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Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC

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Library Circulation Assistant information

See Washington, DC salary details

$8

$18

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How much do library circulation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation assistant in Washington, DC is $18.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $20.14 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 Washington, DC? For Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Assistant jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Assistant job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 64% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,580 per year, or $18.1 per hour.
Librarian - Assistant Director of Access Services

Librarian - Assistant Director of Access Services

The Catholic University Of America

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Posting Title
Librarian - Assistant Director of Access Services
Overview
The Assistant Director of Access Services is responsible for coordinating the functions of the Access Services Department. The Assistant Director of Access Services reports to the Director and assists the Director in overseeing the Law School community's access to the Library's collection of materials and use of the Library's physical space, including communicating operating hours, emergency closures, and rules of use for library spaces and the collection. This position also assists with maintenance of the Library's integrated library system and online catalog by overseeing the needs of the Access Services Department as related to circulation, course reserves, and interlibrary loan workflows and configuration. This position also coordinates the Law Library's participation in resource-sharing activities with the CUA University Libraries and the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC). The Assistant Director of Access Services supervises a professional librarian, a paraprofessional, and 20-25 part-time student employees.
The projected salary for this position, which represents the full range of anticipated compensationis:$75,000 to $80,000.
To apply, please complete an online application. In addition, please upload a resume and cover letter that illustrates your qualifications and suitability for the position. Your cover letter should also briefly, but specifically, describe your experience with, and extent of, supervising other professional librarians and/or paraprofessionals. Applications without a cover letter addressing these competencies will not be considered.
Responsibilities
  1. Provides overall coordination of the Access Services Department. Develops and implements effective procedures for all aspects of access services, including maintenance of user accounts, loan rules and borrowing policies for the library's physical collection, interlibrary loan and resource sharing operations, library signage, and part-time student employee procedures.
  2. Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates professional librarians, and paraprofessionals within the Access Services Department. Drafts job descriptions and policies, and sets goals, priorities, and performance measures. Provides coaching and ongoing professional development. Monitors compliance with CUA personnel policies. Leads departmental meetings with access services staff in order to evaluate library policy, troubleshoot problems and suggest improvements.
  3. Oversees the Access Services Librarian and Access Services Manager in the hiring, training, and day-to-day supervisory responsibilities of part-time student employees. Serves as a resource for both operational and managerial problem-solving for the department.
  4. Works with the Director and other Assistant Directors to maintain the library's access policy, operating hours, emergency procedures, and overall use of the library's public spaces and collection. This includes: working with Technology Services to ensure that law library doors are programmed correctly; communicating open hours to the Department of Public Safety and Facilities; ensuring that hours and emergency closures are effectively communicated to library users via physical signage, and webpage announcements; advising on WRLC policies and initiatives related to resource sharing, including Shared Collections Facility (SCF), Consortium Loan Service (CLS) and WRLC delivery service.
  5. In cooperation with the Systems & Electronic Resources Librarian, oversees operations of all areas of the Library's integrated library system related to circulation, course reserves, interlibrary loan and resource sharing, and user records. This includes reporting problems, and collaborating on improvements to workflows for all access services staff and proper implementation of new system enhancements.
  6. Serves as the Depository Library Coordinator for the Federal Depository Library Program. Assists the Director with mandatory reporting requirements, such as the biennial survey. In cooperation with the Assistant Director of Collection Services, coordinates selection, deselection and weeding of FDLP resources. Keeps up to date with FDLP policies and procedures.
  7. Participates in collection development and weeding, and the implementation of information technology resources. Serves as part of the library's selection committee by reviewing lists of forthcoming books, and suggested electronic databases, to assess their value as new acquisitions to the library's collection.
  8. Coordinates with the Office of Academic Affairs to maintain and contribute to our online exams repository. In coordination with the Assistant Director of Research Services, assists with distributing electronic exams to students using the online request system.
  9. Serves as the Librarian-in-Charge and Supervisor when needed. Contributes to mentorship of the Library's GLP (Graduate Library Preprofessional) to ensure they receive training in access services.
  10. Participates in producing specialized reports, contributing to the Library's annual statistics obligations, and serving on library committees. Also participates in professional organizations such as the American Association of Law Libraries, and the Law Librarians Society of the District of Columbia as a representative of the library and actively participates in the advancement and promotion of the librarian profession.

Qualifications
Master's degree with a minimum of 3 years as a professional librarian in an academic library, with law library experience preferred. Experience supervising librarians and/or paraprofessionals required. Experience in circulation, interlibrary loan, and/or other public services work required. Experience with Ex Libris' Alma and Primo VE preferred.