Life As a Clerical Library Assistant
Occupation 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.
List of Clerical Library Assistant Job Duties
- Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
- Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.
- Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.
- Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
- Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
- 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.
Featured schools near , edit
Things a Clerical Library Assistant Should Know How to Do
When polled, Clerical Library Assistants say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: 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.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Access Services Assistant
- Clerk
- Library Services Assistant
- Public Services Assistant
- Film Library Clerk
Job Demand for Clerical Library Assistants
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 104,300 jobs in the United States for Clerical Library Assistant. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 9,800 new jobs for Clerical Library Assistant by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 16,300 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Clerical Library Assistant are Utah, Nevada, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, New Jersey, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Clerical Library Assistant
The salary for Clerical Library Assistants ranges between about $18,810 and $43,430 a year.
Clerical Library Assistants who work in District of Columbia, Oregon, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Clerical Library Assistants in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $23,800 |
Alaska | $35,200 |
Arizona | $29,010 |
Arkansas | $23,800 |
California | $35,540 |
Colorado | $29,700 |
Connecticut | $33,080 |
Delaware | $24,250 |
District of Columbia | $50,420 |
Florida | $27,270 |
Georgia | $25,200 |
Hawaii | $32,330 |
Idaho | $25,000 |
Illinois | $27,840 |
Indiana | $24,710 |
Iowa | $24,930 |
Kansas | $25,010 |
Kentucky | $26,780 |
Louisiana | $27,170 |
Maine | $27,220 |
Maryland | $29,380 |
Massachusetts | $34,460 |
Michigan | $26,040 |
Minnesota | $33,390 |
Mississippi | $22,570 |
Missouri | $22,290 |
Montana | $26,120 |
Nebraska | $23,890 |
Nevada | $36,280 |
New Hampshire | $26,780 |
New Jersey | $31,850 |
New Mexico | $23,310 |
New York | $33,900 |
North Carolina | $26,230 |
North Dakota | $28,220 |
Ohio | $27,590 |
Oklahoma | $22,940 |
Oregon | $35,820 |
Pennsylvania | $25,160 |
South Carolina | $25,050 |
Tennessee | $28,200 |
Texas | $27,390 |
Utah | $25,540 |
Vermont | $28,650 |
Virginia | $27,260 |
Washington | $33,690 |
West Virginia | $22,960 |
Wisconsin | $32,910 |
Wyoming | $31,090 |
What Tools do Clerical Library Assistants Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Clerical Library Assistants:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Database software
- Microsoft Publisher
- Recordkeeping software
- C++
- Online Computer Library Center OCLC
- WorldCat
How to Become a Clerical Library Assistant
Are there Clerical Library Assistants education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become a Clerical Library Assistant?
Where Clerical Library Assistants Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Clerical Library Assistants work:
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Clerical Library Assistant might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info | Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |