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Library Assistants, Clerical

Typical education: High school diplomaLower pressure

What they do

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.

Kinds of work

  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Social: Helping, teaching, caring for and supporting other people.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $36,910 Median per year · $17.74/hr Most earn $27,730–$55,310

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.
  • Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
  • Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.
  • Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.
  • Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.
  • Enter and update patrons' records on computers.

Job outlook

United States
6% fewer jobs by 2035, declining · about 12,300 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Local government, excluding education and hospitals63.4%
  • Elementary and secondary schools13.0%
  • Colleges, universities, and professional schools11.2%
  • Web search portals, libraries, archives, and other information services8.9%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 1 to 3 months

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: High school diplomaExperience before this job: 1 to 3 monthsEntry-level

This is an entry-level job. Many people start right after high school, with a few months of on-the-job training or some volunteer or part-time library experience first.

  1. High school diploma

    4 years

    Finish high school with strong reading, organizing, and customer service skills, which are the core of library work.

  2. Library Page or Library Volunteer

    1-3 months

    Get a few months of hands-on experience shelving, sorting, and checking out materials, which is the typical prior experience for this job.

  3. Library Assistant, Clerical

    Career entry point

    Compile records, shelve and locate materials, and register patrons, learning the library's systems on the job.

Where it can lead

  1. Library Technician

    1-3 years of experience first

    Take on more technical work such as cataloging, database searches, and helping patrons with research; this role usually calls for an associate degree.

  2. Document Management Specialist

    2-4 years of experience first

    Manage how records and documents are organized and kept across an organization; this role usually calls for a bachelor's degree.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take English and computer classesStrong reading and typing or computer skills help you search catalogs and keep accurate records.
  • Volunteer at your school or public libraryShelving and helping patrons give you real experience and a reference for future jobs.
  • Join a book club or reading clubIt shows you enjoy books and helps you learn about different authors and genres.
  • Get a starter job that involves organizing or customer serviceWorking as a cashier, stock helper, or shop assistant builds accuracy and people skills.
  • Practice filing and sorting at homeOrganizing a personal collection by number or title builds the same habits used on the job.

In college

  • Take courses in library science, information literacy, or a related fieldEven a few classes help you understand how libraries organize and find information.
  • Work a campus job in the libraryStudent library assistant jobs give you direct experience with checkout, shelving, and patron records.
  • Build computer and database skillsLearning spreadsheets and catalog or search software makes you more useful in library work.
  • Volunteer at a local public or school libraryCommunity experience shows employers you can handle the everyday tasks of the job.
  • Consider an associate degree in library technology if you want to move upMany library technician roles ask for this degree, so it's a good next step if you want more responsibility.

Tips for getting started

  • Ask your school or local public library about volunteer shifts or page jobs. Even a few months of real shelving and checkout work makes your application stronger.
  • Practice keeping things in order. Alphabetizing, sorting by number, and double-checking your work are everyday skills in this job.
  • If you enjoy helping people find what they need, build that skill now through tutoring, peer help, or a customer-facing job.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

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