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Library Circulation Supervisor Jobs in Seattle, WA

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Library Circulation Supervisor information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$33.6K

$76.1K

$142.8K

How much do library circulation supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for library circulation supervisor in Seattle, WA is $76,112.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $80,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying library job?

The highest paying library job is typically a Library Director or Chief Librarian, with salaries often exceeding $80,000 to $150,000 annually depending on the size and location of the institution. These roles require advanced degrees, leadership skills, and extensive experience in library management and administration.

What are some common challenges faced by a Library Circulation Supervisor, and how can they be effectively managed?

Library Circulation Supervisors often encounter challenges such as handling high-traffic periods, managing overdue materials, and ensuring smooth coordination among staff. Effective management involves implementing clear policies, providing ongoing staff training, and using library management systems to track circulation activities efficiently. Strong communication skills and adaptability are key to addressing patron concerns and resolving workflow bottlenecks, contributing to a positive library experience for both staff and visitors.

Can you make 6 figures as a librarian?

Library Circulation Supervisors typically do not earn six-figure salaries; most librarians and supervisory roles in public or academic libraries have salaries below that threshold. Achieving a six-figure income may require advanced positions, specialized skills, or working in high-paying institutions or private sectors, often combined with additional responsibilities or advanced degrees. Salary levels vary based on location, experience, and the size of the library system.

What does a Library Circulation Supervisor do?

A Library Circulation Supervisor oversees the daily operations of the circulation desk in a library. Their responsibilities include managing circulation staff, assisting patrons with borrowing and returning materials, resolving account issues, and ensuring that library policies are followed. They may also handle overdue items, fines, and coordinate with other library departments to maintain an organized and welcoming environment. The supervisor plays a key role in providing excellent customer service and supporting the library’s mission.

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

AspectLibrary Circulation SupervisorLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles prefer library science courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentPublic or academic library, supervising circulation staffAssist with daily library operations, customer service
Job ResponsibilitiesOversee checkouts, returns, manage overdue items, supervise staffCheck out materials, assist patrons, shelve books

The Library Circulation Supervisor typically has more responsibilities, including supervising staff and managing circulation processes, while the Library Assistant focuses on assisting patrons and handling daily tasks. Both roles require customer service skills, but the supervisor position involves leadership and oversight duties.

What is a circulation supervisor in a library?

A library circulation supervisor oversees the borrowing and returning of library materials, manages circulation desk staff, and ensures policies are followed. They often use library management systems and may handle patron inquiries, fines, and membership issues to maintain smooth library operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Library Circulation Supervisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Circulation Supervisor, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience with library operations, typically supported by an associate's or bachelor's degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS) like Sierra or Koha, as well as knowledge of cataloging and circulation software, is commonly required. Excellent customer service, leadership abilities, and effective communication help you manage staff and address patron needs efficiently. These skills are crucial for maintaining smooth library operations, ensuring accurate resource management, and fostering a positive environment for both staff and patrons.

How to become a library supervisor?

To become a library supervisor, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in library science, information management, or a related field, along with several years of experience working in library services. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and knowledge of library operations are essential, and some positions may require a master's degree in library science. Certification or continuing education can also enhance prospects for advancement.
What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation Supervisor jobs in Seattle, WA? For Library Circulation Supervisor jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation Supervisor jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation Supervisor jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Library Circulation Supervisor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Circulation Supervisor job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,112 per year, or $36.6 per hour.
Public Services Supervisor

