CFChooseField
Office and Administration

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Library Assistants, Clerical
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Median pay

$36,010
Median annual pay for Library Assistants, Clerical.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-6.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

12,800
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

84,500
Estimated U.S. employment for Library Assistants, Clerical in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-5,600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Monitoring

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2Administrative
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Education and Training
  5. 5Psychology
  6. 6Computers and Electronics

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Expression
  2. 2Written Comprehension
  3. 3Information Ordering
  4. 4Oral Comprehension
  5. 5Near Vision
  6. 6Problem Sensitivity

Career interests

  1. 1Conventional
  2. 2Social
  3. 3Realistic
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Investigative
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cooperation
  4. 4Social Orientation
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Working with Computers
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  4. 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  5. 5Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  6. 6Handling and Moving Objects

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2E-Mail
  3. 3Telephone Conversations
  4. 4Contact With Others
  5. 5Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

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

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandAdobe Acrobat · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyC++ · hot technologyAdobe Photoshop · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyDatabase softwareCataloging software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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