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Library Circulation Jobs in Edison, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Part-time Library Clerk II

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Checks out and checks in library materials; registers students and other users of the library; performs other circulation-related activities using the ILS (Integrated Library Systems) * Collects ...

... circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl ...

... circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl ...

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Library Circulation information

See Edison, NJ salary details

$7

$16

$25

How much do library circulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for library circulation in Edison, NJ is $16.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.45 and $18.41 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 Edison, NJ? The most popular types of Library Circulation jobs in Edison, NJ are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Circulation jobs in Edison, NJ? For Library Circulation jobs in Edison, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Circulation jobs in Edison, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Library Circulation jobs in Edison, NJ are:
What cities near Edison, NJ are hiring for Library Circulation jobs? Cities near Edison, NJ with the most Library Circulation job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Circulation job openings in Edison, NJ as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,363 per year, or $16.5 per hour.
East Asian Library Operations Supervisor

East Asian Library Operations Supervisor

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Princeton University rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Overview

The East Asian Library (EAL) at Princeton University is seeking a diligent, motivated, and independent individual to be the Library Operations Supervisor of its Public Services unit.

The East Asian Library is a unique library at Princeton due to its extensive and specialized collections, space limitations, and independent interlibrary loan and technical services operations. It is one of the most famous collections of its kind in the United States, serving not only faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students at Princeton on all kinds of research on China, Japan, and Korea but also, visiting scholars from across the globe.

The Operations Supervisor is fully responsible for all daily branch operations and functions of the East Asian Library, including circulation, shelving, stack maintenance, shifting, and physical space presentation, management, and security.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage branch library operations, including Course Reserves, Document Delivery, Borrow Direct, Interlibrary Loan (ILL), and the transfer of materials to off-site storage (ReCAP).
  • Hire, train, and supervise two unionized staff positions (including writing evaluations and maintaining payroll) and 20+ students to ensure coverage of essential back-of-house and public service functions.
  • Facilitate use of rare and special collections held on-site and off-site for library patrons.
  • Perform data driven analysis to determine future space and material needs.
  • Coordinate with Cataloging, Acquisitions, and Serials staff within the EAL to streamline workflows and ensure efficient circulation of materials across departments.
  • Maintain and update EAL MARC records.
  • Establish priorities and design workflows for both ongoing operations and special projects.
  • Develop, interpret, and enforce library policies and procedures.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for patrons, including faculty, students, and external visitors, with creativity and tact.
  • Participate in outreach initiatives and programs.
  • Apply and adapt policies related to patron services, carrel assignments, and patron records.
  • Address access and general use inquiries while referring advanced research questions to librarians.
  • Oversee and continuously update staff schedules, procedural manuals, and training programs.
  • Fostering a collaborative and productive work environment and motivating and guiding staff to achieve performance goals.
  • Build and maintain strong cross-departmental relationships through comprehensive understanding of the library policies, procedures and interdepartmental operations.
  • Participate in university library committees and working groups
  • Coordinate with external departments, including Frist Campus Center management and public safety.
Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent
  • At least 5 years of practical work with at least 1 year of supervisory experience including training off staff
  • At least one year of academic, research, or corporate library work and ability to learn quickly library policies and procedures
  • Strong organizational and excellent service-oriented interpersonal skills
  • Experience in managing, training and motivating staff and/or students
  • Excellent ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to make decisions and work independently with minimal supervision, as well as working well as a team leader
  • Reliability, good judgement, leadership, and resourceful problem-solving skills
  • Ability to prioritize workflows and respond creatively to changing circumstances
  • Intermediate computer skills (Microsoft Office), and the demonstrated ability to learn new computer programs as needed
  • Aptitude for working with bibliographic citations in several languages with reading knowledge of at least one East Asian Language
  • Must be able to lift and shelve books (using stepladders) and handle large book trucks holding approximately 300 books (other physical tasks may involve careful handling of heavy and dusty books)

Strongly Preferred:

  • Extensive experience in a similar educational (academic), preferably, library position (involving the supervision of staff and students)
  • Ability to respond to emergencies calmly
  • Experience with large-scale and long-term library projects
  • Knowledge of MARC record structures and catalog systems in general, and of Ex Libris's Alma integrated library system and OCLC (WorldCat) in particular
  • Knowledge of library software (Alma, ILLiad), reserves processing applications, course management systems (Canvas), and scanning software
  • Familiarity with East Asian cultures

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours36.25Eligible for OvertimeNoBenefits EligibleYesProbationary Period180 daysEssential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)NoPhysical Capacity Exam RequiredNoValid Driver's License RequiredNo Experience LevelAssociate#LI-SB1Salary Range$82,000 to $94,000Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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