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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Salem, OR (NOW HIRING)

Library Assistant (24 Hour)

Albany, OR · On-site

$22.57 - $28.80/hr

... Library Assistant to join our staff. Attention to detail is a must, as is a love for customer ... Assists with all circulation-related functions, including determining eligibility and issuing ...

... Library Assistant to join our staff. Attention to detail is a must, as is a love for customer ... Assists with all circulation-related functions, including determining eligibility and issuing ...

Substitute Library Clerk

Philomath, OR · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Library Clerk Provide library services to the community including circulation of materials ... May assist patrons in using the Library's technology or their own technology to access library ...

Substitute Library Clerk

Philomath, OR · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Position Summary Provide library services to the community including circulation of materials ... May assist patrons in using the Library's technology or their own technology to access library ...

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Salem, OR salary details

$7

$16

$24

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Salem, OR is $16.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $17.88 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 popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Salem, OR?

For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Salem, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Salem, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Salem, OR are:

What cities near Salem, OR are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs?

Cities near Salem, OR with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Salem, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,401 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

[POOL] Library Reference Assistant

Linn-Benton Community College

Albany, OR • On-site

$21.55/hr

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

[POOL] Library Reference Assistant

Position Title: [POOL] Library Reference Assistant

Department: Library

Appointment Type: Part-Time Hourly

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Position FTE: N/A

Location: Albany Campus, Albany, OR

Salary Grade: 17

Salary Rate: $21.55 per hour

Job Summary: This posting is for a pooled position. Application submissions for "[POOL]" positions are accepted on an ongoing basis to ensure a continuous and ready pool of qualified candidates for immediate review when the need arises. If/when a position becomes available, the College will review applications from this pool, and interview candidates whose qualifications best match the specific opening.*Applicants must reapply to the pool annually to maintain their active status in the pool. Provides support to library patrons through assistance in locating and using all library materials and services, including responding to basic and intermediate reference and research questions. Works on library-related projects, possibly including Web site editing, collection development, cataloging, and programming. Assists students with software and hardware problems. Refers patrons to relevant services on campus and in the community. Provides backup for circulation services.

Essential Duties: Provides library support to users through information and technical assistance about locations/availability of materials, usage of resources, and all library services in person, by phone, email, and other channels. Provides library users with basic and intermediate reference and research assistance, referring complex questions to the Director, Library and Learning Center, when appropriate. Performs routine updates to the library website. Uses the library system software to complete a variety of task related to circulation, cataloging, and collection development. Provides support to library users for a variety of software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, Internet applications, email, and other library lab software. Refers students to Librarians or Library Computer Specialist when appropriate. Works with teaching faculty and librarians to prepare research guides and bibliographies. Assists the Librarians with collection development. Assists with the marketing of the library's resources by creating displays and promotional materials. Performs circulation duties, as needed, when circulation staff are unavailable. May provide tours and basic instruction to classes on the use of the library's resources. Participates as a team member of the Library. Performs other related duties as assigned or required to help facilitate student access.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Physical Skills and Abilities: Requires speaking and hearing ability sufficient to hear over phone and carry on routine conversations. Working Conditions: There is frequent customer contact. Considerable time is spent working on a computer.

Education and Experience - Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications. In order to be considered, your application must clearly show you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Position requires a high school diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of three years full-time related experience, or; An AA/AS degree with an emphasis in library or computer science plus one-year full-time related experience, or; An equivalent combination of education and experience that would enable performance of the full scope of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Requires thorough knowledge of the practices of library operations. Requires considerable knowledge of the specific systems, materials and equipment used in the library. Requires good communication and organizational skills. Requires basic keyboarding, typing and general office skills. Requires working knowledge of modern office software. Requires the ability to independently perform all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively both in person and in a remote environment. Requires the ability to communicate with patrons and staff using a variety of communication tools in a manner that meets their needs and reflects positively on the library and the college.

Employment Requirement - Criminal Background Check - C4

Applicant Instructions: Applications submitted to this recruitment pool are reviewed on an as needed basis. Qualified applicants will be contacted when positions become available. Please complete the online application and upload or attach the following required documents: Resume, Cover Letter, Unofficial Academic Transcript (if needed to meet minimum qualifications), List of Three Professional References. If your transcript is issued in a language other than English, please include a translated copy. U.S. Veterans must attach proof of Veteran Status to their application to qualify for veteran's consideration. View information about Accessibility in Recruitment and disability accommodations at Linn-Benton Community College at this link.