What is a Clerical Library Assistant?
Position 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.
Life As a Clerical Library Assistant
- Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
- Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.
- Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.
- Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests.
- Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.
- 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.
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Skills Needed to be a Clerical Library Assistant
These are the skills Clerical Library Assistants say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Other Clerical Library Assistant Job Titles
- Book Sorter
- Media Assistant
- Library Clerk
- Acquisitions Assistant
- Braille and Talking Books Clerk
Clerical Library Assistant Employment Estimates
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. 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.
Do Clerical Library Assistants Make A Lot Of Money?
Clerical Library Assistants make between $18,810 and $43,430 a year.

Clerical Library Assistants who work in District of Columbia, Oregon, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Clerical Library Assistants make 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Clerical Library Assistants
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
What education or degrees do I need to become a Clerical Library Assistant?

What work experience do I need to become a Clerical Library Assistant?

Where Clerical Library Assistants Work

Clerical Library Assistants work in the following industries:

Related 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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