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Library Circulation Clerk Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Library Assistant Employees in this position can perform a wide range of duties and assist in all ... Performing circulation services including greeting patrons, checking materials in and out of the ...

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Mabel C Fry Public Library Opening Date: 05/27/2026 Closing Date: 6/26/2026 11:59 PM Central ... Performing circulation services including greeting patrons, checking materials in and out of the ...

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Library Circulation Clerk information

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How much do library circulation clerk jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation clerk in the United States is $17.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Library Circulation Clerks?

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 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.

More about Library Circulation Clerk jobs
What states have the most Library Circulation Clerk jobs? States with the most job openings for Library Circulation Clerk jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Clerk jobs? For Library Circulation Clerk jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Circulation Clerk I - Part Time

City of Springdale, Arkansas

Springdale, AR โ€ข On-site

Other

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title

The incumbent is responsible to work closely with the Circulation Supervisor in providing customer service to the public.

Job Duties

Provide good customer service to both internal and external customers; maintain positive and effective working relationships with other City employees (especially members of their own team), and have regular and reliable attendance that is non-disruptive.

Work with the Circulation Supervisor as part of the Circulation Team. The primary workstation is the Circulation Service Area. Answer phones and serve library patrons at public service desks. Greet patrons and answer directional questions. Direct patrons to Information, Reference, or other appropriate staff and assist patrons at self-check stations.

Use the library automated circulation system to perform tasks including checking materials in and out, placing holds, updating borrower accounts, and collecting fines or fees. Check out in-house use only technology equipment (iPads, laptops, etc.) following established procedures. Refer Customer Service issues to the Circulation Supervisor. Maintain confidentiality of library patron records and library usage.

Monitor Return Sorter and assist patrons in using the return sorter. Empty book drops and check in returned materials.

Perform Stacks Maintenance: Shelve materials according to the Dewey decimal system, clean and organize shelves, re-shelving from study carrels and tables, shift collections as needed, shelf-reading, straightens materials, inventory collection and search for holds or missing items.

Work with the Circulation Supervisor in training new employees, including peer training.

Assist other team members in returned materials workflow in the Circulation Service Area.

Process library materials (including incoming periodicals and newspapers) following established procedures. Mend or repair materials and train others on mending procedures.

Keep work areas and public areas clean and sanitized.

Use regular office equipment, with ability to replenish supplies and perform basic troubleshooting.

Perform Opening and Closing procedures in work and public areas.

Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Additional Duties or Responsibilities: Assigned based upon clerk's experience and assignments.

Provide backup to related positions; perform children's desk and information desk duties for Sunday rotation and other times, assist Reference staff with signing patrons on the internet. Assist patrons with public copiers, computers, etc.

Process Missing Part items and/or Damaged items, contacting patrons by email, phone, or mail.

Interlibrary Loan Module training: Process patron requests and interlibrary loan materials. Prepare interlibrary loan materials for circulation. Research patron requests for interlibrary loan and/or availability to purchase. Make interlibrary loan requests and communicate with patrons via phone, email, or mail. Maintain and report monthly interlibrary loan statistics.

Serials Module training: Process incoming periodicals and newspapers. Organize and maintain magazine shelving, including back issue boxes. Purge serials from the system following an established procedure. Maintain and report missing issues. Sort and distribute daily mail.

Technical Service training: Prepare materials for resurfacing, mending, removal or adding to the collection. Assist with ongoing database cleanup projects.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED plus specialized training and/or additional college courses and 6 months of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must be proficient in the use of a personal computer, Microsoft Office Suite, ILS, SAM and standard office equipment.

Ability to utilize both internal and external resources to obtain information and data necessary to carry out routine assignments and special projects.

Must have ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management and staff.

Supplemental Information

Must successfully pass criminal background check, including but not limited to convictions, guilty pleas, or no contest pleas to violent offenses, theft offenses, and offenses against children.