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Library Assistants

THE JOB

LIBRARY ASSISTANTS (also called Library Technicians or Library 
Technical Assistants) are workers who assist librarians with the 
operation of a library.  Job titles associated with particular levels 
vary from library to library but generally Library Assistants are 
classified into a clerical level (and may be called Library Clerks) 
and a more skilled and higher paid paraprofessional level.  Library 
Assistants at this level act more independently and may involve 
supervision of other employees.

Library Assistants (clerical) perform many duties related to record 
keeping in the library.  In the circulation department, they reserve, 
circulate, renew and discharge books and other materials.  They issue 
borrowers' identification cards according to established procedures.  
When necessary, assistants send out notices and collect money for lost 
or overdue books.  They may assist in the acquisition of books, 
pamphlets, periodicals and audio-visual materials by checking prices, 
figuring costs, and preparing appropriate order forms.  With increased 
use of computerized systems, Library Assistants are often responsible 
for entering data into automated order and cataloging systems.

Library Assistants (paraprofessional) are generally assigned more 
complex duties or supervisory responsibilities.  In the circulation 
department, they may deal with problem patrons who are disrupting the 
library, handle complaints concerning fines and supervise volunteers 
and students.  Library Assistants (paraprofessional) may also be 
responsible for scheduling and supervising the work of clerical 
workers.  At higher levels, employees may be responsible for the entire 
operation of a small branch library answering to a librarian supervisor 
who is off site.  Automation has in many cases changed cataloging of 
routine materials from being primarily a responsibility of the librarian 
to a paraprofessional responsibility for employees assigned to the 
cataloging department.  Library Assistants (paraprofessional) in 
reference departments respond to "ready reference" questions requiring 
minimal Research.  They also help people locate library materials and 
teach them how to use reference sources, indexes and card catalogs or 
automated systems.

Some Library Assistants working in public libraries are assigned to 
bookmobiles which take collections of materials to hospitals, senior 
citizen centers, and neighborhoods without a library branch.


WORKING CONDITIONS

The work can be stimulating and interesting, but it may be stressful 
for those working with the public.  It is essential for Library 
Assistants to have the ability to deal tactfully and effectively with 
other employees and the public.

Library assistants in circulation and reference are on their feet much 
of the day.  The job requires stooping, bending, reaching and handling, 
as well as the lifting of light loads of books and other materials.  
Attendants assigned to bookmobiles travel to different areas and are 
required to have a valid California driver's license.

Library Assistants and Technicians in the acquisitions and cataloging 
departments work at desks or computer terminals most of the day.  
Constant work with video display terminals can cause headaches and 
eyestrain.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of 
Employment published by the Labor Market Information division.

Estimated number of workers in 1993                13,270
Estimated number of workers in 2005                15,750
Projected Growth 1993-2005                            19%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005       6,800

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to 
turnover.)


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Library Assistants without experience start at about $950 to $2,000 
per month.  For assistants with experience, salaries can rise to $1,600 
to $3,400 per month.  Wages are highest in metropolitan areas.  State 
Librarians Assistants start at $2,038 to $2,478.  The State College and 
University system starts library assistant trainees at $1,561 per month, 
and reaches a maximum of $3,378 per month.

The normal workweek for Library Assistants is 40 hours and may include 
weekend and evening work.  Many library systems also hire Library 
Assistants on a part-time or on-call basis.  Individuals working in 
elementary and secondary schools usually have the same work schedule as 
the teaching staff.  Those working for colleges and universities may 
have to work weekends.  Most Library Assistants receive fringe benefits 
such as paid vacations, sick leave, pension plans and group health and 
life insurance.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Entrance requirements for Library Assistants vary from employer to 
employer.  The minimum requirement for clerical positions is usually 
a high school diploma and some clerical experience.  Knowledge of 
library operations such as filing and indexing and a broad knowledge 
of information sources, such as almanacs, atlases and encyclopedias, 
can be very helpful.

For paraprofessional positions an Associate of Arts degree with a 
specialization in library technology is preferred by employers.  
Library technology programs are offered at several community colleges 
in Northern and Southern California.  The program normally includes 
courses in library public and technical services, cataloging and library 
media materials and equipment.  Some supervised work experience is 
usually included.  Courses in data processing, reference sources, 
children's library services, typing and foreign languages are 
recommended.  Appropriate library clerical experience can sometimes be 
substituted for part or all of the education requirement.

University libraries have a broad range of requirements.  Some 
university libraries accept applicants with a high school certificate or 
its equivalent and one to three years of general clerical experience.  
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Some university libraries require a bachelor's degree and as much as 
three years' experience in library work.

Some technical libraries require specialized training in such fields as 
science or foreign language.


ADVANCEMENT

Library Assistants can advance to more specialized positions and, in 
some systems, clerical workers can advance to paraprofessional 
classifications based on experience.  Paraprofessionals can advance to 
supervisory positions or to more specialized work.  Promotions usually 
come with the acquisition of experience and supervisory skills, 
knowledge of automated systems and additional training.  Advancement 
opportunities are greater in larger libraries.

Eligibility for promotion in civil service is based on experience; 
qualified workers take written and oral tests for advanced positions.


FINDING THE JOB

Jobs as Library Assistants may be found by applying directly to State, 
county, city and school district personnel departments and registering 
with school placement centers.  Individuals seeking civil service jobs 
are required to pass civil service examinations for employment.  Job 
seekers may also contact the California Employment Development 
Department Job Service.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

California Library Association
717 K Street, Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 447-8541

American Library Association
Office of Library Personnel Resources
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 944-6780


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Librarians                                      No. 154


OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Library Technical Assistant                 100.367-018
Library Assistant                           249.367-046

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Library Assistants and Bookmobile Drivers        539020


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162.