Occupation · SOC 43-4121
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 INTEGER and title. Register patrons to permit them to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials.
Median wage
$36,010
$25,090–$52,790
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
80,070
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
0 mapped
Core skills
Service OrientationReading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingCoordination
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceAdministrativeEnglish LanguageEducation and Training
Technology & tools
Document management softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareLibrary softwareObject or component oriented development softwareData base user interface and query software
Representative 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reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.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.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.Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.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.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Shelved materials — sort and return books, periodicals, and other items to designated locations following established procedures in a public or academic library.Library opening and closing tasks — perform under direct supervision, including securing computers and audio-visual equipment at specified hours.Circulation desk transactions — check library materials in and out under close guidance from a supervising librarian.Patron records — enter basic borrower information into the library's computer system following a step-by-step data entry protocol.Routine patron inquiries — respond to straightforward questions about library hours, locations, and policies using scripted responses at a service desk.Reserve materials — place items on hold for patrons and remove clearly out-of-date materials under direct instruction from library staff.Library catalog navigation — demonstrate basic use of the card catalog or automated catalog system when directed by a supervisor.Written communications — draft simple notices, labels, and shelf markers using office suite software under review by a librarian.Inter-library loan intake — collect and log patron requests for inter-library loans following a documented checklist.Material retrieval — locate books, periodicals, and Braille volumes from designated stacks using call-number guidance provided by senior staff.
developing
Shelving and sorting workflow — organize and return a full range of library materials including tape cassettes and pictures accurately and independently during regular shifts.Facility operations — open and close the library, verify equipment security, and resolve minor issues with audio-visual hardware without supervisory prompting.Patron record maintenance — update and correct borrower accounts in the library database software routinely and with minimal errors across a standard workday.Reference source guidance — instruct patrons on using reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems during walk-up interactions at a public service desk.Patron inquiry handling — answer a broad range of routine questions and consistently identify situations requiring referral to a professional librarian.Reserve and circulation management — process reserve requests, check materials in and out, and flag overdue items independently at the circulation desk.Inter-library loan processing — prepare, track, and return inter-library loan materials in compliance with partner library agreements.Correspondence and documentation — compose clear written communications, such as overdue notices and informational handouts, using electronic mail and office suite software.Patron assistance for digital tools — guide library users through database query interfaces and electronic catalog searches with confidence in a computer lab or reference area.Material condition assessment — identify damaged or deteriorating items during daily sorting and route them appropriately for repair or withdrawal.
proficient
Collection circulation oversight — manage the full circulation cycle for books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials autonomously, resolving non-routine patron disputes at the desk.Advanced patron services — address complex or sensitive patron inquiries, applying critical thinking to determine when professional librarian intervention is warranted.Database and catalog administration — maintain and update patron and item records in library software and database user interfaces, correcting systemic errors without guidance.Staff-level facility operations — execute all opening, closing, and equipment-security procedures and train new staff on these routines in a branch or departmental library.Reserve program coordination — design and manage reserve workflows for course materials or special collections, ensuring timely placement and removal of items.Inter-library loan coordination — independently process, track, and troubleshoot inter-library loan transactions, communicating with partner institutions to resolve delays.Patron instruction sessions — plan and deliver informal group orientations on reference tools, automated systems, and catalog navigation in a library instruction setting.Digital and multimedia services — support patron access to document management software, photo imaging software, and presentation tools, adapting explanations to varying skill levels.Service quality monitoring — identify recurring patron service issues, document findings, and propose procedural adjustments to the supervising librarian.Cross-functional coordination — collaborate with library departments and community partners to support programming, displays, and special collections in a public or academic environment.
advanced
Operational leadership — direct day-to-day library operations across multiple service areas, setting procedural standards for circulation, shelving, and facility management.Staff development — mentor and train clerical library staff at all experience levels, designing onboarding checklists and ongoing skill-building activities for the team.Workflow systems improvement — evaluate and redesign library circulation and reserve procedures, implementing updates to library software configurations to increase efficiency.Service orientation strategy — establish patron-service standards and communication protocols for the clerical team, modeling active listening and cooperative behavior across the branch.Technology integration leadership — lead the adoption and staff training for new library software, database interfaces, and digital tools introduced to the library system.Policy interpretation and application — translate library administration policies into clear operational guidelines for clerical staff, ensuring consistent and equitable patron service.Data integrity governance — oversee accuracy and completeness of patron and collection records across the library database, auditing entries and coaching staff on correction procedures.Community and patron engagement — represent the library at community events and outreach programs, communicating the library's services and resources with clarity and professionalism.Resource stewardship — manage supply budgets, equipment maintenance schedules, and material condition programs to maximize the useful life of library assets.Performance and quality leadership — establish measurable service benchmarks for clerical operations, review outcomes regularly, and report findings and recommendations to library administration.
Also known as
55 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Historian Apprentice (Air Force 3H031)Historian Manager (Air Force 3H000)Technical AssistantHistorian (Air Force 3H0X1)Historian Helper (Air Force 3H011)Historian Superintendent (Air Force 3H091)Talking Books Library ClerkMedia AssistantHistorian Craftsman (Air Force 3H071)Library Serials AssistantFilm Library ClerkPublic Services AssistantPersonnel Specialist (Navy PS)Library AssociateLibrary PageLibrary Customer Service ClerkPageLibrarian AssistantFilm-or-Tape LibrarianStudent Library AssistantChildren's Library AssistantRegistration ClerkBraille-and-Talking Books ClerkStacks AssistantBook SorterSubstitute LibrarianLibrary Media AssistantAccess Services AssistantLibrary Clerical AssistantShelving AssistantInterlibrary Loan SpecialistBraille and Talking Books ClerkMicrofilm ClerkLibrary SpecialistLibrary Services AssistantHistorian Journeyman (Air Force 3H051)Reference AssistantLibrary Circulation AssistantLibrary Information AssistantCirculation Assistant