LIBRARY ASSISTANTS California Occupational Guide Number 417 Interest Area 11 1996
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
Council of Library Technical Assistants Library/Media Technology Dept., SC126 Cuyahoga Community College 2900 Community College Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 (216) 987-4000
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.
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