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Library Circulation information

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$7

$15

$23

How much do library circulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation 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 Clerk, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Circulation Clerk, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with library operations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with integrated library systems (ILS) such as Sierra or Koha, as well as proficiency in cataloging and using office software, is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you interact effectively with patrons and handle inquiries. These skills are essential for ensuring efficient library operations, accurate materials management, and positive user experiences.

What are library circulation staff responsible for?

Library circulation staff are responsible for managing the borrowing and returning of library materials, such as books, DVDs, and other resources. They assist patrons with checking out items, renewing loans, and handling overdue materials. Additionally, they may answer basic questions, issue library cards, and maintain accurate records of borrowed items. Circulation staff play a key role in ensuring that library operations run smoothly and that patrons have access to the resources they need.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Library Circulation staff member?

Library Circulation staff are responsible for checking materials in and out, managing patron accounts, shelving returned items, and assisting visitors with basic inquiries. They often handle holds and interlibrary loans, process overdue fines, and troubleshoot issues with library cards or technology at the circulation desk. Collaborating closely with other library departments, circulation staff play a key role in maintaining an organized collection and ensuring a positive experience for library users.

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. It includes checking items in and out, maintaining records, and ensuring materials are available for patrons. Library staff often use integrated library systems (ILS) to track items and may assist patrons with account questions or overdue items.

What is a circulation specialist in a library?

A circulation specialist in a library manages the borrowing and returning of library materials, maintains the circulation desk, and updates borrower records using library management systems. They often assist patrons with account inquiries and enforce overdue policies, requiring good customer service skills and attention to detail.

What does a circulation clerk do at a library?

A circulation clerk at a library is responsible for checking books and materials in and out, managing overdue items, and maintaining the circulation desk. They often use library management software and provide customer service to patrons. The role may require attention to detail and basic computer skills.

What is the difference between Library Circulation vs Library Technician?

AspectLibrary CirculationLibrary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentAssociate degree in library technology or related field
Work EnvironmentPublic and academic libraries, handling checkouts and returnsLibraries, assisting with cataloging, processing materials, and technical tasks
Employer & Industry UsageLibraries of all types, often entry-levelLibraries, often with more technical responsibilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Library Circulation staff primarily handle checkouts, returns, and managing library materials, often requiring only a high school diploma. Library Technicians perform more technical tasks like cataloging and processing materials, usually needing an associate degree. While both roles work in libraries and support library operations, Library Technicians typically have more specialized skills and responsibilities.

Can you work at a library without being a librarian?

Library circulation jobs typically do not require a librarian certification and are often open to candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. These roles involve tasks like checking out materials, assisting patrons, and managing overdue items, often requiring customer service skills and familiarity with library systems. Non-librarian staff are essential for daily operations and usually do not need a master's degree in library science.
What are the most commonly searched types of Library Circulation jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Library Circulation jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation jobs in Illinois? For Library Circulation jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation jobs in Illinois are:
Library Circulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Circulation job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 26% 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 $32,165 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Library Circulation Desk Student Employee, #1315

Library Circulation Desk Student Employee, #1315

Oakton College

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$15.50/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Overview:
Must be detail oriented as well as comfortable with both customer service and information technology. Thorough knowledge of alphabet and decimals needed as applied to the Library of Congress Classification of Library materials (for sorting & reshelving). Lift 30 pounds and push a full book truck. Must be able to work well with the general public. Shelving experience preferred.
Campus Location: Des Plaines
Length of Employment:
Students are hired for the semester, and can continue in future semesters as long as they meet the requirements outlined by the Student Employment Program.
Can a student do homework in this position?
Sometimes
Hours Available:
Monday- Friday: 8:00- 8:00 pm
Schedule Flexibility:
Schedule is fixed for the semester. Each semester a new schedule is made to accommodate student's class schedule
Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities (TDRs) and Learning Outcomes:
- Provide customer service at library circulation desk, charge/discharge books using library circulation software, and maintain patron confidentiality (CM, CT, EI, PF, TW, & TC)
- Sort and reshelf returned library materials using Library of Congress system (CT & PF)
- Shelf read book/film collection (CT & PF)
- Fill copy machines with paper, assist patrons with photocopier, and retrieve material as needed (CM, CT, EI, PF, & TC)
Candidate Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Other Abilities or KSOAs):
- Eligible to work in the United States.
- Enrolled in at least six credit hours during fall and spring semesters.
- GPA of at least 2.0 at the time of hire.

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