What You'll Do

  • Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
  • Process new materials including books, audio-visual 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.
  • 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.

Essential Skills

Service Orientation 3.38/5
Reading Comprehension 3.25/5
Active Listening 3.25/5
Writing 3.0/5
Speaking 3.0/5
Critical Thinking 3.0/5
Coordination 3.0/5
Monitoring 2.88/5
Social Perceptiveness 2.88/5
Complex Problem Solving 2.88/5
Time Management 2.88/5
Instructing 2.75/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Helper: Supporting people and making a difference matters to you.
  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.

Common styles

Cooperation, Dependability, Integrity, Concern for Others, Attention to Detail

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Written Comprehension 3.62/5
Oral Expression 3.62/5
Oral Comprehension 3.38/5
Information Ordering 3.38/5
Near Vision 3.25/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.12/5
Speech Recognition 3.12/5
Speech Clarity 3.12/5

Technologies & Tools

Adobe Acrobat Adobe Photoshop Automated circulation systems C++ Cataloging software Database software Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Publisher Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) databases Recordkeeping software ResourceMate Plus Video retrieval systems Web browser software Word processing software

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Cooperation (High importance: 4.44/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.28/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.24/5)
  • Concern for Others (High importance: 4.05/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.04/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Access Services Assistant Acquisitions Assistant Administrative Library Assistant Book Sorter Bookmobile Driver Braille and Talking Books Clerk Catalog Library Assistant Cataloging Assistant Children's Library Assistant Circulation Assistant Circulation Clerk Circulation Representative Film Library Clerk Interlibrary Loan Specialist Librarian Assistant Library Aide Library Assistant Library Associate Library Circulation Assistant Library Circulation Clerk Library Clerical Assistant Library Clerk Library Customer Service Clerk Library Information Assistant Library Media Assistant Library Page Library Serials Assistant Library Services Assistant Library Specialist Media Assistant Medical Library Assistant Microfilm Clerk Page Public Services Assistant Reference Assistant Registration Clerk Shelving Assistant Stacks Assistant Student Library Assistant Substitute Librarian Talking Books Library Clerk Technical Assistant Technical Services Assistant