Refit
Career overview · SOC 43-4121

Library Assistants, Clerical

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.

Also called: Acquisitions Assistant · Cataloging Assistant · Library Aide · Library Assistant · Library Associate · Library Circulation Assistant

Median pay (national)
$36,010
$25,090–$52,790 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
80,070
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-6.7%
~12,800 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for library assistants, clerical shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $52,790 versus $25,090 at the bottom 10% — 2.1x. The median of $36,010 leaves roughly 47% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -6.7% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 12,800 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 51 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $52,890, +47% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $20,650 — a 156% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.

Tailor your resume to Library Assistants, Clerical

Honest tailoring

See how your resume lines up with Library Assistants, Clerical

Refit re-angles your real experience toward this role using the skills above — and never invents skills you don't have. A no-fabrication gate checks every change before you see it.

Free. No account needed to see your first re-fit.

Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Learning Strategies
  • Active Learning
  • Mathematics
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.
  • Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.
  • Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
  • Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.
  • Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.
  • Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
  • Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
  • Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
  • Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.
  • Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.

Tools & technology

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • C++
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Automated circulation systems
  • Cataloging software
  • Database software
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) databases
  • Recordkeeping software
  • ResourceMate Plus
  • Video retrieval systems
  • Web browser software
  • WorldCat
  • Adobe Acrobat

Knowledge areas

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Administrative
  • English Language
  • Education and Training
  • Psychology
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Public Safety and Security
  • History and Archeology