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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MO

Responsible for working at the service desk to assist patrons with their library-related needs by ... Library Materials Circulation * Check out library materials to cardholders as set by library ...

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Library Circulation Assistant information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$6

$14

$22

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Springfield, MO is $14.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.91 and $16.20 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO? For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO are:
What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs? Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Springfield, MO as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,190 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Library Assistant

Christian County Library

Nixa, MO โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Salary: $15.00 per hour

Summary: Responsible for working at the service desk to assist patrons with their library-related needs by performing the following duties.


Education/Experience:

Prefer 15+ college hours or relevant experience


Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.


Library Materials Circulation

  • Check out library materials to cardholders as set by library policies
  • Check in returned materials and process items appropriately
  • Evaluate the condition of items upon return, checking for components, and assessing damage
  • Maintain patron and materials records, including registering patrons for new library cards, and adding charges for lost or damaged materials
  • Process incoming and outgoing holds for patrons

Financial transactions

  • Accept cash, check, and credit card payments on overdue, damaged, lost items
  • Issue receipts for monetary transactions as needed
  • Collect money for printing, photocopies, and faxes
  • Reconcile money collected with the electronic record of payments
  • Complete deposits of all money collected at the service desk according to the guidelines set by the Business Office

Reference and Readers Advisory

  • Assist patrons with the use of library online catalog, reference materials, internet and library databases
  • Guide patrons through the shelving arrangement to locate materials
  • Assist patrons in placing a hold on desired items, including via MOBIUS or Interlibrary loan
  • Be familiar with the contents of and technology needed to access the librarys digital collection, and teach patrons to use these resources on their own devices
  • Assist with patron inquiries on a wide variety of topics using reference interview techniques
  • Utilize readers advisory tools and methods to suggest library materials to patrons

Programming, Technology Transactions, and Displays

  • Assist with programming as needed and as assigned
  • Assist with branch displays as assigned
  • Assist patrons with their technology questions as needed, including the use of library equipment like public computers, printers, copiers, and fax machines

Branch Environment

  • Help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment
  • Perform light plumbing, housekeeping, and maintenance as needed
  • Shelf-read, shift, straighten the collection as needed
  • Empty the book drop on days the library is closed, as assigned
  • Help ensure all patrons have access to facilities and services

Communication with Administration and Coworkers

  • Effective, timely, thorough, and respectful communication with coworkers in person, by phone, in writing, or by email
  • Effective, timely, thorough, and respectful communication with Administration about scheduling, absences, co-worker performance issues, procedures, policies, etc.
  • Effective, timely, thorough, and respectful communication with IT on technological issues and use of the IT ticketing system

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Frequently move about or position self to access library materials and office equipment on the floor, in bins, and shelves up to 6 feet in height
  • Frequently move rolling carts and bins weighing up to 300 lbs.
  • Regularly operate a computer, printer, barcode scanner, and other office equipment
  • Able to communicate information and ideas accurately so others can understand
  • Frequently move up to 30 lbs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Other Abilities:

  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Proficient computer skills: familiar with using internet, office productivity software (i.e. Google Workspace, Microsoft), and email
  • Ability to work with scanners, printers, and photocopiers
  • Working knowledge of reader interest levels, books, authors, and reference sources
  • Working knowledge of automated library circulation systems and online databases
  • Working knowledge of print, non-print, digital, and online information sources available from a wide variety of sources, including publishers, the internet, and library and vendor-based systems
  • Ability to present ideas and provide instruction; comfortable with teaching and use of various forms of technology
  • Ability to adapt to multiple demands and changing priorities, to learn, and be willing to embrace change
  • Ability to develop or demonstrate necessary decision-making, leadership, team-building, strategic, and conflict resolution skills
  • Ability to set priorities, organize, and coordinate multiple projects
  • Ability to successfully maintain performance of assigned duties and responsibilities to achieve the desired outcome
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and by listening
  • Ability to interact in a positive, effective manner with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public
  • Ability to perform with minimum supervision, to work collaboratively in a team environment, and to demonstrate professional standards, good judgment, dependability, and timeliness in work environments