National
| Median wages (2008) |
$10.88 hourly, $22,630 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
116,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
46,000 additional employees |
43-4121.00 - Library Assistants, Clerical
Compile records, sort and shelve books, and issue and receive library materials such as 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 of reported job titles:
Library Assistant, Library Clerk, Library Technical Assistant, Acquisitions Assistant, Library Circulation Assistant, Library Services Assistant, Library Aide, Circulation Supervisor, Circulation Representative, Library Associate
Tasks
- Lend and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks.
- Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
- Process new materials including books, audiovisual materials, and computer software.
- Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
- Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
- Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
- Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status, and compute any applicable fines.
- Answer routine inquiries, and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
- Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned, and file catalog cards according to system used.
- Perform clerical activities such as filing, typing, word processing, photocopying and mailing out material, and mail sorting.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Bar code reader equipment — Barcode scanners |
| Cargo trucks — Bookmobiles |
| Cash registers |
| Microfiche or microfilm viewers — Microfiche printers; Microfiche readers; Microfilm readers |
| Minivans or vans — Delivery van |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Data base user interface and query software — Database software; Microsoft Access |
| Information retrieval or search software — Video retrieval systems |
| Library software — Cataloging software; Online Computer Library Center OCLC; ResourceMate Plus; WorldCat |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
