Circulation Desk Assistant

The Law Library Circulation & Reserve Department’s mission is to ensure that all library patrons find the materials they need in the proper location, quickly and easily, and that they receive prompt, knowledgeable, and friendly assistance with all circulation services.

The Circulation Desk Assistant

• Works as part of a service-oriented team that greets patrons at the front desk of the library.
• Checks-out circulating library materials using an integrated library system (ILS).
• Interprets library policy and procedures to answer questions from students, faculty, staff, and the public, using good judgment to make sound decisions.
• Obtains materials for patrons from various library collections, or places holds or recalls as necessary to retrieve checked-out items. Searches for missing material.
• Checks-in, sorts, and shelves materials. Some stacks management projects.
• Maintains patron records in the ILS, updating information, and monitoring overdues.
• Communicates clearly with patrons and staff via phone, email, and in writing, in a Windows/Microsoft Office environment.
• Works with and directs student assistants in policies and procedures.
• Retrieves loose leaf services from stacks and completes assigned filing, following complex instructions, while monitoring circulation activities.
• Processes materials for course reserves at the request of faculty, and processes and delivers other material in the library and law school, as needed.
• Conducts cash and debit transactions from patrons, including photocopies, overdue fines, and fees for borrower’s cards. Performs record keeping, data entry, and submits deposits and receipts.
• Assists patrons in the use of library photocopiers, scanners, and printers.
• Participates in staff training and staff development activities, and performs other duties as assigned.

Job Description

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and make decisions without direct supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to follow complex written instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new computer programs and operating systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior library experience.
• Experience handling cash transactions.
• Knowledge of and experience in an office environment using Microsoft Office programs.

Conditions of Employment

• This is a part-time, hourly position limited to an average of 25 hours per week with limited benefits after one year of employment based on a minimum of 1,000 hours per calendar year.
• All hourly employees are subject to the limitations of the Virginia Manpower Control Program and total hours worked may not exceed, on average, 29 hours per week over the course of a twelve- month period beginning May 1 each year.
• This position is eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc., as directed and approved by the supervisor.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of patron records and security of library systems
• Physical requirements: Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds; push a cart full of books or hand truck with boxes; as well as reaching, stooping, kneeling, and climbing.
• Set schedule is: Summer: The schedule is more flexible with Sunday afternoons 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM and 4-6 hours weekday mornings or afternoons; Academic year: Sunday – Tuesday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Wednesday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Hours may be changed slightly due to department needs.

Job Duties

45% Circulation Materials Management

• Checks-out circulating library materials using an integrated library system (ILS).
• Interprets library policy and procedures to answer questions from students, faculty, staff, and the public, using good judgment to make sound decisions.
• Obtains materials for patrons from various library collections, or places holds or recalls as necessary to retrieve checked-out items.
• Searches for missing material.
• Checks-in, sorts, and shelves materials.
• Some stacks management projects.
• Reports problems and communicates regularly with the supervisor.

15% Customer Service

• Maintains patron records in the ILS, updating information, and monitoring overdue items.
• Communicates clearly with patrons and staff via phone, email, and in writing, in a Windows/Microsoft Office environment.
• Works with and directs student assistants in policies and procedures.
• Processes materials for course reserves at the request of faculty, and processes and delivers other material in the library and law school, as needed.

15% Filing

• Retrieves loose leaf services from stacks and completes assigned filing, following complex instructions, while monitoring circulation activities.

10% Payment Processing

• Conducts cash and debit transactions from patrons, including photocopies, overdue fines, and fees for borrower’s cards.
• Performs record keeping, data entry, and submits deposits and receipts.

10% Equipment Management

• Assists patrons in the use of library photocopiers, scanners, microfilm readers, and printers. Helps maintain library equipment, adding paper or toner as necessary and clearing paper jams. Reports problems.

5% Other Duties

• Participates with library staff in training/staff development activities.
• Assists with special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

• Pay: Up to $19.89 an hour commensurate with experience.
• For full consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter by the review date of October 6, 2026.

Additional Job Description

Job Profile

JP0049 - Library Specialist I - Nonexempt - Hourly - H03

Qualifications

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Compensation Grade

H03

Recruiting Start Date

2026-09-18

Position Restrictions

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Applicant Notice: By applying for this position, you consent to William & Mary's use, review, and retention of your application materials for recruitment and employment purposes. Materials may be shared with authorized individuals participating in the hiring process and will be managed in accordance with applicable laws and university policies.

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.