Library Assistants, Clerical
Office and Administrative Support
Most of the day is spent putting books and other items back in the right place, finding what patrons ask for, and checking materials in and out at the circulation desk. Updates borrower records on a computer, places items on reserve, and handles inter-library loans. Answers routine questions and shows people how to use catalogs and search systems, sending harder requests to a librarian. Opens and closes the library on a set schedule and locks up equipment. Suits people who like orderly shelving, helping patrons find materials, and following a fixed classification system.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$36'910
Median Wage Market Position
$36'910
What you might do
- Sort and return books to the correct shelves
- Check materials in and out at the desk
- Locate books and other items for patrons
- Register borrowers and update their records
- Place holds and process interlibrary loans
- Show patrons how to search the catalog
Skills that matter
- Reshelving by number and title
- Finding books and other materials
- Check-in and checkout at the desk
- Updates to patron computer records
- Answers to everyday library questions
- Instruction on catalogs and search systems
AI & the future of this role
Catalog updates, circulation records, and basic loan lookups are increasingly handled by self-service systems. Shelving, on-site help, and messy materials still need people, yet much clerical library work looks vulnerable.
Does Library Assistants, Clerical fit your values?
Take the free LostInCareer assessment to see personalized matches based on your core values—not just a personality label.
Related careers
Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details