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Library Assistants, Clerical Occupation Detailed Description

Library Assistants, Clerical career

General Job Description and Education/Training Levels for Library Assistants, Clerical

The main tasks and work activities of Library Assistants, Clerical are to enter information into databases or software programs, sort materials or products, track goods or materials, calculate financial data. In general, for the Library Assistants, Clerical, service Orientation, reading Comprehension, active Listening, coordination and other 4 skills are required.
Library Assistants, Clerical Job Description
EducationThese occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related ExperienceSome previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job TrainingEmployees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
ExampleThese occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
The following chart shows the education/training levels for Library Assistants, Clerical jobs. 49.83% of Library Assistants, Clerical have High School Diploma (or the equivalent) and 10.74% of Library Assistants, Clerical have Post-Secondary Certificate.
Less than a High School Diploma
8.60%
High School Diploma (or the equivalent)
49.83%
Post-Secondary Certificate
10.74%
Some College Courses
14.14%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
12.12%
Bachelor's Degree and Above
4.57%

Tasks and Work Activities of Library Assistants, Clerical

  • Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
  • Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.
  • Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
  • Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
  • Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
  • Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.
  • Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
  • Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.
  • Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.
  • Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.
  • Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
  • Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.
  • Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.
  • Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.
  • Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.
  • Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.
  • Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.
  • Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests.
  • Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.
  • Place books in mailing containers, affix address labels, and secure containers with straps for mailing to blind library patrons.
  • Interacting With ComputersUsing computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting InformationObserving, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsDeveloping constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProviding information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeKeeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicPerforming for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  • Processing InformationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMonitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Documenting/Recording InformationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Enter information into databases or software programs.
  • Sort materials or products.
  • Track goods or materials.
  • Calculate financial data.
  • Inspect items for damage or defects.
  • Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
  • Maintain inventory records.
  • Maintain security.
  • Issue documentation or identification to customers or employees.
  • Collect deposits, payments or fees.
  • Send information, materials or documentation.
  • Manage clerical or administrative activities.
  • Store records or related materials.
  • Deliver items.
  • Package objects for shipping.
  • Attach identification information to products, items or containers.
  • Sort mail.
  • Type documents.
  • Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
  • Prepare employee work schedules.

Skills and Abilities for Library Assistants, Clerical

  • Service OrientationActively looking for ways to help people.
  • Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Active ListeningGiving 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.
  • CoordinationAdjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
  • WritingCommunicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Oral ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Written ComprehensionThe ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Oral ComprehensionThe ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Information OrderingThe ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Near VisionThe ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Speech ClarityThe ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  • Speech RecognitionThe ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • Problem SensitivityThe ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Selective AttentionThe ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
  • Perceptual SpeedThe ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
  • Category FlexibilityThe ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
  • Written ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
  • Desktop calculatore.g. 10-key calculators
  • Bar code reader equipmente.g. Barcode scanners
  • Cargo truckse.g. Bookmobiles
  • Braille devices for the physically challengede.g. Braile embossers
  • Cash registerse.g. Cash registers
  • Minivans or vanse.g. Delivery vans
  • Desktop computerse.g. Desktop computers
  • Digital camerase.g. Digital cameras
  • Film projectorse.g. Film projectors
  • Pocket calculatore.g. Handheld calculators
  • Laminatorse.g. Laminating machines
  • Laser fax machinee.g. Laser facsimile machines
  • Laser printerse.g. Laser printers
  • Magnifierse.g. Magnifiers
  • Mail opening machinese.g. Mail opening equipment
  • Microfiche or microfilm viewerse.g. Microfiche printers
  • Microfiche or microfilm viewerse.g. Microfiche readers
  • Microfiche reader printerse.g. Microfilm printers
  • Microfiche or microfilm viewerse.g. Microfilm readers
  • Multi function printerse.g. Multi function printers
  • Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • ClericalKnowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
  • English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Education and TrainingKnowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.