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Library Circulation Desk Jobs (NOW HIRING)

York County

Library Clerk (Circulation)

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$40K - $47K/yr

Performs a variety of clerical tasks in assisting library patrons and maintaining library materials ... Standing is frequent when at the circulation desk. Gripping is involved when writing with pen or ...

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Library Circulation Desk information

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$7

$15

$24

How much do library circulation desk jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation desk in the United States is $15.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you get a job in a library without being a librarian?

Yes, library circulation desk positions are typically staffed by clerks or assistants who do not need to be licensed librarians. These roles often require customer service skills, basic computer knowledge, and may involve handling checkouts, returns, and shelving without requiring a professional librarian certification.

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 circulation work in a library?

Circulation work in a library involves managing the borrowing and returning of library materials, such as books, DVDs, and magazines. Staff in this role use library management systems to check items in and out, update records, and ensure materials are available for patrons. It also includes handling overdue items, fines, and assisting visitors at the circulation desk.

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 are library circulation desk jobs?

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 is a circulation specialist at a library?

A circulation specialist at a library is responsible for managing the check-in and check-out of library materials, assisting patrons with account issues, and maintaining the circulation desk. They often use library management software and require good customer service skills to ensure smooth operations. The role may also involve shelving, organizing materials, and enforcing library policies.

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 does a circulation clerk do at a library?

A library circulation clerk is responsible for checking books and materials in and out, managing overdue items, collecting fines, and maintaining the circulation desk. They often use library management software and provide customer service to library patrons. The role requires attention to detail and good communication skills.
More about Library Circulation Desk jobs
What cities are hiring for Library Circulation Desk jobs? Cities with the most Library Circulation Desk job openings:
What states have the most Library Circulation Desk jobs? States with the most job openings for Library Circulation Desk jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Desk jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Desk jobs are:
Library Circulation Desk jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Desk job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,193 per year, or $16 per hour.
Library Assistant-32 hours per week (Circulation)

Library Assistant-32 hours per week (Circulation)

City of Tigard, OR

Tigard, OR • On-site

$23.88 - $32.01/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

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

Job description

Salary: $23.88 - $32.01 Hourly
Location : 13500 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard, Oregon 97223, OR
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2025-00171
Department: Library
Division: Library Circulation
Opening Date: 07/14/2026
Closing Date: 7/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Overview
At the City of Tigard, our talented, industrious, and innovative municipal government professionals have been providing essential services and recreational spaces to Tigard's growing community for over 60 years. City of Tigard team members enjoy meaningful work, a diverse and inclusive culture of belonging, job-specific flexibilities and opportunities for growth and advancement. Incorporated in 1961, Tigard is Oregon's 12th largest city and is part of the Portland metropolitan area.
OUR VALUES
Team Tigard are ambassadors of municipal services to the community. We aspire to treat all people with dignity, respect, and care; to demonstrate the equitable and sustainable practices that are environmentally and fiscally sound, and to engage with each other as trusted colleagues to achieve excellence in all we do. We do the right things, and we get things done.
Examples of Duties
The Tigard's Public Library is currently recruiting for a part-time Library Assistant (32 hours per week) position in the Circulation division. The Tigard Public Library is a thriving, forward-thinking workplace that fosters lifelong learning and provides an array of programs and services to encourage the development of well-rounded citizens. An ideal candidate for this position has a passion for working with the public, is a skilled communicator, thoughtful, attentive to detail, and is seeking a fast paced and active working environment. Please review the classification for detailed information.
  • Provides library focused customer service to patrons in-person and over the phone.
  • Serves at the circulation desk; checks library materials in and out; issues library cards; Assists patrons with self-check machines.
  • Physically retrieves and puts away (shelving) library materials.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
  • Equivalent to a high school diploma AND
  • One (1) year of experience in library services.

Supplemental Information
Union Representation: SEIU
Schedule: Sunday 9:45-6:15, Wednesday 11:45-8:15, Friday 9:45-6:15, Saturday 9:45-6:15
How to apply: apply online. We do not accept applications via email. Applications must be received by the Human Resources Division by closing time/date.
IMPORTANT (Please read) In lieu of resumes and cover letters, The City of Tigard evaluates an applicant's work history and responses to supplemental questions. Please complete the application and answer the supplemental questions thoroughly to ensure our subject matter experts can appropriately evaluate your experience.
ATTENTION VETERANS: Please upload your DD214/Separation documentation.
In addition to being a, the City of Tigard offers competitive employee benefits for full-time and part-time employees working 20 or more hours per week:
Choice of health and dental plans
Generous retirement plan
City-paid HRA-VEBA
Paid vacation and sick leave
10 paid holidays plus 28 hours of floating holiday (3.5 days of floating holiday)
Life and disability insurance
Universal transit pass through TriMet
This job classification is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), OPEU Local 503
Click for more detailed benefits information.
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Associate's Degree
  • Associate's Degree and additional coursework
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree and additional coursework
  • Master's Degree or higher

02
Which best describes your years of experience in library services.
  • none
  • less than 1 year
  • 1 or more years

03
If you are not selected for this position, would you be interested in an on-call position
  • Yes
  • No

04
Please describe in detail the library software and technology that you have used regularly within the last 3 years and how you utilized them in your daily work. Clearly state your skill level as beginner, intermediate, or advanced with each program/technology.
05
Provide a list of all circulation duties you have been responsible for as a regular part of your work in the last three years (such as shelving, picklist (holds), customer service).
06
What values do you believe are important for creating a diverse and inclusive workplace? How do you live these values in your daily work?
Required Question

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