Public Services Supervisor

Kitsap Regional Library

Bainbridge Island, WA • On-site

$29.78 - $33.52/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Public Services Supervisor
Bainbridge Island
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 0726-34
Kitsap Regional Library seeks a highly motivated and team-orientated individual to provide leadership, supervisory and organization skills at our Bainbridge Island branch in partnership with a Branch Manager. This position is responsible for planning and organizing workflow while supervising circulation and employees to ensure patrons are provided with exceptional customer service. The successful candidate's everyday actions will reflect our core values of service, equity, and curiosity. This position reports to the Bainbridge Island Branch Manager.
This location is staffed and operated by Kitsap Regional Library while the building itself is owned and maintained by Bainbridge Public Library, a sixteen-member non-profit board. Bainbridge Island is a highly engaged and active community that enjoys protected green spaces, waterfront activities, a vibrant arts scene, and a top-ranked K-12 school system.
To learn more about our mission and strategic goals for the next five years, please see our strategic plan: Thrive Ahead, Kitsap Regional Library's Strategic Direction.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under general direction, supervises branch circulation and paging functions to ensure efficient and effective operations and attainment of work goals. Typical duties include planning and organizing workflow, including staff scheduling; reviewing and recommending modified or new procedures; monitoring building mechanical systems; monitoring collection of patron accounts; assisting patrons in using library equipment and performing circulation and clerical functions, as necessary. Directly supervises one or more positions within the branch. Work is performed with significant opportunities for exercising independent judgment and initiative.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to high school graduation plus three years of public library experience.
Two years of supervisory experience preferred.
BENEFITS & SALARY
Employees regularly scheduled 20 or more hours per week are eligible to participate in our medical, dental, vision, basic life, AD&D, long term disability insurance plans, health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), as well as our employee assistance program. Additionally, all employees regularly scheduled 20 or more hours per week receive 13 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees in this position earn 15 days per year of vacation leave over the course of their first year, 13 days of sick leave, and 1 personal day each year.
Kitsap Regional Library participates in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees are automatically eligible for the plan if they work a minimum of 16.25 hours per week (or 70 hours per month) during five months per year for two consecutive years.
The compensation range for this position is $29.78 - $33.52 per hour. Offers are determined based on required and relevant experience and in alignment with internal equity.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are representative and do not include all specific tasks an incumbent may be expected to perform:
DUTIES:
  • Maintain department objectives consistent with the Library Director's goals, branch goals and library standards and policies. Implement procedures, systems, and performance standards to achieve approved objectives.
  • Maintain effective lines of communication within the department and division and with other departments, branches, and divisions. Coordinate with other departments in planning and maintaining efficient workflow among departments, branches, and divisions.
  • Interview, select and hire new employees for the branch. Establish hours of work as well as direct, plan, assign and determine the manner of work performed. Approve overtime and the use of employee time off. Evaluate employee performance and recommend employees for promotion or pay adjustment. Address employee grievances, recommend discipline and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
  • Manage the collection of overdue patron accounts at an assigned branch. Coordinate overdue accounts for collection agency action.
  • Supervise the clearing of paid accounts from library records. Facilitate resolution of unusual, sensitive, or difficult issues regarding overdue accounts or lost/damaged materials.
  • Address patron complaints regarding library services, facilities and resources or the use of resources. Identify, report or address safety and security issues or refer to appropriate authorities as needed.
  • In coordination with the on-site manager, may supervise branch operations in the absence of the branch manager.
  • May work on the reference and/or circulation desks.
  • May maintain statistics on department productivity and other reports as required.
  • Assist patrons in using library equipment and services. Troubleshoot equipment problems as needed.
  • Perform any and all circulation, paging and clerical functions as necessary.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
  • Knowledge of the Integrated Library System (ILS).
  • Ability to learn and utilize the Dewey Decimal System.
  • Ability to select, develop and motivate staff and create a positive team environment.
  • Ability to plan and set priorities.
  • Ability to develop and implement procedures, prepare reports, and maintain department records as required and to exercise initiative and independent judgment within prescribed policies and procedures.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and patrons and to resolve problems and diffuse conflict as needed.
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment, perform required data entry proficiently and utilize computer software and specialized programs.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
  • Ability to work weekends, evenings or on-call as needed.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is carried out within a generally accessible, safe, indoor environment with frequent public and staff interaction. Incumbents in Mobile Services frequently work in various weather conditions. This position primarily involves light to medium physical demands, sitting and operating objects, tools or controls including keyboards and telephones; for extended periods, internal and external customer contact, conversations, phones, noise from office machinery and other equipment, etc. Must be able to work while others are working in a shared team area. Occasionally, the incumbent must move or maneuver objects or materials weighing up to 35 pounds, including stooping, reaching, lifting, bending or transferring books and other materials to carts, tables, or shelves of varying heights. Incumbents may be required to move carts of books and other materials around the building for extended periods of time. Frequently push, pull, lift or exert up to 20 pounds of force, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; bending at the waist, kneeling, and reaching, using arms and hands.
Visual acuity essential for tasks include reading and composing emails, reports, and materials including electronic information and complex materials from either written or computer sources; identifying and organizing library materials such as books, audiobooks, and DVDs based on small-print numbers and alphabetical characters; scanning and inspecting library materials, including opening media cases; and operating computers for extended periods. Work performed and delivered are guided by precise deadlines. High cognitive demands include strong attention to detail, ability to focus for long periods of time, critical thinking, problem solving and information synthesis.
Excellent communication skills, customer service abilities, and multitasking are also essential for success in this role.
LIBRARY EXPECTATIONS
Listed below are expectations of all library employees:
  • Excellent customer service for patrons and co-workers.
  • Knowledge and support of Kitsap Regional Library's principles of intellectual freedom.
  • Knowledge and support of Kitsap Regional Library's policies and procedures.
  • Ability to work effectively within a team.
  • Ability to adapt to rapidly changing information, technology, work procedures and library services.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality in dealing with patron and/or employee records.
SCHEDULE
This is a full-time position. Schedules are subject to change to meet the needs of the library but may include weekends and evenings.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply for this position and future positions, please visit our website at KRL.org and select "Careers" located at the bottom of the page. This position is open to current employees, volunteers and the general public and will remain open until filled.
Kitsap Regional is committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodation, please email us at and we'll work with you to meet your accessibility needs.

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