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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Surprise, AZ

Library Circulation Assistant information

See Surprise, AZ salary details

$7

$15

$24

How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Surprise, AZ is $15.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.63 and $17.26 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 the most commonly searched types of Library Circulation jobs in Surprise, AZ?

The most popular types of Library Circulation jobs in Surprise, AZ are:

What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Surprise, AZ?

For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Surprise, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Surprise, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Surprise, AZ are:

What cities near Surprise, AZ are hiring for Library Circulation Assistant jobs?

Cities near Surprise, AZ with the most Library Circulation Assistant job openings:

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Peoria Unified School District rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

126th of 640 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Position Title: Library Assistant        
Department: K-12 Academy Services
Supervisor: Site Administrator     
Term of Employment: 9 Months    
Salary Classification: 9    
Job Summary: Performs a variety of clerical and technical functions to assist the Library Paraprofessional with supervision and instruction of students, maintains files, records, equipment and book inventories.
Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.  This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this class. 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES generally include the following.  Other duties may be assigned:









  • Assists library paraprofessional with supervision and instruction of students incorporating curriculum goals.
  • Assists students, teachers and staff with circulation, online catalogue, patron and electronic data or specific special requests; repairs damaged books by gluing, rebinding, and taping information.
  • Maintains library files, receives and processes orders, maintains records for overdue, damaged or lost books; sends out notices for overdue books or contacts teacher or students to collect or return books; collects and processes fines.
  • Assists and monitors student access to files on computers; assists students to learn proper utilization of computer and peripherals. Maintains and updates computer applications, electronic resources and web resources; troubleshoots computer and equipment operation
  • Maintains book inventory, checks books in and out, reshelves books and reads shelves to arrange books in proper order; prepares new books for library use by stamping, adding barcodes and spine labels, wrapping book jackets and taping edges as needed; enters into computer files.
  • Sets up seasonal displays and decorations; creates bibliography packets; plugs in movies for classrooms into our system; assists with research for class assignments on the Internet and book suggestions for teachers and students.
  • Reads to Enrichment groups in conjunction with classroom activities and learning criteria.


KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  • Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of applicable Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of principles of automated systems, audio-visuals and electronic learning methods.
  • Knowledge of principles of customer service techniques and methods.
  • Knowledge of principles of library systems for finding, reshelving and reading shelves.
  • Skill in organizing, prioritizing, and maintaining electronic and manual filing systems.
  • Skill in assisting patrons in locating materials, books, and audiovisual needs.
  • Skill in counting, handling and receipting monies collected.
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the general public and others having business with the school district.
  • Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A high school diploma or GED AND the equivalent of two years of college or a passing score on a state-approved competency examination.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:    


  • Must possess or obtain an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
  • Must be able to pass a background clearance check.
  • Must be able to pass a background clearence check.
  • May be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
  • May be required to lift and carry heavy, bulky supplies and materials weighing up to 50 pounds



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