Circulation Specialist (Evening)

Pacific Lutheran University Inc; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma is seeking a Circulation Specialist to supervise evening and weekend library operations and serve as the staff contact during those hours. You will oversee the circulation desk, train student workers, and ensure the safety of patrons and the collection.

The role also covers processing course reserves and interlibrary loan requests, plus outreach to faculty on policies. Strong customer service and collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; related library experience preferred.
• 1.5 years of library experience; education can substitute for some experience.
• Finalist applicants must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background checks.

Responsibilities

• Supervise evening and weekend library operations.
• Oversee circulation desk and public areas during shifts.
• Train and supervise student workers.
• Process course reserves and interlibrary loan requests.
• Explain circulation rules and policies to patrons.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Basic software

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Ex Libris Alma and Primo

Job description

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Hiring Range: $20.25-$21.75 per hour, plus excellent benefits.

Location

Tacoma, WA 98447.

Department:

Department: Library Public Services

Posting Date:

Posting Date: 11/10/2026

Closing Date

Closing Date When a sufficient number of qualified applicants have been identified.

Work Schedule:

Full time, Monday – Thursday: 12:45pm – 9:15pm; Sunday: 9:45am – 6:15pm

General Description:

The Circulation Specialist has primary responsibility for supervising evening and weekend library operations. This position serves as the staff point of contact during evening and weekend hours and is responsible for the safety and security of those using the building as well as security of the library collection.

This position reports directly to the Library Services Access & Building Manager and assists the manager with training and assigning circulation related tasks to student workers. Responsibilities of the position include faculty outreach and education regarding Course Reserves and Interlibrary Loan policies and procedures, and processing course reserves and interlibrary loan requests.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Library Evening Supervisor

• Provide circulation services to students, faculty, and library patrons, including borrowing, renewal, and return of library materials.
• Supervise the library circulation desk and public areas when the building manager is absent.
• Coordinate and direct the work of student employees, and support them in maintaining library services and standards in the absence of the building manager.
• Assign and perform tasks associated with circulation of library materials and maintenance of stacks.
• Perform continuous library stacks shelf reading and inventory.
• Assist with moving, shelving, and processing physical items.
• Assist in supporting and training student employees.
• Explain circulation rules, fines, policies, and procedures effectively.
• Maintain communication with other Access Services staff and Library staff and report problems encountered during shift so they can be addressed.
• Supervise library closing to maintain security of the library collection when the building is closed.
• Address patron behavioral issues and call Campus Safety when necessary.
• Work as backup Building Emergency Coordinator and keep apprised of all new emergency procedures, policies, training, and evacuation drills.
• Other duties as assigned.

Course Reserves / Interlibrary Loan Specialist

• Ensure timely course reserves processing and updating each semester.
• Coordinate effectively with faculty, library staff, and student employees as needed.
• Explain and interpret course reserve policies and procedures to faculty, staff, and students.
• Process Interlibrary Loan requests for physical and/or electronic materials in a timely manner according to established policies and procedures.
• Run reports, update processes, and workflows within ALMA Library Software System.
• Update and maintain the procedure manual for the Course Reserves and/or Interlibrary Loan operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Proficient with basic productivity software (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently.
• Commitment to the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED .
• 1.5 years of related library experience. Education can be substituted for some experience.
• Finalist applicants must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background checks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four-year degree or equivalent experience working in a library setting.
• Familiarity with academic library access service operations, such as interlibrary loan, course reserves and stacks maintenance.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience with Ex Libris’ Alma and Primo library services platform.

Work Conditions:

Physical Requirements:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Other Information:

PLU is a small, private university where caring means more than kindness and consideration — it means a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice. Because PLU is a community committed to the creation and advancement of knowledge through diversity and inclusion, the university actively recruits a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. PLU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from members of historically underrepresented and minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and others who would bring broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities.

PLU offers an excellent benefits package including tuition remission for employees and their dependents, generous retirement plan, medical, dental, paid vacation and sick leave, major holidays off (including Christmas/New Year’s break and extra time off during the summer), and many other great university benefits. PLU is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization.

For general application questions or if you need accommodations at any point in the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 253-535-7185 or [e-mail].

Supplemental Questions

• * Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you 18 years of age or older?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you legally eligible to work in the United States on your hire date AND legally authorized to work in the United States for Pacific Lutheran University without sponsorship now and indefinitely into the future?
  • Yes
  • No

12180 Park Ave. S
Tacoma, WA 98447
[phone]
www.plu.edu