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Library Assistants, Clerical - 43-4121.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Compile records, and 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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

Acquisitions Assistant
Cataloging Assistant
Library Aide
Library Assistant
Library Associate

Library Circulation Assistant
Library Clerical Assistant
Library Clerk
Library Services Assistant

SOC Occupation Groups

43-0000	Office and Administrative Support Occupations
43-4000	Information and Record Clerks
43-4120	Library Assistants, Clerical
43-4121.00	Library Assistants, Clerical

Related Occupations

15-1299.03	Document Management Specialists Bright Outlook
25-4031.00	Library Technicians
43-4021.00	Correspondence Clerks
43-4071.00	File Clerks
43-4171.00	Receptionists and Information Clerks
43-6011.00	Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
43-6014.00	Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
43-9061.00	Office Clerks, General
43-9071.00	Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
53-7065.00	Stockers and Order Fillers

Tasks

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.
Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
Assist in the preparation of book displays.
Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.
Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.
Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.
Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.
Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.
Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.
Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.
Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.
Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.
Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.
Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.
Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.
Place books in mailing containers, affix address labels, and secure containers with straps for mailing to blind library patrons.
Plan or participate in library events and programs, such as story time with children.
Prepare library statistics reports.
Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.
Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.
Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.
Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.
Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.
Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.
Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.
Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests.
Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.
Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.