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Library Clerk Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Library Clerk information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$8

$15

$22

How much do library clerk jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for library clerk in Springfield, MO is $15.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $16.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to be a library clerk?

Being a library clerk involves tasks such as checking out books, organizing materials, and assisting visitors, which generally require attention to detail and good customer service skills. The job is often part-time and may require basic computer skills and familiarity with library systems, but it is not typically considered physically or mentally demanding. Overall, it can be manageable for individuals who enjoy working in a quiet environment and helping others.

What are some common challenges faced by library clerks, and how can they be managed?

Library Clerks often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of patron requests during busy periods, maintaining accurate records of borrowed and returned materials, and staying updated with new library technologies. To manage these challenges, strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential. Building effective communication with both patrons and colleagues helps resolve issues quickly, and regular training ensures familiarity with library management systems. Seeking guidance from senior staff and collaborating with team members also fosters a supportive work environment.

What is the difference between Library Clerk vs Library Assistant?

AspectLibrary ClerkLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentPublic, school, or academic librariesPublic, school, or academic libraries
Primary DutiesChecking out/in materials, shelving, clerical tasksSupporting library operations, assisting patrons, shelving
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in public and school librariesCommon in public, school, and academic libraries

Library clerks and library assistants often perform similar roles in libraries, with overlapping credentials and work environments. While both support daily library operations, library clerks typically focus on circulation and clerical tasks, whereas library assistants may have broader responsibilities, including patron assistance and collection management.

What is a library clerk in a library?

A library clerk is an employee who assists with daily library operations, such as checking out and returning books, organizing materials, and helping patrons find resources. They often use library management software and may perform clerical tasks like data entry and shelving, typically working during regular library hours.

What does a library clerk do?

As a library clerk, which is sometimes called a library assistant, your responsibilities are to assist librarians with duties like shelving books, help a library patron find reference materials and resources, answer questions or check out books at the circulation desk, and issue library cards. Library clerks also organize books and reference materials, answer phone calls, clean the library, set up rooms in the library for meetings, and plan or host special library events. Library clerks work under the supervision of a librarian and sometimes do so while they train for a future career as a librarian.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a library clerk, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Clerk, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library cataloging systems, databases, and circulation software is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork abilities help you interact effectively with patrons and colleagues. These skills and qualities ensure efficient library operations, accurate record-keeping, and a positive experience for library users.
What job categories do people searching Library Clerk jobs in Springfield, MO look for? The top searched job categories for Library Clerk jobs in Springfield, MO are:
What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Library Clerk jobs? Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Library Clerk job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Clerk job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,662 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

WORK STUDY RECIPIENT ONLY- Library Student Assistant

Drury University

Springfield, MO • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Assists library patrons; provides library information and service; processes and loans library materials; maintains library equipment.
Duties/Responsibilities:
This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
  • Use the library's automated systems: input data; accurately utilize, understand, and conduct basic troubleshooting in current software in all its varying modes to smoothly circulate materials, record and receive payments, change status of materials, update patron data, and locate the status of requested information.
  • Process and handle numerous categories of materials, four of the categories have extensive and differing procedures: Drury, MOBIUS, SWAN, ILL. Handling such materials accurately with the ability to troubleshoot discrepancies on the spot; communicate with patrons regarding the arrival of requested materials.
  • Direct patrons/callers to the correct area/persons; field reference questions evenings and weekends; train patrons to log in, and use databases and online catalogs at a basic search level; assist patrons with basic information: library activities, facilities, and services.
  • Maintain collections and floors: inventorying, and straightening the collections; replenishing supplies; and shifting the collections as needed.
  • Assist patrons with library equipment and technology, such as scanners, computers, printers, copiers, etc.
  • Open, close, and secure the library evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays; maintain basic security by being aware of patrons using the library.
  • Search for missing/lost items and items that need repair.
Required Skills/Abilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to pay attention to detail in order to ensure materials, money, paperwork, and files of all types are handled correctly and accurately.
  • Ability to demonstrate consistent work and team effort based on service, initiative, integrity and motivation; to be able to understand and follow-through with job tasks as assigned.
  • Ability to solve Circulation problems in a timely, effective and efficient manner.
  • Ability to learn and implement library policies and provide accurate information; know library hours, location of collections, facilities and equipment; and a broader knowledge of the physical facilities of the campus.
  • Ability to interact with the library's patrons and visitors in order to effectively provide information and services with courtesy and respect.
  • Ability to respond promptly to patron needs; respond to requests for service and assistance; manage difficult patron situations.
  • Thorough knowledge and ability to read Library of Congress (LC) call numbers both quickly and accurately and to pass a LC call number and filing test before hiring.
  • Ability to use a personal computer and various software in order to process circulation of materials
  • Ability to use e-mail, web browser navigation and functions.
  • Ability to troubleshoot problems related to currently utilized software and provide basic maintenance for computer-related equipment.
  • Ability to learn and apply basic knowledge of electronic journal and reference databases.
  • Ability to search and request library materials from consortium libraries.
  • Ability to retrieve, file and reshelve books/materials in order to accurately maintain stacks and records.
  • Ability to use the telephone in order to answer the phone, record messages, and transfer calls.
  • Ability to operate commonly used office equipment; to know how to service such equipment.
  • Ability to perform non-complex arithmetic calculations and handle money appropriately.
  • Ability to record and post payments in order to maintain files accurately.
  • Ability to work on team projects, if appropriate.
  • Available to return to Drury before school begins for training.
  • Available to work a varied schedule including mornings, weekends and late evening hours and a minimum of 10 hours/week. There is a new schedule established each semester reflecting the students' classes.
Education and Experience: (2 bullet points below are for student job descriptions and can be removed for staff)
  • Must be a regular, full-time student, enrolled in at least 12 hours per semester
  • Must have a completed FAFSA on file with Financial Aid for the current academic year

Work Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; push or pull a full book truck; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, and be able to see clearly in varying levels of light.