform weeding of periodicals collection as required, including making holdings recommendations, removing old issues, cleaning shelves, shifting current holdings, re-labeling shelves, and updating the holdings list.
Assist students, instructors, and other patrons at the circulation desk, audiovisual (AV) area, periodicals area, Reserve Room, or other assigned library desks/areas; check out books and other library materials; check in library materials and prepare/process materials for return to the circulating collection; renew materials, including by telephone; provide minor supplies to patrons; register new patrons; input accounts and issue library cards; notify patrons of lost picture ID cards; notify patrons of filled book requests.
Provide support to the audiovisual public services desk; assist students with audiovisual and other library equipment; search databases for video requests; inspect audiovisual materials and equipment; check tapes, films, and records for damage or distortion; make duplicate cassettes and collect fees; check out media course videos; retrieve and reshelve audiovisual items.
Assist in cataloging functions and activities; locate bibliographic information for items on established databases; download bibliographic information; perform descriptive/copy cataloging and original cataloging; assist Librarian with subject cataloging; maintain individual item records in the library database; maintain authority records related to bibliographic records.
Oversee and participate in the maintenance and updating of the patron database; oversee and participate in maintaining the database for the Reserve Room, periodicals, and audiovisual materials.
Participate in processes to identify overdue items by running reports and checking shelves; notify patrons of overdue items; receive, process, and record overdue fines; count, balance, and record money received; search for/locate books turned in; place and release holds as required; participate in notifying the collection agency of patrons' accounts that meet criteria of overdue items or fines and notify the collection agency when patrons have cleared any outstanding debts with the library.
Research missing books per public/interdepartmental requests.
Provide public assistance/information; respond to in-person and telephone requests for library materials, services, and information; assist library patrons in routine information requests; answer directional questions.
Assist patrons with library equipment; provide instruction on the use of library computers; troubleshoot problems with copiers; provide cash refunds for problems with copiers, printers, and AV equipment.
Assist in general library maintenance functions; shelf books; evaluate and maintain orderliness of shelved materials, including the "to read" shelves; clean shelves and shift books; pull and route materials in need of mending, binding, repairing, or discarding; mend materials; assist with annual inventory of library materials.
Assist in preparing print and non-print materials for introduction into the library collection; physically process books, including stamping new books with a property stamp, paste date-due slips inside the book, add security strips inside books, add protective coverings, add barcode labels, and type and add a call number label to spine of the book.
Receive interlibrary loan requests; obtain materials using interlibrary loan service.
Perform general clerical work; type a variety of documents; answer phones; enter information into computer systems; maintain files and records; sort and distribute mail, correspondence, and other materials.
Assist with various projects and special assignments as assigned; assist in recording, tabulating, and compiling data and statistics for summary reports.
Perform library opening duties; turn on computers for student and staff use; collect, stamp, and date daily newspapers and contact newspaper vendors if daily newspapers are not delivered, as necessary.
Perform library closing duties as assigned; play closing tape; secure money; turn off equipment; ensure all items are returned; clear building of patrons; turn off lights.
May assist and provide back-up support to other library staff and in other areas of the library.
Attend and participate in professional group meetings, conferences, and workshops; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in library science; incorporate new developments as appropriate.
Perform related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of:
Library services, materials, practices, and operating procedures.
Operating characteristics of a circulation desk in a community college library.
Basic principles of training and supervision.
Technical and clerical support duties applicable to a library.
Library terminology.
Practices and techniques used in the classification and cataloging of library materials.
Computerized cataloging and circulation system databases; bibliographic databases; and basic procedures for the entry of information and materials.
Bibliographic search techniques.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Principles, practices, and procedures of record keeping.
Basic principles of report preparation.
Principles and practices used to establish and maintain files and information retrieval systems.
Basic principles and techniques used in public relations, including methods and techniques of proper receptionist and telephone etiquette.
Basic mathematical concepts.
English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Ability to:
Understand the organization and operation of the library and assigned program area, services, and functions as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
Understand, interpret, and apply general administrative, office, and operating policies and procedures of the library.
Assist in developing and implementing library policies and procedures.
Oversee the activities and operations of the circulation desk during assigned hours.
Assume responsibility for the activities and operations of an assigned desk/area.
Train, supervise, and evaluate the work performance of assigned student workers.
Ensure efficient and courteous services to library patrons in assigned areas of responsibility.
Perform a full range of technical and clerical duties in support of the assigned library program area or function.
Order, receive, and catalog library materials.
Apply library practices and procedures in the cataloging and processing of library materials.
Operate computerized cataloging, bibliographic, and circulation system databases.
Conduct complex bibliographic searches and correct errors and conflicts as needed.
Provide assistance and respond appropriately to requests and inquiries from students, staff, faculty, or the public; effectively present information in person or on the telephone.
Respond professionally and effectively to difficult or upset patrons while maintaining a calm, courteous, and customer service-oriented approach.
Type or enter data at a speed necessary for successful job performance