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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Sterling, VA

Merritt Academy

Private School Librarian

Fairfax, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee library resources for students, staff, and parents * Catalog the collections * Assist in ... circulation desk, including check-outs, renewals and maintenance of patron records * Plan and ...

Merritt Academy

Private School Librarian

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee library resources for students, staff, and parents * Catalog the collections * Assist in ... circulation desk, including check-outs, renewals and maintenance of patron records * Plan and ...

Zimmerman Associates, Inc.

Reference Librarian

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$62K - $64K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Professional library experience, internship experience, or library assistant experience providing reference, circulation, or customer service support. * Experience in a medical, health sciences ...

Office of the Secretary

Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $111K/yr

Manage day-to-day library operations encompassing circulation services, reference, and technical ... * Assist with organizational outreach, marketing, and event coordination, including vendor ...

Office of the Secretary

Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $111K/yr

Manage day-to-day library operations encompassing circulation services, reference, and technical ... * Assist with organizational outreach, marketing, and event coordination, including vendor ...

RJIT Solutions

SCIENTIFIC TECHNICAL WRITER

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) requires a Scientific Writer to support executive ... Knowledge management and maintenance of communications resources * Assist in managing content on ...

All JobsLibrary Circulation JobsLibrary Circulation Assistant JobsLibrary Circulation Assistant Jobs in Sterling, VA

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Sterling, VA salary details

$7

$15

$24

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Sterling, VA is $15.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.92 and $17.60 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.
More about Library Circulation Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Library Circulation jobs in Sterling, VA?

The most popular types of Library Circulation jobs in Sterling, VA are:

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For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Sterling, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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What cities near Sterling, VA are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs?

Cities near Sterling, VA with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:

Library Circulation Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Sterling, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,873 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Library Access Services Specialist I

Library Systems & Services LLC

Germantown, MD • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Temporary
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a customer-focused Library Access Services Specialist I to support the library operations at college campus in Germantown, MD. This position serves as the first point of contact for library patrons by providing exceptional customer service, circulation support, technology assistance, and general information services. The successful candidate will help ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the library while assisting students, faculty, staff, and community members with accessing library resources and services.
Full-time/temporary role, 33.5 hours per week.
Schedule: Tuesday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (no Monday or Friday shifts).
Estimated work dates: 8/31/2026 (or ASAP) through 11/30/2026, with possible extension.
Responsibilities
  • Provide support and instruction to in-person and virtual users in finding materials and using the library catalog, discovery services, and databases.
  • Triage information requests to appropriate library and College units, using independent judgment and discretion to respond to nuanced queries.
  • Deliver directional assistance and orient users to the physical library space, as well as online library resources and services.
  • Assist with and troubleshoot technology issues, including computers, laptops, tablets, assistive technology, printers, and digital scanners.
  • Assist users with computer session management.
  • Maintain data related to circulation and information services transactions, including tracking statistics.
  • Provide front-line support at the library service desk, delivering exceptional customer service and resolving conflicts related to library accounts and use of the physical space.
  • Ensure day-to-day library operations by opening, closing, and securing the building on schedule.
  • Report facility and public safety issues to the campus access services supervisor and assume responsibility for library operations, facilities, and safety during early morning, evening, and weekend hours when the Access Services Specialist II or campus access services supervisor is unavailable.
  • Interpret and implement College policy and procedures, including patron confidentiality (FERPA), copyright compliance, and acceptable use of technology.
  • Check materials in/out using the library's integrated management system, update and maintain the patron database, and follow up on overdue materials.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's degree preferred.
  • Previous customer service experience required; library, academic, or higher education experience preferred.
  • Experience working with computers and standard office software.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to assist a diverse population.
  • Ability to learn and apply library policies, procedures, and integrated library systems.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in a library or academic environment.
  • Familiarity with library circulation systems or integrated library management systems.
  • Experience providing basic technology support to end users.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the library for extended periods during the workday.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or move library materials and book carts weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to frequently bend, reach, stoop, and use a computer and other office equipment for extended periods while assisting patrons and performing circulation duties.

Benefits
  • Temporary, one-month position. This position is not benefits eligible.

EEO Statement
The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.
Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.
Salary Description
$18.00 - $20.00

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