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Library Circulation Desk Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Anoka County, MN

Supervisor, Library

Blaine, MN · On-site

$64K - $90K/yr

This role plays a key part in fostering a welcoming environment, coordinating circulation and ... desk, or walking/standing to assist patrons. * Physical activity may include repeated bending ...

Anoka County, MN

Supervisor, Library

Blaine, MN · On-site

$64K - $90K/yr

This role plays a key part in fostering a welcoming environment, coordinating circulation and ... desk, or walking/standing to assist patrons. * Physical activity may include repeated bending ...

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

Media Support

Savage, MN · On-site

$21.05 - $24.35/hr

Manage the circulation desk and process the circulation of library resources. * Assist with circulation, shelving, and maintaining the correct arrangements and general appearance of books and ...

All JobsLibrary Circulation Desk JobsLibrary Circulation Desk Jobs in Minnesota

Library Circulation Desk information

See Minnesota salary details

$7

$15

$24

How much do library circulation desk jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation desk in Minnesota is $15.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.78 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

Is it hard to get hired at the library?

Getting hired as a library circulation desk clerk typically involves applying through the library's employment process, which may include an interview and background check. Candidates often need good customer service skills, basic computer knowledge, and sometimes prior experience or a high school diploma. Competition varies depending on the location and the number of available positions.

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

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

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

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

Library Circulation Desk jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Desk job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,509 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Library Services Evening Associate

Saint Mary's University

Winona, MN • On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Overview and Responsibilities
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is seeking candidates who are eager to contribute to its Lasallian Catholic mission of awakening, nurturing, and empowering learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. We invite individuals to help transform lives through education, inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition's quest to understand the human experience through faith and reason and its embrace of all who are dedicated to learning from one another through authentic conversations in search of the truth. We are especially interested in and give preference to candidates who demonstrate a vision to create and nurture initiatives that will advance our mission within the scope of their duties and who will foster a culture of dialogue that, with respect for all people, supports the search for meaning and purpose in pursuit of excellence.
Job Summary
The Library Services Evening Associate assists library staff to support Saint Mary's student, faculty, and staff academics by managing library access services, including circulation, reserves, and interlibrary loan (ILL). The Library Services Evening Associate also assists in the oversight of a team of student assistants who ensure the Winona Library is open and available for student, faculty, and staff use during all evening and weekend hours that the library is open. This position is part time, 40 hours per week during the academic year and works Sunday - Thursday, 1:30 - 10:00 pm. This position does not work during academic breaks or over the summer.
Salary Range: $14.00 - $18.00 per hour.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
  • Responsible for closing and securing the library during weekday evenings and opening and closing the library during weekend shifts; preparing it for the next day's services.
  • Provides initial patron assistance for library directional questions, location of specific items, and library policies/procedures.
  • Provides basic reference assistance, making referrals as needed to the librarians.
  • Answers circulation desk phone, routing calls to librarians and library staff as needed.
  • Uses the integrated library system (ILS) to check in and out library materials.
  • Assists the Library Circulation Services Manager with the management of student employees.
  • Assists the Instruction and Resource Sharing Librarians with interlibrary loan requests.
  • Assists with library stack maintenance.
  • Assists library users with technologies.
  • Performs other projects and duties, as assigned.

Qualifications
Experience and Education Requirements
Required
  • 2 year post-secondary education or equivalent education or experience

Preferred
  • At least 1 year experience in a library is preferred, and in an academic setting desirable.

Essential Knowledge & Skills
  • Excellent written, oral, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Commitment to excellent user-centered customer service.
  • Reliability and regular attendance.
  • Ability to develop effective working relationships with diverse groups of people.
  • Ability to produce accurate and detailed work.
  • Ability to use basic computer software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities while meeting deadlines.
  • Supports, respects, and advances the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic university.

Physical Demands
  • Light work. Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may be very little, a job is in this category when it requires a good deal of walking or standing, or when it involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls. To be considered capable of performing a full or wide range of light work, you must have the ability to do substantially all of these activities.

Physical Hazards - Health and Safety Concerns
  • General office environments

Application Requirements
Apply online at: https://www.smumn.edu/about/offices-services/human-resources/employment-opportunities/ and include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota believes inclusion and human dignity contributes to a robust academic and work environment and is critical to achieving the University's mission in an increasingly diverse society. Individuals with expertise and diverse skills from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The successful candidate must support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic institution.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

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