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Library Circulation Desk Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Newberry Library

Library Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

TITLE: Library Assistant DEPARTMENT: Reader Services SUMMARY: Reporting to the Reading Room ... Serve as the circulation desk attendant providing orientation, direction, and assistance, including ...

New

Batavia Public Library

Circulation Assistant

Batavia, IL · On-site

$17.02 - $23.02/hr

... Check library materials in & out. • Interact with patrons concerning materials circulation and ... desk" hours. • Other duties as assigned. Qualifications • REQUIRED: Attention to detail is ...

Batavia Public Library

Circulation Assistant

Batavia, IL · On-site

$17.02 - $23.02/hr

... Check library materials in & out. • Interact with patrons concerning materials circulation and ... desk" hours. • Other duties as assigned. Qualifications • REQUIRED: Attention to detail is ...

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All JobsLibrary Circulation Desk JobsLibrary Circulation Desk Jobs in Illinois

Library Circulation Desk information

See Illinois salary details

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$15

$23

How much do library circulation desk jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation desk in Illinois is $15.46, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a library circulation desk clerk, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Circulation Desk Clerk, you need strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and familiarity with library practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficiency with integrated library systems (ILS) like SirsiDynix or Koha and basic office software is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication skills, and patience help you assist patrons effectively and manage challenging situations. These skills ensure efficient library operations, positive patron experiences, and the smooth handling of library materials.

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

AspectLibrary Circulation DeskLibrary Assistant
Primary ResponsibilitiesManaging checkouts, returns, overdue items, and patron inquiries at the circulation deskSupporting library operations, shelving, assisting patrons, and administrative tasks
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer library certificationsHigh school diploma; relevant experience may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFront desk area within the library, interacting directly with patronsVarious areas including circulation, shelving, and patron assistance

The Library Circulation Desk primarily handles checkouts, returns, and patron inquiries at the front desk, while Library Assistants support broader library functions including shelving and patron support. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in the same environment, but their specific duties differ.

What is a library circulation desk?

Library circulation desk jobs involve assisting patrons with checking out and returning library materials, managing library accounts, answering basic information inquiries, and handling fines or fees. Staff at the circulation desk also help maintain the organization of library resources, issue library cards, and may assist with shelving items. These positions require good customer service skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with library systems. Circulation desk staff are often the first point of contact for library visitors and play a key role in ensuring a positive library experience.

What are the typical challenges faced at the library circulation desk, and how can they be managed effectively?

Working at the library circulation desk often involves handling a high volume of patron interactions, managing book checkouts and returns, and addressing inquiries about library resources. Common challenges include efficiently resolving overdue fines, managing holds or reservations, and assisting patrons with varying levels of familiarity with library technology. Effective communication, patience, and strong organizational skills are essential for balancing multiple tasks and providing excellent customer service. Regular collaboration with librarians and other staff also helps ensure smooth library operations and enhances the overall patron experience.

What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Desk jobs in Illinois?

For Library Circulation Desk jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Desk jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Desk jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Library Circulation Desk jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Library Circulation Desk job openings:

Library Circulation Desk jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Desk job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,165 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Library Assistant

Newberry Library

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should attach a cover letter and resume/CV, both as PDF documents, to their application in the Newberry Career Center. Applications sent without both a resume and cover letter will not be considered. To be considered for this role, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable to apply for a job on this site because of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting us through the Jobs email link listed on the Newberry Career Center page.
ABOUT THE NEWBERRY: The Newberry collection-some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages-is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry's reading rooms, exhibition galleries, program spaces, classrooms, and online digital resources.
Since its founding in 1887, the Newberry has remained dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As individuals engage with Newberry collections and staff, they discover stories that bridge the past and present and illuminate the human condition.
The Newberry's community of discovery is driven by a shared commitment to promoting research, inspiring learning, and using inquiry across the humanities as a tool to engage critically in a vibrant democratic society.
TITLE: Library Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Reader Services
SUMMARY: Reporting to the Reading Room Librarian for Public Service or the Reading Room Librarian for Collection Management, the Library Assistant assists in the public service of the reading rooms while maintaining the security and preservation of the collections.
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Locate, charge, and deliver materials from the closed bookstacks to readers in the reading rooms and throughout the building;
  • Reshelve returned materials;
  • Monitor use of the reading room and assist readers with the proper handling of materials;
  • Interpret and enforce Newberry Library rules of conduct and reading room policies;
  • Accurately maintain circulation database (Aeon) through routing and charging;
  • Evaluate materials for conservation treatment and route as appropriate;
  • Maintain closed and open stacks by participating in shifts and other stacks management projects;
  • Answer correspondence including reference research and copy requests;
  • Process reproduction orders using a book friendly scanner;
  • Serve as the circulation desk attendant providing orientation, direction, and assistance, including some reference help, to a wide variety of readers, as needed;
  • Sign in and assist readers with requests and digital image order submissions, as needed;
  • All other duties as assigned to meet departmental and organizational goals.
Other responsibilities may include:
  • Assist with coordination of presentations of library collection materials to classes and other groups;
  • Monitor use of library materials during presentations;
  • Interpret and enforce Newberry Library policy and regulations as they apply to collection presentations;
  • Assist with projects related to Reference collections and preparation of research guides
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
  • High school diploma or GED certificate required;
  • Commitment to providing high quality library services to a diverse group of students, scholars, staff, and researchers;
  • Ability to communicate with diverse library users and staff in person, by email, and by telephone;
  • Ability to work effectively with others in a team environment;
  • Ability to work quickly and accurately within a high level of activity;
  • Ability to sustain close attention to detail;
  • Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Preferred:
  • Minimum of two years of college;
  • Strong interest in the humanities;
  • Previous library and/or public service work experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical strength, mobility, and endurance required for paging materials with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, nonexempt position, working 35 hours per week, with normal hours generally from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. The incumbent will work fully onsite.
BENEFITS: For more information, please see the "What We Offer" section on the Newberry Careers page.
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
For more information, please see the Newberry Careers page (https://www.newberry.org/careers)

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