Salary Range
Low (10th %)$23,510
Median$34,020
High (90th %)$50,200
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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.
The occupation "Library Assistants, Clerical" has an automation risk of 59.5%, just slightly below its base risk of 60.2%. This moderate risk is due to the significant number of repetitive and routine tasks that the job entails, making them susceptible to automation by software, robotics, or a combination of both. The nature of clerical library work often involves straightforward processes governed by clear rules and predictable sequences, which are ideal for automated systems. Efficient sorting mechanisms, smart inventory systems, and automated tracking tools can replicate much of the day-to-day workload. This shifting landscape suggests that while parts of the job could soon be handled by machines, some aspects remain challenging for automation. Among the most automatable tasks for library assistants are sorting and returning books, publications, and other materials to their proper places following established procedures; this task is easily routinized and can be performed by sorting robots or automated conveyor systems. Another highly automatable duty is opening and closing the library, including securing equipment like computers and audio-visual devices—a function increasingly managed by computerized security and smart facility management systems. Additionally, locating specific library materials for patrons, such as books or magazines, is increasingly handled by intelligent catalog systems, robotic retrieval units, or digital search interfaces, leaving less need for direct human involvement in these processes. Despite these advances, there are still key responsibilities that resist automation, thus lowering the overall risk below the base estimate. Acquiring new books and materials—including checking prices, evaluating options, and preparing order forms—demands human judgment, attention to detail, and dynamic decision-making, especially when tailored to specific library or patron needs. Designing or maintaining the library’s online presence and catalog requires creative skills and technical know-how, which are not easily replaced by current automation technologies. Furthermore, the operation and regular maintenance of specialized audio-visual equipment still relies on human expertise, as machines lack the flexibility and troubleshooting ability required for these varied tasks. These resistant activities all demand a degree of originality, a skill category where library assistants score low (2.1% and 2.0%), but which remains a bottleneck for full automation and sustains a human role in the profession.
Filter by Automatable Status
Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
Partially Automatable
Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.
Partially Automatable
Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
Automatable
Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
Automatable
Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
Automatable
Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.
Partially Automatable
Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
Automatable
Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.
Partially Automatable
Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.
Automatable
Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.
Partially Automatable
Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.
Automatable
Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.
Partially Automatable
Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.
Partially Automatable
Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.
Automatable
Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.
Automatable
Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.
Partially Automatable
Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.
Non-Automatable
Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.
Non-Automatable
Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.
Automatable
Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests.
Automatable
Prepare library statistics reports.
Automatable
Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.
Non-Automatable
Assist in the preparation of book displays.
Partially Automatable
Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
Automatable
Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.
Non-Automatable
Plan or participate in library events and programs, such as story time with children.
Partially Automatable
Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.
Partially Automatable
Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.
Partially Automatable
Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.
Partially Automatable
Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.
Partially Automatable
Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.
Partially Automatable
Acquire books, pamphlets, periodicals, audio-visual materials, and other library supplies by checking prices, figuring costs, and preparing appropriate order forms and facilitating the ordering process by providing such information to others.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTherapy and CounselingSales and Marketing
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming General Physical Activities
WorldCatMicrosoft WindowsAutomated circulation systemsCataloging softwareVideo retrieval systemsC++Microsoft PublisherWeb browser softwareAdobe PhotoshopDatabase softwareOnline Computer Library Center (OCLC) databasesMicrosoft WindowsRecordkeeping softwareAutomated circulation systemsCataloging softwareC++Video retrieval systemsMicrosoft PublisherWeb browser softwareAdobe PhotoshopDatabase softwareWorldCatWord processing softwareWord processing softwareRecordkeeping softwareAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatOnline Computer Library Center (OCLC) databasesResourceMate PlusResourceMate PlusMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft WordMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Access
Management Analysts
Medium51.36%
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
Document Management Specialists
Medium56.74%
Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.
Social Science Research Assistants
Medium53.73%
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium41.38%
Teach courses in library science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Medium36.78%
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
Archivists
Medium51.16%
Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
Curators
Medium44.14%
Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
Medium50.09%
Administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Work in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, museums, and corporations, and with various types of informational materials, such as books, periodicals, recordings, films, and databases. Tasks may include acquiring, cataloging, and circulating library materials, and user services such as locating and organizing information, providing instruction on how to access information, and setting up and operating a library's media equipment.
Library Technicians
Medium62.26%
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.
Instructional Coordinators
Medium49.06%
Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses. May train and coach teachers. Includes educational consultants and specialists, and instructional material directors.
Editors
Medium53.75%
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
Correspondence Clerks
High78.29%
Compose letters or electronic correspondence in reply to requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit and other information, delinquent accounts, incorrect billings, or unsatisfactory services. Duties may include gathering data to formulate reply and preparing correspondence.
File Clerks
High71.35%
File correspondence, cards, invoices, receipts, and other records in alphabetical or numerical order or according to the filing system used. Locate and remove material from file when requested.
Receptionists and Information Clerks
High74.18%
Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
Medium60.44%
Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
High71.06%
Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.
Office Clerks, General
Medium65.57%
Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures. Clerical duties may be assigned in accordance with the office procedures of individual establishments and may include a combination of answering telephones, bookkeeping, typing or word processing, office machine operation, and filing.
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
Medium57.72%
Operate one or more of a variety of office machines, such as photocopying, photographic, and duplicating machines, or other office machines.
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
High74.34%
Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.
Stockers and Order Fillers
Medium56.05%
Receive, store, and issue merchandise, materials, equipment, and other items from stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard to fill shelves, racks, tables, or customers' orders. May operate power equipment to fill orders. May mark prices on merchandise and set up sales displays.
Interpreters and Translators
Medium53.60%
Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.