ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Library Circulation Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Chicago Botanic Garden

Library Assistant

Glencoe, IL · On-site

$18 - $21.15/hr

Perform circulation services, including check-in/check-out of materials, placing holds on materials, renewing materials, library card registration, and updating library card expiration dates

Chicago Botanic Garden

Library Assistant

Glencoe, IL · On-site

Perform circulation services, including check-in/check-out of materials, placing holds on materials, renewing materials, library card registration, and updating library card expiration dates

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLibrary Circulation JobsLibrary Circulation Jobs in Illinois

Library Circulation information

See Illinois salary details

$7

$15

$23

How much do library circulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 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

Circulation Assistant - Naper Boulevard Library

Naperville Public Library

Naperville, IL • On-site

$16/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Circulation Assistant provides consistent, accurate, and timely handling of Library materials for circulation. Contributes to the general order and care of facilities and Library materials.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Performs all circulation and shelving activities for the library, including check-in and review of materials, files and maintains the Hold shelves, clears lobby and drive-thru return bins, processes and sorts new materials, prepares materials for transit, unloads and shelves book carts, updates item record status, records statistics, completes reports, assists with shifting projects and shelf reads.
  • Performs workroom opening and closing tasks following departmental procedures.
  • Prepares book drops for daily, weekend and extended closures.
  • Performs paging list fulfillment, generates Hold lists, pulls and files materials, maintains the Holds area, reviews and processes Holds, and reconciles problem items.
  • Reviews and processes LINKin and Inter Library Loan items.
  • Reviews materials, routes damaged and mislabeled items to appropriate departments, ensuring the quality of the collection; addresses non-Library returned items.
  • Supports curbside service and used materials/donations.
  • Assists with lost and found materials following guidelines.
  • Monitors, collects and returns materials to appropriate public areas ensuring an orderly environment.
  • Keeps up to date with departmental and Library communications.
  • Responds on occasion to customer requests, referring to appropriate Library staff; assists with monitoring conduct within the library, alerts PIC (Person-in-Charge) if necessary.
  • Troubleshoots and completes appropriate paperwork for workroom and material issues.
  • Collaborates on programs/projects with staff, occasionally at other locations.
  • Completes Library training and attends professional development opportunities.
  • Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
  • Ability to use basic relevant computer programs such as Microsoft Office and Outlook.
  • Uses computer software and common office equipment to complete tasks; keeps current in relevant technology.
  • Interacts with customers and staff courteously, skillfully and with accuracy.
  • Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication in responding to customers and staff.
  • Uses problem solving skills in determining priorities, finds timely solutions to departmental or system wide issues.
  • Service oriented with the ability to establish, support, and maintain effective relationships with staff/customers.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills; completes assignments and projects in a timely manner.
  • Takes responsibility for consistent completion and follow-up on all tasks/assignments.
  • Maintains confidentiality and professionalism in situations.
  • Responsive to change and demonstrates adaptability.
  • Maintains a positive approach in tasking and in adverse situations.
  • Demonstrates a broader understanding of the job and suggests improvement in Library services and workflow.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum two years of customer service experience.
  • Bilingual proficiency a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Communicate with staff and customers in person, via email and over the phone.
  • May require either being in a stationary position or moving about for prolonged periods.
  • Repetitive tasking, standing, bending for extended periods of time may be possible.
  • Moves equipment or library materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Must have reliable means of transportation to attend meetings, conferences, and perform work in other locations.

BENEFITS
The benefits for this position include:
  • Annual Vacation Accrual: 2 weeks per year
  • Holidays: 7 days per year
  • Annual Sick Accrual: 12 days per year
  • Up to 5 Personal Days per calendar year prorated based on the hire date.
  • Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (Pension Plan)
  • 12 weeks paid parental leave
  • Training and developmental opportunities

WORK SCHEDULE:
Monday 1 - 5 p.m.
Tuesday OFF
3 Wed/mo. 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
1 Wed/mo. 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Thursday 5 - 9 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
2 Sat/mo. 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. or 12:30 - 5 p.m. (On Rotation)
1 Sun/ mo. 12:30 - 5 p.m.
To learn more about us, go to https://www.naperville-lib.org/jobs and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | Naperville Public Library, IL (naperville-lib.org)

Apply