Library assistants, clerical—sometimes referred to as library media assistants, library aides, or circulation assistants—help librarians and library technicians organize library resources and make them available to users.
At the circulation desk, library assistants lend and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials. When an item is borrowed, assistants scan it and the patron's library card to record the transaction in the library database; they then stamp the due date on the item or print a receipt with the due date. When an item is returned, assistants inspect it for damage and scan it to record its return. Electronic circulation systems automatically generate notices reminding patrons that their materials are overdue, but library assistants may review the record for accuracy before sending out the notice. Library assistants also register new patrons and issue them library cards. They answer patrons' questions or refer them 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. Before reshelving returned materials, they look for any damage and try to make repairs. For example, they may use tape or paste to repair torn pages or book covers and use other specialized processes to repair more valuable materials.
Assistants also locate materials being lent to a patron or another library. Because nearly all library catalogs are computerized, library assistants must be familiar with computers. They sometimes help patrons with computer searches.
Some library assistants specialize in helping patrons who have vision problems. Sometimes referred to as braille-and-talking-books clerks, these assistants review the borrower's list of desired reading materials, and locate those materials or close substitutes from the library collection of large-type or braille volumes and books on tape. Then, they give or mail the materials to the borrower.
Work environment. Library assistants who prepare library materials may sit at desks or computer terminals for long periods and can develop headaches or eyestrain. Some duties can be repetitive and boring, such as shelving new or returned materials. Others can be rewarding, such as assisting patrons who are performing computer searches with the use of local and regional library networks. Library assistants may lift and carry books, climb ladders to reach high stacks, and bend low to shelve books on bottom shelves.
Library assistants in school libraries work regular school hours. Those in public libraries and college and university libraries also work weekends, evenings, and some holidays. About 60 percent of library assistants work part time, making the job appealing to retirees, students, and others interested in flexible schedules.
| 1. | Lend and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks. |
| 2. | Enter and update patrons' records on computers. |
| 3. | Process new materials including books, audiovisual materials, and computer software. |
| 4. | Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas. |
| 5. | Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures. |
| 6. | Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems. |
| 7. | Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status, and compute any applicable fines. |
| 8. | Answer routine inquiries, and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians. |
| 9. | Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned, and file catalog cards according to system used. |
| 10. | Perform clerical activities such as filing, typing, word processing, photocopying and mailing out material, and mail sorting. |
| 11. | Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual and other materials. |
| 12. | Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons. |
| 13. | Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose. |
| 14. | Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials. |
| 15. | Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books. |
| 16. | Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors. |
| 17. | Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers. |
| 18. | Schedule and supervise clerical workers, volunteers, and student assistants. |
| 19. | Operate and maintain audiovisual equipment. |
| 20. | Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers. |
| 21. | Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable following criteria such as age, education, and interests. |
| 22. | Repair books, using mending tape, paste, and brushes. |
| 23. | Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts. |
| 24. | Facilitate the acquisition of books, pamphlets, periodicals, and audiovisual materials by checking prices, figuring costs, and preparing appropriate order forms. |
| 25. | Place books in mailing containers, affix address labels, and secure containers with straps for mailing to blind library patrons. |
| 26. | Assist in the preparation of book displays. |
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