What Do Clerical Library Assistants Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Clerical Library Assistants 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. They also sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.

Other tasks include:

• Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.
• Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
• Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
• Enter and update patrons’ records on computers.
• Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
• Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-dated items.

We asked Clerical Library Assistants how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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70% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 60% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Clerical Library Assistants open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment. They perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.

A typical day for a Clerical Library Assistant will also include:

• Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
• Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
• Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.
• Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-dated items.
• Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.

We asked some Clerical Library Assistants a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	85% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	35% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	89% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	52% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	20% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	35% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Clerical Library Assistants also assist in the preparation of book displays. They may also design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Clerical Library Assistants Place books in mailing containers, affix address labels, and secure containers with straps for mailing to blind library patrons. They might also Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.

In addition, they Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.

To some Clerical Library Assistants, it is also their responsibility to Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Clerical Library Assistant, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/education-training-and-library/library-technicians-and-assistants.htm

http://www.ala.org/

http://librarycareers.drupalgardens.com/

http://www.sla.org/