Library assistants assist librarians and, in some cases, library technicians in organizing library resources and making them available to users. (Librarians and library technicians are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Library assistants, clerical—sometimes referred to as library media assistants, library aides, or circulation assistants—register patrons so that they can borrow materials from the library. They record the borrower's name and address from an application and then issue a library card. Most library assistants enter patrons' records into computer databases.
At the circulation desk, library assistants lend and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials. When an item is borrowed, assistants stamp the due date on the material and record the patron's identification from his or her library card. They inspect returned materials for damage, check due dates, and compute fines for overdue material. Library assistants review records, compile a list of overdue materials, and send out notices reminding patrons that their materials are overdue. They also answer patrons' questions and refer those they cannot answer to a librarian.
Throughout the library, assistants sort returned books, periodicals, and other items and put them on their designated shelves, in the appropriate files, or in storage areas. They locate materials to be loaned, to either a patron or another library. Many card catalogues are computerized, so library assistants must be familiar with computers. If any materials have been damaged, these workers try to repair them. For example, they use tape or paste to repair torn pages or book covers and other specialized processes to repair more valuable materials.
Some library assistants specialize in helping patrons who have vision problems. Sometimes referred to as library, talking-books, or braille-and-talking-books clerks, they review the borrower's list of desired reading materials. They locate those materials or closely related substitutes from the library collection of large-type or braille volumes, tape cassettes, and open-reel talking books, complete the requisite paperwork, and give or mail the materials to the borrower.
.Opportunities should be good through 2012 for persons interested in jobs as library assistants. Turnover of these workers is quite high, reflecting the limited investment in training and subsequent weak attachment to this occupation. The work is attractive to retirees, students, and others who want a part-time schedule, and there is a lot of movement into and out of the occupation. Many openings will become available each year to replace workers who transfer to another occupation or who leave the labor force. Some positions become available as library assistants move within the organization. Library assistants can be promoted to library technicians and, eventually, supervisory positions in public-service or technical-service areas. Advancement opportunities are greater in larger libraries.
Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012. The vast majority of library assistants work in public or school libraries. Efforts to contain costs in local governments and academic institutions of all types may result in more hiring of library support staff than librarians. Also, due to changing roles within libraries, library assistants are taking on more responsibility. Because most are employed by public institutions, library assistants are not directly affected by the ups and downs of the business cycle. Some of these workers may lose their jobs, however, if there are cuts in government budgets.
.Information about a career as a library assistant can be obtained from either of the following organizations:
Public libraries and libraries in academic institutions also can provide information about job openings for library assistants.
(See the introductory statement on information and record clerks for information on working conditions, training requirements, and earnings.)
They record the borrower's name and address from an application and then issue a library card. Most library assistants enter patrons' records into computer databases. At the circulation desk, library assistants lend and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials. If any materials have been damaged, these workers try to repair them. More than one half of these workers were employed by local government in public libraries; most of the remaining employees worked in school libraries.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos147.htm
This site is provided by the Library Information Technology Department, a library science program for Library Technical Assistants. Processes materials that lack call numbers. Assigns call numbers that conform to LC classification and shelflisting rules using electronic classification schedules and appropriate cutter number tables. Monitors production of the unit and adjusts workflow. May be assigned Expert Partner or other duties.
Summary of: http://www.ccsf.edu/Departments/Library_Information_Technology/library_jobs.htm
They assist librarians, and in some cases, library technicians. At the circulation desk, assistants lend and collect books, periodicals, video tapes, and other materials. If any materials have been damaged, these workers try to repair them. To extend library services to more patrons, many libraries operate bookmobiles. Bookmobile drivers take trucks stocked with books to designated sites on a regular schedule.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20002001/134.htm
Locate library materials for loan and replace material in shelving area, stacks, or files according to identification number and title. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. Job Zone Examples These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas.
Summary of: http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/43-4121.00
They record information from the borrower and issue a library card. They help people find library materials. When patrons borrow items, assistants record or scan information from the borrower's library card. Drivers may work alone or be accompanied by a library technician. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up.
Summary of: http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=100356
Library assistants-sometimes referred to as library media assistants, library aides, or circulation assistants-register patrons so they can borrow materials from the library. At the circulation desk, assistants lend and collect books, periodicals, video tapes, and other materials. If any of the materials have been damaged, these workers repair them, if possible. To extend library services to as wide an audience as possible, many libraries operate bookmobiles. Bookmobile drivers drive trucks stocked with books or drive light trucks that pull book trailers to designated sites on a regular schedule.
Summary of: http://www2.jobtrak.com/help_manuals/outlook/ocos147.html
Ability to perform clerical tasks with limited supervision and assume clerical responsibility for a major segment of the library's operations. Performs a variety of clerical and computer-related tasks as assigned. Prepare circulation desk for services on a daily basis with needed supplies. Responsible for shelving, straightening and shelf reading of library materials. Sorts returned materials by type, location, or unit of library to which assigned.
Summary of: http://www.kckpl.lib.ks.us/kckpl/libassjd.html
Milner Library Stanley A. The Circulation Division also provides greater access to the community through its collections of bus schedules, community brochures and arts newspapers. The staff selects material system wide and assists customers in searches as varied as helping to choose music for a wedding or what music to play at your high school re-union. Its reference collection is extensive, particularly in the areas of children's literature and folklore and readers' services. We provide in-person and telephone service to customers who require library service information, memberships, account information and reserves, as well as help provide access to our catalogue.
Summary of: http://www.epl.ca/EPLBranchesDetail.cfm?id=DOWNTOWN
They assist librarians and, in some cases, library technicians. Most library assistants enter and update patrons' records using computer databases. At the circulation desk, assistants lend and collect books, periodicals, video tapes, and other materials. If any materials have been damaged, these workers try to repair them. For example, they use tape or paste to repair torn pages or book covers and other specialized processes to repair more valuable materials.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20022003/ocos147.htm
Library Assistants at this level act more independently and may involve supervision of other employees. Library Assistants (clerical) perform many duties related to record keeping in the library. Library Assistants (paraprofessional) may also be responsible for scheduling and supervising the work of clerical workers. Some Library Assistants working in public libraries are assigned to bookmobiles which take collections of materials to hospitals, senior citizen centers, and neighborhoods without a library branch. For assistants with experience, salaries can rise to $1,600 to $3,400 per month.
Summary of: http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/LIBRASST.htm