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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MA

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Library Circulation Assistant information

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$7

$15

$24

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Springfield, MA is $15.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.97 and $17.74 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.

More about Library Circulation Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Library Circulation jobs in Springfield, MA? The most popular types of Library Circulation jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Springfield, MA? For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Springfield, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:
Library Circulation Assistant jobs near you
Law School Library-Student Assistant

Law School Library-Student Assistant

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY

Springfield, MA

$15/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Western New England University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

172nd of 530 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Law Library is seeking several students to work various shifts at the circulation desk. Primary duties include, but are not limited to: staffing the circulation desk, handling circulation transactions, familiarity with circulation and reserve polices, re-shelving library material, registering new patrons, collecting fines, filing loose-leaf release, answering basic directional questions, performing shelf-reading of stacks, and handling short-term projects

Essential Job Functions:

  1. Handle Circulation Desk activities, including checking materials out and in, registering new patrons, and resetting PINs through the Library's integrated library system.
  2. Assist patrons with printing issues, including clearing paper jams, replacing toner, adding money to Phares accounts, and issuing printing cards to patrons not affiliated with the University.
  3. Answer the telephone at the Circulation Desk; provide answers to basic questions and refer other inquiries to the appropriate Library staff member.
  4. Shelve/reshelve materials in proper place, shelf, file, etc.
  5. Open and close the library, including opening or locking doors, and shutting down equipment, etc.
  6. Collect fines, and other monies owed and record information properly in both the patron's account and the written log.
  7. Update materials by filing looseleaf releases and pocket parts.
  8. Other projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

  1. Strong ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions.
  2. Very good oral communication and interpersonal skills.
  3. Attention to detail.

COMPETENCIES:

  1. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions. and overcome problems.
  2. Teamwork/Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure, and can negotiate and manage conflict.
  3. Digital Technology: Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. The individual demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies.
  4. Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The individual demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Lifting books and stretching/stooping or using step stool.
  2. Sitting and standing.
  3. Lifting and unpacking boxes delivered in the mail. 4) Pushing book trucks that weigh up to 75 lbs.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

  1. Previous customer relations experience preferred.
  2. Previous library experience preferred.
  3. Minimal typing skills.

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