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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MO

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$6

$14

$22

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% 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.

Substitute Library Assistant

Springfield, MO โ€ข On-site

$18.11/hr

Other

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description
POSITION: Substitute Library Assistant
LOCATION: Springfield-Greene County Library District - All Branches
Classification: Part Time
Track: 103
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
SALARY: $18.11 per hour
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Until Filled
Two part-time positions, variable hours up to 20 hours per week. This position will require work in any of the library branches and departments throughout the District during any open hours. As a condition of employment, work schedules will change as necessary to best provide user services and to meet the Library's responsibility to the citizens of Greene County.
Excellent Part Time Benefits include Paid Time Off and holiday pay. Employee Assistance Program, Vision and Dental insurance, Telehealth, and a retirement savings plan are also available.
This position requires high school graduation, completion of a high school equivalent program such as a GED, or current enrollment in high school or a high school equivalent program. All candidates for employment must be at least 16 years old.
Education and experience shall be evaluated with regard to recency and quality, as well as quantity. Based on the number and quality of applicants, applications may be reviewed for qualifications beyond the minimums stated herein.
Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in the United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment
Complete application and submit transcript through our online application process.
Direct questions through e-mail to humanresources@thelibrary.org or call 417-616-0589 Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm.
Individuals with disabilities should request reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to testing or appointment. The Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position Summary
The Substitute Library Assistant provides temporary support to library operations in the absence of regular staff members. Responsibilities include assisting patrons with reference and reader's advisory services, operating circulation systems, and shelving materials. The assistant may also help with basic administrative tasks, such as processing library cards, answering phones, and providing general information to library users. Flexibility, strong customer service skills, and the ability to adapt to varying work environments are essential for success in this role.
Essential Functions
? Works on an on-call basis as needed, travels to all branches in Greene County as needed
? Routinely checks for schedule requests
? Responds promptly to schedule requests
? May work in any public service department in any branch as needed
? Routinely checks in, checks out, and renews library materials
? Issues and renews library cards
? Assists patrons with voter registration
? Assists patrons with reader's advisory, information, and location of library materials
? Assists and instructs patrons in the use of patron access to computers, copy machines, and other electronic resources and reference materials
? Collects overdue fines, book deposits and other fees, and issues receipts
? Routine filing and reshelving
? Routine keyboard work, computer and typing
? Routine telephone communication with public and other branches or departments
? Light copy machine maintenance
? Interprets and implements the Library's General Conduct Policy
? Timeliness: The employee must be punctual and timely in arriving to work and completing tasks. The employee must also be capable of working all of the hours in their assigned shift.
? Ability to work with others and the general public: It is essential that individual who works in this position have the ability to work and interact in a cooperative, pleasant, and constructive manner with others.
? This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; employee may be required to perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the Library.
Education/Experience
? High school diploma or GED
? Public service experience
? Library experience is preferred
Skills/Job Knowledge
? Basic knowledge of computer and keyboard skills, ability to type 35 wpm
? Good communication skills, oral and written
? Basic knowledge of circulation, reference, and library functions
? Routine clerical and filing skills
? Adaptability
Supervision
? Supervised by Human Resources Director
Physical Demands
? Performs bending, squatting, kneeling and reaching from floor level to 6 feet in height
? Displays good coordination and mobility
? Routine lifting of library materials weighing up to 30 lbs.
? Uninterrupted standing and walking for lengthy periods
Working Environment
? Primarily indoors, with heating and cooling regulated, in a general library environment
Miscellaneous Requirement
? Must pass a security background check
The vision for the Springfield-Greene County Library is to be a thriving Library that is an integral part of the lives of the community. Library employees will be expected to embrace the following values:
Collaboration: Work in partnership to strengthen our community
Credibility: Be a source of trustworthy and dependable information
Empowerment: Provide the means or ability to accomplish objectives
Excellence: Be the best in everything we do
Inclusion: Invite and welcome
Innovation: Foster new possibilities
Respect: Treat all people with dignity