Life As a Clerical Library Assistant
Career 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.
Daily Life Of a Clerical Library Assistant
- Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
- Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
- Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.
- Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.
- Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.
- Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Clerical Library Assistant?
Clerical Library Assistants state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Types of Clerical Library Assistant
- Access Services Assistant
- Public Services Assistant
- Library Aide
- Administrative Library Assistant
- Cataloging Assistant
Is There Going to be Demand for Clerical Library Assistants?
There were about 104,300 jobs for Clerical Library Assistant in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 16,300 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Clerical Library Assistant Salary
The average yearly salary of a Clerical Library Assistant ranges between $18,810 and $43,430.
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
Becoming a Clerical Library Assistant
Individuals working as a Clerical Library Assistant have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Clerical Library Assistant?
Clerical Library Assistants Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Clerical Library Assistant may also be interested in:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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