Career Overview
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
- Library Aide
- Library Assistant
- Library Circulation Assistant
- Library Clerk
Alternate Job Titles
- Access Services Assistant
- Acquisitions Assistant
- Administrative Library Assistant
- Book Sorter
- Bookmobile Driver
- Braille and Talking Books Clerk
- Catalog Library Assistant
- Cataloging Assistant
- Children's Library Assistant
- Circulation Assistant
- Circulation Clerk
- Circulation Representative
- Film Library Clerk
- Interlibrary Loan Specialist
- Librarian Assistant
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.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.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Hire library staff such as student assistants.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- English Language
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Near Vision
- Speech Recognition
- Speech Clarity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Selective Attention
- Category Flexibility
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Photoshop
- C++
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- 10-key calculators
- Barcode scanners
- Bookmobiles
- Braile embossers
- Cash registers
- Delivery vans
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Film projectors
- Handheld calculators
- Laminating machines
- Laser facsimile machines
- Laser printers
- Magnifiers
- Mail opening equipment
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Telephone Conversations
- Contact With Others
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $25,090 |
| Median | $36,010 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $52,790 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 80,070
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Library Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $39,970
File Clerks
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $41,270
Office Clerks, General
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $43,630
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $46,290
Document Management Specialists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $108,970
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.