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Library Assistants, Clerical
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
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.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $19K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $23K
Median Salary: $28K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $36K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $45K
Demand
Core Tasks
Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.
Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
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reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.
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.
Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.
Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.
Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.
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.
Plan or participate in library events and programs, such as story time with children.
Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.
Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.
Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.
Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.
Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.
Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.
Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.
Place books in mailing containers, affix address labels, and secure containers with straps for mailing to blind library patrons.
Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.
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.
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.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Customer and Personal Service
75%
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Clerical
74%
Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
English Language
72%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Education and Training
61%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Computers and Electronics
60%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Psychology
60%
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Public Safety and Security
59%
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
History and Archeology
48%
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Sociology and Anthropology
48%
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
Administration and Management
47%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Top 10 Skills
Service Orientation
68%
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Active Listening
65%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
65%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Coordination
60%
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking
60%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking
60%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing
60%
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving
58%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring
58%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness
58%
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Top 10 Abilities
Oral Expression
73%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension
73%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Information Ordering
68%
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Comprehension
68%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Near Vision
65%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity
63%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Speech Clarity
63%
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition
63%
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Category Flexibility
60%
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Perceptual Speed
60%
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Top 10 Work Activities
Interacting With Computers
93%
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information
84%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
83%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
83%
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
83%
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Handling and Moving Objects
81%
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
78%
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
77%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Processing Information
77%
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Documenting/Recording Information
69%
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Detailed Work Activities
Sort materials or products.
Maintain security.
Track goods or materials.
Enter information into databases or software programs.
Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
Distribute materials to employees or customers.
Demonstrate activity techniques or equipment use.
Inspect items for damage or defects.
Calculate financial data.
Maintain inventory records.
Sort mail.
Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
Type documents.
Issue documentation or identification to customers or employees.
Process library materials.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Send information, materials or documentation.
Collect deposits, payments or fees.
Maintain office equipment in proper operating condition.
Supervise clerical or administrative personnel.
Prepare employee work schedules.
Repair books or other printed material.
Store records or related materials.
Provide customer service to clients or users.
Prepare research or technical reports.
Deliver items.
Arrange items for use or display.
Manage clerical or administrative activities.
Plan educational activities.
Plan special events.
Maintain financial or account records.
Operate office equipment.
Maintain electronic equipment.
Attach identification information to products, items or containers.
Package objects for shipping.
Develop computer or online applications.
Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
Work Context
Electronic Mail
How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Work With Work Group or Team
How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Contact With Others
How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
Deal With External Customers
How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
Frequency of Decision Making
How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Freedom to Make Decisions
How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
Education
Interests
Conventional
100%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Realistic
77%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Social
58%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Enterprising
39%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Investigative
24%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic
15%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Top 10 Work Styles
Cooperation
89%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
86%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Integrity
85%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Adaptability/Flexibility
81%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Attention to Detail
81%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Concern for Others
81%
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Self Control
81%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Independence
79%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Stress Tolerance
73%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Initiative
70%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Work Values
Relationships
72%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Achievement
39%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
36%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
34%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Recognition
34%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
