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Occupation AtlasLibrary Assistants, Clerical

O*NET · 43-4121.00

Library Assistants, Clerical

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.

Also called Access Services Assistant · Acquisitions Assistant · Administrative Library Assistant · Book Sorter · Bookmobile Driver · Braille and Talking Books Clerk · Catalog Library Assistant · Cataloging Assistant
35 more

Children's Library Assistant · Circulation Assistant · Circulation Clerk · Circulation Representative · Film Library Clerk · Interlibrary Loan Specialist · Librarian Assistant · Library Aide · Library Assistant · Library Associate · Library Circulation Assistant · Library Circulation Clerk · Library Clerical Assistant · Library Clerk · Library Customer Service Clerk · Library Information Assistant · Library Media Assistant · Library Page · Library Serials Assistant · Library Services Assistant · Library Specialist · Media Assistant · Medical Library Assistant · Microfilm Clerk · Page · Public Services Assistant · Reference Assistant · Registration Clerk · Shelving Assistant · Stacks Assistant · Student Library Assistant · Substitute Librarian · Talking Books Library Clerk · Technical Assistant · Technical Services Assistant

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code CSR35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Data Entry Keyers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CSRConventional · Social · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional6.89
  • S Social3.77
  • R Realistic2.91
  • E Enterprising2.18
  • I Investigative2.00
  • A Artistic1.29

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma9%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent50%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate11%
  • Some College Courses14%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree12%
  • Bachelor's Degree5%
Related work experience
None (24%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (75%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (49%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Service Orientation3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Listeningbasic3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Speakingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Writingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Coordination3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Monitoringbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Time Management2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Complex Problem Solving2.92.1Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Instructing2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
Show the other 23

Tasks

25 core · 7 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Enter and update patrons' records on computers.4.3
  2. Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.4.3
  3. Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.4.3
  4. Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.4.3
  5. Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.4.3
  6. Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.4.2
  7. Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.4.1
  8. Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.4.1
  9. Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.4.1
  10. Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.4.0
  11. Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.4.0
  12. Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.4.0
Show the other 20
  1. Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.3.9
  2. Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.3.8
  3. Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.3.8
  4. Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.3.8
  5. Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.3.7
  6. Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.3.7
  7. Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.3.7
  8. Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.3.7
  9. Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.3.6
  10. Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests.3.4
  11. Prepare library statistics reports.3.4
  12. Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.3.3
  13. Assist in the preparation of book displays.3.1
  14. Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.4.3
  15. Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.4.0
  16. Plan or participate in library events and programs, such as story time with children.3.8
  17. Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.3.7
  18. Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.3.7
  19. Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.3.6
  20. 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.3.5

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Administrative3.73.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Customer and Personal Service3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language3.63.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Computers and Electronics3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Education and Training3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Psychology3.02.7
  • Public Safety and Security2.92.6
  • History and Archeology2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
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  • Sociology and Anthropology2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Administration and Management2.31.7Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Communications and Media2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Mathematics2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Geography2.22.7
  • Sales and Marketing2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Philosophy and Theology2.12.9
  • Telecommunications2.11.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Foreign Language1.81.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Law and Government1.71.7Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Production and Processing1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Therapy and Counseling1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Economics and Accounting1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Fine Arts1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Transportation1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Design1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Chemistry1.30.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Engineering and Technology1.3—
  • Mechanical1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Physics1.2—
  • Biology1.1—
  • Building and Construction1.1—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Expression3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Information Ordering3.43.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Comprehension3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Near Vision3.33.6
  • Problem Sensitivity3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Speech Clarity3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
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  • Category Flexibility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Perceptual Speed3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Selective Attention3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Written Expression3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive Reasoning2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive Reasoning2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Time Sharing2.92.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Flexibility of Closure2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Far Vision2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Trunk Strength2.62.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Finger Dexterity2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Memorization2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Visualization2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Auditory Attention2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Extent Flexibility2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Fluency of Ideas2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Originality2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Closure2.12.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Static Strength2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Control Precision2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Dynamic Strength2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Manual Dexterity2.02.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Multilimb Coordination2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Number Facility2.02.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Stamina2.01.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Spatial Orientation1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.60.6
  • Depth Perception1.40.5
  • Explosive Strength1.1—
  • Night Vision1.1—
  • Peripheral Vision1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Reaction Time1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.73.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Getting Information4.24.0Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.13.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.84.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
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  • Processing Information3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.52.9
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.32.9
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.22.5Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Thinking Creatively3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.02.9
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.92.8
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.82.8
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.72.7
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.72.8
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Training and Teaching Others2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Developing and Building Teams2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.2—
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.1—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.1—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Telephone Conversations4.6
  • Contact With Others4.5
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.2
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.0
  • Freedom to Make Decisions3.9
  • Frequency of Decision Making3.9

Technology

20 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (2)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot

Hot (8; 2 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • C++
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (10)
  • Automated circulation systems
  • Cataloging software
  • Database software
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) databases
  • Recordkeeping software
  • ResourceMate Plus
  • Video retrieval systems
  • Web browser software
  • WorldCat

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Library Technicians
  2. File Clerks
  3. Office Clerks, General
  4. Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
  5. Document Management Specialists
  6. Stockers and Order Fillers
  7. Receptionists and Information Clerks
  8. Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
  9. Correspondence Clerks
  10. Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.