Office and administrative support
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.
Median pay
$36,910
Growth to 2035
−6%
declining
Openings a year
12,300
Time to qualify*
1 month
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Library assistants, clerical
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Exposure to disease
Library assistants, clerical: 18% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
- Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.
- Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
- Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
- Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
- Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.
- Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.
- Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
Also called: Acquisitions Assistant · Cataloging Assistant · Library Aide · Library Assistant · Library Associate · Library Circulation Assistant · Library Clerical Assistant · Library Clerk
Outlook and AI
Library assistants, clerical held 89,500 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 83,800 by 2035 (−6%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Demand change - share decreases as library patrons utilize resources and materials that do not require library assistants, such as programs, digital books and audiobooks, and other physical technologies.
Compare with
- Library assistants, clerical vs. Library technician
- Library assistants, clerical vs. File clerk
- Library assistants, clerical vs. Office clerks, general
- Library assistants, clerical vs. Administrative assistant
- Library assistants, clerical vs. Computer occupations, all other
- Library assistants, clerical vs. Stockers and order fillers
- Library assistants, clerical vs. Receptionists and information clerks
- Library assistants, clerical vs. Office machine operators, except computer
- Library assistants, clerical vs. Correspondence clerk
- Library assistants, clerical vs. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants