Library Assistants, Clerical

Compile records, sort and shelve books, and issue and receive library materials such as 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.

Job Task

• Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable following criteria such as age, education, and interests.
• Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.
• Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.
• Answer routine inquiries, and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
• Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.
• Enter and update patronsÆ records on computers.
• Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status, and compute any applicable fines.
• Lend and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks.
• Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
• Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned, and file catalog cards according to system used.
• Operate and maintain audiovisual equipment.
• Perform clerical activities such as filing, typing, word processing, photocopying and mailing out material, and mail sorting.
• Process new materials including books, audiovisual materials, and computer software.
• Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual and other materials.
• Repair books, using mending tape, paste, and brushes.
• Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, in order to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.
• Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.
• Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
• Assist in the preparation of book displays.
• Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
• Drive bookmobiles to specified off-site locations following library service schedules, and to garages for preventive maintenance and repairs.
• Facilitate the acquisition of books, pamphlets, periodicals, and audiovisual materials by checking prices, figuring costs, and preparing appropriate order forms.
• Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
• Place books in mailing containers, affix address labels, and secure containers with straps for mailing to blind library patrons.
• Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.
• Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.
• Schedule and supervise clerical workers, volunteers, and student assistants.

Looking for a job in Library Assistants, Clerical? Check out these great job search websites. Thousands of job opportunities and reseach for a new career! Includes job search websites from Australia and internationally