What Does a Library Assistant Do?
Library Assistants generally work at public libraries and schools to facilitate a library’s programming and provide clerical support to the Librarians on staff. They keep the book stacks organized by shelving books according to the Dewey Decimal System, making note of missing and damaged books and setting aside reserved books for library patrons. Library assistants staff the circulation desk to check out books and other resources to visitors and process fine payments. They may also assist with setting up the library for events like story time for kids or teen book club.
Library Assistant Skills and Qualifications
In order to do a good job as a Library Assistant, they need certain skills and qualifications. These skills are what employers should look for when interviewing candidates in order to improve the overall experience of heading to the library for a patron.
The following are important skills for a Library Assistant to have:
- Library Assistants will come in contact with the public on a daily basis, helping them find books and check them out. Interpersonal skills are very important.
- Library Assistants also use library software daily to help people do research or look for material, as well as maintain the library’s database.
- Library Assistants need to listen to the patrons who need their help, answer their questions clearly and teach them how to use the resources. They also have to follow instructions from librarians.
- Library Assistants have to be detail-oriented in order to make sure information and material is filed correctly. Processing library materials requires attention to detail.
Library Assistant Salary Expectations
The average salary for a Library Assistant is $13.17 per hour. Including a salary or salary range on a Library Assistant posting can attract more suitable applicants.
Library Assistant Salary Expectations
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            Common salary:             
                
                                        18.78 HOURLY 
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            Typical salaries range from             
                
                                        7.25 -36.50 HOURLY 
- Find more information on Indeed Salaries
        *Indeed data –         
                        
Library Assistant Education and Training Requirements
Typically, a library assistant has a high school degree with on-the-job training. Most libraries prefer library assistants with a post-secondary certificate which provides courses in cataloging, reference and automated library systems. Library assistants usually receive on-the-job training to learn the basics of libraries.
Public library assistants work in community libraries, while academic assistants are in universities or colleges helping students and professors. There are also school library assistants for elementary to high school, and special library assistants who work in museums, government, and medical centers to provide information that is of particular interest to the organization.
Library Assistant Experience Requirements
Library Assistants can get on-the-job training from a librarian to understand the work they will be doing. It is a plus to already have previous experience as an assistant in an office, business or non-profit as there will be responsibilities that correlate with each other. In order to become a librarian, a Library Assistant is required to obtain a master’s degree in library science.
Job Description Samples for Similar Positions
If you are not looking to hire for the Library Assistant position just yet, then you can look at the following job description samples for similar positions:
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