Library Assistants, Clerical :: Job Description

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Library Assistants, Clerical

Careers / Library Assistants, Clerical

Summary Description


	Compile records, 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.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Access Services Assistant

2.	Acquisitions Assistant

3.	Administrative Library Assistant

4.	Assistant Librarian

5.	Bibliographic Services Specialist

6.	Book Sorter

7.	Bookmobile Driver

8.	Braille and Talking Books Clerk

9.	Catalog Library Assistant

10.	Cataloging Assistant

11.	Circulation Assistant

12.	Circulation Clerk

13.	Circulation Librarian

14.	Circulation Manager

15.	Circulation Representative

16.	Circulation Supervisor

17.	Clerk

18.	Film Library Clerk

19.	Film or Tape Librarian

20.	Interlibrary Loan Specialist

21.	Librarian

22.	Librarian Assistant

23.	Library Aide

24.	Library Assistant

25.	Library Associate

26.	Library Circulation Assistant

27.	Library Circulation Clerk

28.	Library Clerical Assistant

29.	Library Clerk

30.	Library Customer Service Clerk

31.	Library Media Assistant

32.	Library Page

33.	Library Paraprofessional

34.	Library Serials Assistant

35.	Library Services Assistant

36.	Library Specialist

37.	Library Technical Assistant

38.	Library Technician

39.	Media Assistant

40.	Media Clerk

41.	Medical Library Assistant

42.	Microfilm Clerk

43.	Music Library Assistant

44.	Page

45.	Periodicals Clerk

46.	Periodicals Library Assistant

47.	Public Services Assistant

48.	Reference Assistant

49.	Reference Library Assistant

50.	Registration Clerk

51.	Talking Books Library Clerk

52.	Technical Assistant

53.	Technical Services Assistant

Job Tasks

	Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors. Manage clerical or administrative activities.

	Enter and update patrons' records on computers. Enter information into databases or software programs.

	Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-dated items. Distribute materials to employees or customers.

	Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.

	Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual (AV) equipment.

	Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures. Track goods or materials.

	Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials. Issue documentation or identification to customers or employees.

	Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans. Distribute materials to employees or customers.

	Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians. Refer customers to appropriate personnel.

	Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used. Maintain inventory records.

	Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books. Send information, materials or documentation. Collect deposits, payments or fees.

	Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material. Sort mail. Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information. Type documents.

	Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.

	Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash. Maintain financial or account records.

	Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers. Store records or related materials. Maintain inventory records.

	Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests.

	Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.

	Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons. Maintain security.

	Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas. Sort materials or products.

	Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines. Inspect items for damage or defects. Calculate financial data.

	Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.

	Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose. Sort materials or products.

	Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees. Supervise clerical or administrative personnel. Prepare employee work schedules.

	Place books in mailing containers, affix address labels, and secure containers with straps for mailing to blind library patrons. Attach identification information to products, items or containers. Package objects for shipping.

	Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers. Maintain inventory records.

	Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment. Maintain office equipment in proper operating condition.

	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. Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance. Order materials, supplies, or equipment.

	Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts. Deliver items.

	Prepare library statistics reports. Prepare research or technical reports.

	Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.

	Assist in the preparation of book displays.

	Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues. Develop computer or online applications.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Library Technicians and Assistants
	Library technicians and assistants help librarians with all aspects of running a library. They assist patrons, organize library materials and information, and perform clerical and administrative tasks.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Library Technicians and Assistants
	Library technicians and assistants work in public, school, company, and university libraries. Many work part time.

	Read More >>

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