Circulation Clerk

Overview

General Statement of Duties
:
Performs routine to semi-skilled support work assisting library patrons at the circulation desk; performs related duties as required.

Supervision Received
:
Works under the general and technical supervision of the Public Services Librarian and under the general supervision of the Library Director.

Supervision Exercised
:
None.

• Schedule 12 to 18 hours per week.
• Works under the general and technical supervision of the Library Director.
• Empties book drop and discharges/routes material using a barcode reader and the library automation system.
• Issues library cards for the Albert Lea Public Library.
• Identifies incoming materials in need of repair or replacement and relays information to appropriate staff member.
• Explains and collects patron fees and assesses fees for damaged or lost materials according to specific guidelines.
• Maintains book carts in appropriate shelf list order for shelving.
• Accepts requests for material and notifies patrons that requests have arrived.
• Greets the public and answers phone and in-person requests for information or directions or refers to others for response.
• Assist in shelving returned materials, straightening materials within shelves, aligning books and materials and cleaning materials and shelves as needed to maintain order.
• Works within the library policies and applicable laws, including, but not limited to, those regarding data privacy, acceptable behavior and safety regulations. Refers specific patron concerns or special requests to the appropriate staff member.
• Attends Library staff meetings and attends other workshops and meetings as appropriate to position and as assigned.
• May assist in the nightly closing of the library.
• May assist in monitoring public actions and behaviors (i.e. damaging library materials or property) and reports any inappropriate actions or behaviors to supervisors.
• Performs other duties as needed or assigned.
• Working knowledge of the Library’s policies, procedures and services.
• Working knowledge of the scope and physical organization of library's collection.
• Working knowledge of circulation desk equipment, Internet and basic computer use.
• Working knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System.
• Working skill in computer and Internet use.
• Working ability to see and read documents, book titles and computer screens.
• Working ability to sort and file alphabetically and to be able to arrange and locate materials according to a prescribed sequence.
• Working ability to communicate effectively with children, city staff, library patrons and the general public.
• Working ability to manipulate objects requiring fine motor coordination and repetitive movements.
• Working ability to occasionally stand for long periods.
• Working ability to lift, carry and shelve books and materials weighing 5 to 20 pounds.
• Working ability to bend, crouch, reach, climb, or stoop when re-shelving.

High school graduation or GED equivalent with prior customer service experience.

None

Note:

Asterisked (*) items are essential to the job.

Position:
Circulation Clerk

Title Date:
Feb 5,2026

Pick one box that describes the requirements needed for your job and the conditions you encounter on the job.

Intermittent - Less than 15% of the time in a typical week (one per week or less)

Occasional - 15%-45% of the time in a typical week

Frequent - 45%-70% of the time in a typical week

Continuous - Over 70% of the time in a typical week (averages daily)

Note:

The original document included a table of physical requirements which has been converted to a text-based list to meet formatting requirements. All items from the table were preserved in the order they appeared where possible.