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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in South Elgin, IL

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Library Circulation Assistant information

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How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in South Elgin, IL is $15.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.63 and $17.21 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 job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in South Elgin, IL look for?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in South Elgin, IL 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 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,152 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Customer Services Assistant-95th Street Library

Naperville Public Library

Naperville, IL • On-site

$18.65/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description


POSITION SUMMARY

The Customer Services Assistant assists customers at the public desk in all areas of Library services, providing consistent, accurate, and timely handling of Library materials for circulation. Provides quality customer service and collaborates with staff to resolve circulation related issues. Contributes to the general order and care of facilities and Library materials.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Upholds the highest standards of customer service with polite, helpful, and efficient interactions with vendors, customers, and staff.
  • Performs customer service activities for thelibrary,includingissuance oflibrary cards,processesand routesmaterials,collectsfees,processesLibrary's&LINKinexpiredHolds,andshelf reads.
  • Responds to customer requests promptly and courteouslyreferring difficult or unusual requests to the appropriate Librarystaffwithdiscretion.
  • Assistscustomerswith use ofLibrary equipment, print resources, technology,and online resources.
  • Troubleshoots basic problems with self-check machines, phones, and otherdepartmental equipment.
  • Ensures the quality of the collection material by reviewing materials, processing lostmaterialand routing damaged items to theappropriate department.
  • Facilitates communication concerning building issues with the FacilitiesDepartment and Library management.
  • Answers and responds tophoneinquiriesand/orroutescallstoappropriate department.
  • Processesand completescurbside service.
  • Processes Inter-Library Loan(ILL)items and communicates with ILL customers.
  • Inspects and recordssafetyof credit card machines, according to PCI guidelines.
  • Handlesand recordslost and found materials according to guidelines.
  • Makes announcements over the public address system as needed.
  • Acceptsand reviewsused material donations, accordingto guidelines.Maintains Used Book Sale section.
  • Collaborates on programs/projects withother staff,occasionally at other locations.
  • Assistswithpaging list fulfillment, including pulling, processing,and shelvingHolds.
  • Monitors andmaintainsorder in the public areas to ensure a welcoming environment forcustomers.
  • Assistsand completesdepartmentalstatistics and reports.
  • Attends andassistswithOutreach Library events.
  • May periodically serve as PersonInCharge (PIC), providing support for employees, customers, and facility issues.
  • Attends professional development opportunities.


KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

  • Demonstrate strong written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills working effectively with diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, abilities, and backgrounds.
  • Demonstrates exceptional customer service, providing qualityassistanceto vendors,customersand staff.
  • Keeps current in relevant technology, uses computer software programs such as Microsoft Office andOutlookand common office equipment to complete tasks/assignments.
  • Usesproblem solving skills to assist in determining priorities and finding timely solutions to departmental or system-wide issues.
  • Uses computer software and common office equipment to complete tasks, keeps current with relevant technology.
  • Service oriented, provides quality customerassistance;establishesand maintains effective relationships with customers and staff.
  • Maintains confidentiality,professionalism,anddiscretionin situations.
  • Possesses strong technical skills. Familiar with a range of hardware and software technologies.
  • Strong organizational and time management abilities. Complete assignments and projectsin a timely manner.
  • Demonstratesappropriatemoneymanagementresponsibilities.
  • Responsive to change anddemonstratesadaptability.
  • Takesresponsibility for consistent completion and follow-up on all tasks.
  • Maintains a positive approachwhiletaskingin adverse situations.
  • Demonstrates a broader understanding of the job and looks for ways to improve Library services and support coworkers.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

  • Highschooldiploma or equivalent.
  • Minimumtwoyearsof customer serviceexperience.
  • Bilingualproficiencya plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Communicate with staff and customers in person, via emailand over the phone.
  • May require either being in a stationary position or moving about for prolonged periods.
  • Moves equipment or library materials weighing up to 35 lbs.
  • Must have reliable means of transportation to attend meetings, conferences, and perform work in other locations.

BENEFITS


The benefits for this position include:

  • Annual Vacation Accrual: 2 weeks per year
  • Holidays: 7 days per year
  • Annual Sick Accrual: 12 days per year
  • Up to 5 Personal Days per calendar year prorated based on the hire date
  • Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (Pension Plan)
  • 12 weeks paid parental leave
  • Training and development opportunities


WORK SCHEDULE


Monday 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.


Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.


Wednesday 5 - 9 p.m.


Thursday OFF


1 Friday 5 - 9 p.m.

1 weekend/mo. (Fri, Sat & Sun).

Friday 5 - 9 p.m.

Saturday 1 - 5 p.m.

&

Sunday 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

1 weekend/mo. (Fri, Sat & Sun).

Friday 1 - 5 p.m.

Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

&

Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.



To learn more about us, go tohttps://www.naperville-lib.org/jobsandDiversity, Equity & Inclusion | Naperville Public Library, IL (naperville-lib.org)