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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Rockford, IL

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Rockford, IL salary details

$7

$15

$24

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Rockford, IL is $15.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 qualifications are needed to be a library circulation assistant?

Library circulation assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Strong customer service skills, basic computer proficiency, and attention to detail are important; some positions may require familiarity with library management systems. Additional certifications are generally not required but can be beneficial.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library Circulation jobs in Rockford, IL?

The most popular types of Library Circulation jobs in Rockford, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Rockford, IL?

For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Rockford, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Rockford, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Rockford, IL are:

What cities near Rockford, IL are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rockford, IL with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Rockford, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,220 per year, or $16 per hour.

Library Para 7.0 HR (2026-2027 School Year)

Rockford Public School District #205

Rockford, IL • On-site

$15.50 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


Rockford Public Schools (Illinois) rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 640 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Position Type:
Paraprofessional/Library Media
Date Posted:
5/26/2026
Location:
Auburn High School
ROCKFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION
Job Description
JOB TITLE: Elementary Library Paraprofessional
JOB CODE: 2490
DEPARTMENT: Library
SUPERVISOR: Principal & Library Media Specialist
DATE: May 19, 2015
COMPENSATION: Starts at $15.50/hour or $16.50/hour for self-contained positions
SUMMARY: Under supervision of the Principal and Library Media Specialist, the job of Elementary Library Paraprofessional was established for the purpose/s of maintaining the library collections at school sites; identifying age appropriate resources for students and teachers utilizing library resources; reading duties, including reading aloud to classes; selecting appropriate items in support of classroom instruction; and performing clerical functions related to collection, processing, circulation, maintenance, and inventory of library materials and/or textbooks.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
  1. Library Media Center Services
    1. Assists in properly shelving and maintaining materials inventory (e.g. library books, media equipment and related instructional materials, etc.) for the purpose of providing up to date reference and ensuring the availability of materials when required.
    2. Assists teachers, students and administrators for the purpose of identifying resource materials for use in classroom and/or class assignments.
    3. Performs circulation activities (e.g. item check in and check out, prepare circulation count, lists of overdue items, etc.) for the purpose of controlling the use, location and availability of items in the collection.
    4. Provide circulation service to students and staff, including assistance with searching for library media center materials in the Destiny Library System.
    5. Assists in evaluating books and/or periodicals for retention within collection (e.g. repairing damaged books, recommending retirement of books and/or periodicals, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of books and library materials.
    6. Assist with collection weeding and prepare materials for discard.
    7. Prepares computerized and manual reports (e.g. collection statistics, scheduling reports/requests, renewal information, overdue lists, fines, costs, etc.) for the purpose of providing documentation and information to others.
    8. Responds to inquiries from students, staff, parents (e.g. availability of texts, finding appropriate reference documents, status of overdue fines, etc.) to aid and assist in providing requested information.
    9. Assist students and staff with operation of library media center AV and computer equipment.
    10. Adhere to District policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
    11. Provide a pleasant and inviting environment with appropriate displays.
  2. Reading Duties
    1. Read aloud to children in grades K 5 using recommended books from librarian and ask ROCKFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION questions using effective techniques to enlist the participation of all of the students (e.g., wait time)
    2. The school librarian will write higher order thinking skills questions for new read aloud books. The elementary library paraprofessional will use these questions to enhance read aloud sessions.
    3. Enhance student's read aloud session by asking questions relating the story's plot to the children's own experiences.
    4. In collaboration with the classroom teacher, provide book selection guidance for all students, especially beginning readers.
    5. Reinforce the students' understanding of different types of reading genres and the parts of the book.
    6. Reinforce students' use of different types of print reference material (e.g., atlases, encyclopedias, and almanacs).
    7. Supplement classroom literature units by presenting additional books and library media center material.
    8. Collect library media center material for classroom use on selected/designated topics, within an appropriate time frame, as requested by classroom teachers.
  3. Clerical Tasks
    1. Produce letters, requisitions, bibliographies, book orders, and labels.
    2. Organize and maintain library media center files.
    3. Make and distribute copies of library media center related information.
    4. Repairs books, periodicals, and related materials for the purpose of ensuring the availability of library reference and circulation materials.
    5. Contact students' families regarding delinquent materials.
    6. Maintain accounting of fees submitted to the school office.
    7. Read and respond to email daily.
  4. Budget and Inventory
    1. Under the direction of the school librarian, coordinate staff suggestions for the purchase of material and maintain a book suggestion database.
    2. Check the Destiny Library System against new book orders and gift books for duplicates. Alert the school librarian of duplicates.
    3. Complete an annual book inventory and update data in the Destiny Library System.
    4. Assists in ordering library supplies and equipment, as assigned for the purpose of ensuring availability as needed Assumes any other duties as may from time to time be delegated by the supervisor and the supervisor may make any adjustment in the scope of responsibilities as outlined above which will be in the interest of the school district. Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective function of the library.

REQUIREMENTS: To Qualify for an Educator License with Stipulations endorsed for Paraprofessional You must be at least 21 years of age AND One of the following three (3) options must be demonstrated:
1. Completed 60 semester hours of college credit at a regionally accredited institution of ROCKFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION higher education (evidence is an official transcript); or
2. Obtained an associate degree (or higher) at a regionally accredited institution of higher education (evidence is an official transcript); or
3. Met a formal State assessment by ONE of the following means:
  1. Passed the ETS ParaPro assessment with a score of 460 or higher (evidence is an official score report);or
  2. Passed the applicable ACT WorkKeys assessments (Applied Mathematics 4, Reading for Information 4, Writing/Business Writing 3)

NON ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Participates in job training and professional growth opportunities in order to enhance ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
  2. Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.

QUALIFICATIONS: An interest in and knowledge of children and their literature, the ability to work well with others, the ability to keep accurate records, the willingness to learn professional library techniques, an aptitude for library work, and computer literacy. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job as listed above, demonstrating the specific skills and abilities as outlined. These skills include, but are not limited to, embracing new technologies as they arise such as eBooks, iPads, and tablets. Additionally, there needs to be a working knowledge of the computer and how to use a desktop publishing program (i.e. Microsoft Office, Google Apps). This description is written primarily for position evaluation purposes. It describes duties and responsibilities, which are representative of the nature and level of work assigned to the position. The principal activities are representative and not necessarily all inclusive.
A comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
- Voluntary life insurance
- Paid Sick and Personal time
- Paid holidays
- Membership in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
- Optional 403(b) plan
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
Collective Bargaining Agreement: AFSCME Local 692

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