Library Assistants, Clerical
Human Advantage 67%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.6 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Compile records, and sort, shelve, issue, and receive library materials such as books, electronic media, pictures, cards, slides and microfilm. Locate library materials for loan and replace material in shelving area, stacks, or files according to identification number and title. Register patrons to permit them to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials.
Also Known As: Access Services Assistant, Acquisitions Assistant, Administrative Library Assistant, Book Sorter, Bookmobile Driver, Braille and Talking Books Clerk, Catalog Library Assistant, Cataloging Assistant +35 more
Core Tasks
- Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
- Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.
- Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
- Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
- Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
- Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.
- Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.
- Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
- Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.
- Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.
- Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.
- Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.
- Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.
- Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.
- Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.
- Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.
- Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.
- Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.
- Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.
- Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.
- Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.
- Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests.
- Prepare library statistics reports.
- Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.
- Assist in the preparation of book displays.
Supplemental Tasks (7)
- Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
- Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.
- Plan or participate in library events and programs, such as story time with children.
- Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.
- Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.
- Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.
- Acquire books, pamphlets, periodicals, audio-visual materials, and other library supplies by checking prices, figuring costs, and preparing appropriate order forms and facilitating the ordering process by providing such information to others.
Emerging Tasks
New and evolving responsibilities for this role:
- Hire library staff such as student assistants.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
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Tools & Equipment (28)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Learner Support & Community Engagement Education
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