Description
Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.
Interests
- Conventional
- Social
Work Values
- Relationships
- Support
- Working Conditions
Work Styles
- Cooperation
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Self-Control
- Attention to Detail
Responsibilities
Tasks
- Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
- Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
- Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
- Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
- Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Documenting/Recording Information
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
T-A-S-K
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software
- Presentation software
- Library software
- Word processing software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
Abilities
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Near Vision
- Speech Clarity
- Speech Recognition
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Service Orientation
- Coordination
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Education
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue for that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Consumer Health Information SpecializationCertifying Organization
Medical Library Association
Type
Core
Income & Employability
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $32,712 |
| Median (50%) | $44,053 |
| High (90%) | $59,859 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $43,348 |
| Mid Level | $53,083 |
| Senior Level | N/A |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 81,500 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 77,000 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -6%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of -6%
Video Resources
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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