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Library Circulation Clerk Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Library Circulation Clerk information

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$12

$17

$28

How much do library circulation clerk jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation clerk in California is $17.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a library circulation clerk?

Library Circulation Clerks are staff members responsible for managing the lending and return of library materials, such as books, DVDs, and magazines. They assist patrons with checking items in and out, handle overdue fines, issue library cards, and answer basic questions about library policies. Circulation Clerks also help reshelve returned items and maintain accurate records of borrowed materials. Their role is essential in ensuring that the library operates smoothly and serves the needs of the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a library circulation clerk, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Circulation Clerk, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), barcoding technology, and basic office software is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills help you interact effectively with patrons and colleagues. These competencies ensure efficient library operations and a positive experience for all library users.

What are some common challenges faced by library circulation clerks, and how can they be managed effectively?

Library Circulation Clerks often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of patron requests during peak hours, handling overdue or lost materials, and adapting to new library technologies. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and familiarity with library management systems can help manage these situations smoothly. Building rapport with patrons and collaborating closely with librarians and fellow clerks also ensures that daily operations run efficiently and that any issues are resolved promptly.

What is the difference between Library Circulation Clerk vs Library Assistant?

AspectLibrary Circulation ClerkLibrary Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training on library systemsHigh school diploma; may require additional certifications or training
Work EnvironmentPublic library circulation desk, handling checkouts and returnsVarious areas of the library, assisting with shelving, customer service, and programs
Job DutiesChecking materials in/out, managing overdue items, collecting finesSupporting library operations, shelving, assisting patrons, and clerical tasks

The main difference is that Library Circulation Clerks primarily handle checkouts, returns, and fines at the circulation desk, while Library Assistants have broader responsibilities including shelving and patron assistance. Both roles require similar credentials and work in the same environment, but their specific duties differ.

Can you be a library circulation clerk without a degree?

Yes, many library circulation clerk positions do not require a college degree, focusing instead on customer service skills, familiarity with library systems, and attention to detail. Employers often seek high school diploma or equivalent, along with the ability to operate library software and handle daily tasks efficiently.

How much does a library circulation clerk make?

The average salary for a library circulation clerk is around $25,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and the size of the library. Many clerks work part-time or on a flexible schedule, and some positions may require basic customer service skills and familiarity with library management systems.

What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Clerk jobs in California?

For Library Circulation Clerk jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Clerk jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Clerk jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Clerk jobs in CA?

For Library Circulation Clerk jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Library Circulation Clerk job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,302 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Substitute Library Media Clerk (2026-27 School Year)

Panama-Buena Vista Union School District

Bakersfield, CA

$20.73/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist students with finding library materials and using resource searches.

  • Receive, inventory, process, and circulate instructional media, supplies, textbooks, and equipment.

  • Perform clerical tasks such as data entry, cataloging, shelving, and maintaining library records.


Panama-Buena Vista Union School District rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

227th of 643 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Summary:
Performs clerical library duties in a school library, facilitating student access to materials, reference, and search resources.  Maintains the library in proper condition to facilitate use by teachers, classes, and individual students.  Performs logistics, inventorying, and clerical duties related to the services provided by the District's centralized instructional and testing materials and media center including ordering, receiving, processing, distributing, and controlling instructional materials and maintaining inventory control records.  Works under the direction of Site Principal and District Curriculum Coordinator.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 


  • Assists students with finding library materials.  Helps students use resource searches and library materials to locate information of interest.
  • Receives, inventories, stores, and issues inventoried instructional media, instructional supplies, textbooks and instructional support materials and equipment.
  • Assists teachers by scheduling computer lab, in-service tours, and special study groups along with the established operations of a school library.  Provides basic technical support to students using computers.  Coordinates and monitors IT repairs.
  • Sorts and files books utilizing the District's digital record service.  Maintains routine files related to library operations.
  • Catalogs pre-classified books and other library materials by obtaining the correct bibliographic record on-line from a computer database.
  • Prepares books and other materials for circulation. Applies labels, pockets, and plastic covers to books and audiovisual materials. Shelves and re-shelves books into proper alpha or numeric category.
  • Checks in periodicals received by the library. Discards periodicals according to instructions. Displays or files periodicals as appropriate.
  • Charges out and checks in library materials. Collects service charges on overdue, lost, or damaged materials.  Prepares and distributes overdue notices and similar short forms.
  • Distributes, collects, and accounts for textbooks and other controlled documents.  Contacts other school sites to arrange for receipt or transfer of textbooks to balance needs.
  • Assists in coordinating literacy programs and events including, but not limited to, Battle of the Books, Celebrity Reader, Family Literacy Nights, and Book Fair.
  • May facilitate small group reading sessions, introducing students to grade-level materials.
  • May research and complete book purchase requisitions for books and materials from book vendors.  Obtains authorized signatures.
  • Performs clerical tasks such as data entry of library, media and textbook inventory, and student transactions into to pre-established databases using data entry screens, and preparing reports on items such as books that are missing, replaced, transferred, or discarded.
  • Monitors and maintains an environment of acceptable student behavior in the library.
  • Attends meetings and trainings required by the district.
  • Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.


Qualifications:
 

  • Knowledge and Skills:
    • Requires basic knowledge of library methods, practices and terminology including use of library computer-aided catalog and basic reference sources.  Requires basic knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System of classification for library materials.  Requires a basic knowledge of the policies and procedures encompassing library operations.  Requires sufficient knowledge of personal computers and common business and education software to instruct others in their use.  Requires sufficient knowledge of the English language to write instructions and read expressively.  Requires sufficient human relations skill in order to influence students' reading habits and to interact with staff and teachers on administration of library programs.
  • Abilities:
    • Requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.  Requires the ability to follow detailed procedures such as standard library cataloging and filing rules.  Requires the ability to maintain a well organized and attractive library setting.  Requires the ability to apply and explain library rules, regulations and policies.  Requires the ability to monitor and maintain acceptable student behavior.  Requires the ability to deal courteously with library patrons including students, teachers, parents and members of the public.  Requires the ability to perform routine clerical and record keeping duties.


Education and Experience:

  • High School diploma or GED.
  • One year of experience in a library or similar instructional support setting preferred.  


Licenses and Certificates:

  • Valid Typing Certificate of 40+ WPM


Application Requirements:

  • Resume
  • High School diploma or GED
  • Valid Typing Certificate of 40+ WPM within 1 year of job close date


Salary:  
Hourly Rate: $20.73 per hour
Hours: Varies
Required Application Procedure:
Apply Online. An online application and all documents supporting the application requirements noted above must accompany your application by the closing date in order to receive consideration for this position.  It shall be the applicant's responsibility to supply copies of all documentation, letters of recommendation etc. or other related materials.
Selection Procedure:
A screening committee will evaluate each application, personal resume, and other letters of reference.  If after review suitable applicants are not found, the search will continue.  As required by California State Law, should you be employed by the District, your fingerprints will be taken and submitted to the Justice Department and the FBI for a background check.  Processing fee will be at applicant's expense. 












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