Library Assistants, Clerical

Description

Compile records, 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.

Tasks

Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audiovisual (AV) equipment.
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.
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.
Process new materials including books, audiovisual materials, and computer software.
Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual and other materials.
Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.
Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.
Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.
Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.
Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-dated items.
Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.
Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.
Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.
Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities such as, invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.
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.
Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status, and compute any applicable fines.
Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes, or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.
Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
Place books in mailing containers, affix address labels, and secure containers with straps for mailing to blind library patrons.
Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.
Acquire books, pamphlets, periodicals, audiovisual 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.
Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.
Prepare library statistics reports.
Operate and maintain audiovisual equipment.
Assist in the preparation of book displays.
Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.

Knowledge

Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Food Production: Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Skills

Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Selection: Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Installation: Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Abilities

Sound Localization: The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Reaction Time: The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Speed of Limb Movement: The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Dynamic Flexibility: The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Rate Control: The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Response Orientation: The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Explosive Strength: The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Night Vision: The ability to see under low light conditions.
Peripheral Vision: The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Glare Sensitivity: The ability to see objects in the presence of glare or bright lighting.

Interests

Conventional: 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: 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: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Enterprising: 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: 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: 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.

Work Style

Cooperation: Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Attention to Detail: Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability: Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence: 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.
Adaptability/Flexibility: Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Concern for Others: Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Self Control: Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance: Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Integrity: Job requires being honest and ethical.
Initiative: Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Work Values

Relationships: 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: 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: 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: Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Recognition: 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.
Independence: Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Related Occupations

Library Technicians

Counter and Rental Clerks

Statement Clerks

Procurement Clerks

Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan

Order Clerks

Postal Service Clerks

Medical Secretaries

Insurance Claims Clerks

Office Clerks, General

Lay Titles

Access Services Assistant

Acquisitions Assistant

Administrative Library Assistant

Bibliographic Services Specialist

Bookmobile Driver

Braille and Talking Books Clerk

Catalog Library Assistant

Cataloging Assistant

Circulation Clerk

Circulation Librarian

Circulation Manager

Circulation Representative

Circulation Supervisor

Clerk

Film Library Clerk

Film or Tape Librarian

Interlibrary Loan Specialist

Librarian Assistant

Library Aide

Library Assistant

Library Associate

Library Circulation Assistant

Library Circulation Clerk

Library Clerical Assistant

Library Clerk

Library Media Assistant

Library Paraprofessional

Library Serials Assistant

Library Services Assistant

Library Specialist

Library Technical Assistant

Library Technician

Medical Library Assistant

Microfilm Clerk

Music Library Assistant

Page

Periodicals Library Assistant

Public Services Assistant

Reference Assistant

Reference Library Assistant

Registration Clerk

Talking Books Library Clerk

Technical Services Assistant

National Wages and Employment Info

Median Wages (2008):: $11.27 hourly, $23,440 annual.

Employment (2008):: 104,030 employees