Library Assistants, Clerical
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.
From people doing the work
Day-to-day involves a mix of helping patrons find resources, organizing shelves, and managing circulation. It's to connect people with information, but can also be repetitive with routine tasks like shelving and data entry. Attention to detail is key, especially when handling various materials and patron inquiries.
Drawn from American Library Association (ALA), Library Journal, r/Libraries
Attribution: Composite
Composite · Synthesised from American Library Association (ALA), Library Journal, r/Libraries
A day in the life of Library Assistants, Clerical
- People interaction
- Extensive
- Team vs solo
- 85% Team / 15% Solo
- Client facing
- Sometimes
- Impact visibility
- Low
- Travel
- Minimal
- Schedule flexibility
- Flexible
- Remote work
- Mostly Remote
- Typical work hours
- 35-40
- Stress level
- Low
Library Assistants, Clerical salary, education and outlook at a glance
- Median salary
- $36,010
- Entry-level
- $27,000
- Senior
- $50,000
- Growth by 2033
- -6.7%
- Demand
- Declining
- Freelance potential
- Low
- Salary growth potential
- 85%
- Typical student debt
- Moderate
Skills you need as Library Assistants, Clerical
Hard skills
- Education and Training
- Complex Problem Solving
- Graphics or photo imaging software
Soft skills
- Service Orientation
- Coordination
- Active Listening
Technical complexity: Low
Tools of the trade
Core tools
- Library Management Systems (LMS) (Software): To manage cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, and patron records within the library.
- Integrated Library Systems (ILS) (Software): To handle all aspects of library operations, including cataloging, circulation, and patron management.
- Microsoft Office Suite (Software): To create and manage documents, spreadsheets, and presentations for administrative tasks and record-keeping.
Commonly used
- Barcode Scanners (Hardware): To efficiently process books and other library materials for check-in and check-out.
- Printers and Copiers (Hardware): To print labels, reports, and make copies of documents for library patrons and staff.
- Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) (Platform): To allow patrons to search the library's collection and manage their accounts.
Specialist tools
- Digital Asset Management Systems (Software): To organize, store, and retrieve digital content such as e-books, audiobooks, and multimedia files.
How to become Library Assistants, Clerical
- Minimum education
- High School Diploma
- Licensing
- No
- Years to mid-career
- 3-5
- Years to senior
- 8-12
- Career switching
- Easy
Where this career leads
How people arrive here
- Retail Sales Associate: Experience in customer service and organizing inventory can transfer to assisting patrons and managing library materials.
- Administrative Assistant: Skills in record-keeping, scheduling, and general office administration are directly applicable to library clerical duties.
- Data Entry Clerk: Proficiency in accurate data input and attention to detail is valuable for cataloging and maintaining library records.
Where you can go from here
- Library Technician: With additional training, library assistants can advance to more specialized roles involving technical services or programming.
- Archivist: Interest in preserving historical documents and managing collections can lead to a career as an archivist.
- Records Manager: Skills in organizing and maintaining information can be applied to managing records for businesses or government agencies.
Typical progression
- Library Assistants, Clerical
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
- Library Technicians
- or Receptionists and Information Clerks
Library Assistants, Clerical job outlook and future demand
- Automation probability
- Very High
- AI disruption risk
- Very High
- Demand trend
- Declining
Job satisfaction as Library Assistants, Clerical
- Overall satisfaction
- 6/10
- Meaning
- 5/10
- Work-life balance
- 7/10
- Prestige
- 4.5/10
- Social perception
- Low
Where practitioners gather
Professional organisations
- American Library Association (ALA): A professional organization that provides leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services.
- Special Libraries Association (SLA): A global organization for information professionals and their strategic partners in corporate, academic, and government settings.
Podcasts and media
- Library Journal: A leading publication for librarians and library professionals, offering news, reviews, and articles.
- Library Worklife: A newsletter from the ALA focusing on career development and workplace issues for library workers.
Reddit communities
- r/Libraries: An online community for library professionals and enthusiasts to discuss library-related topics.