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.
Library Assistants, Clerical
SOC: 43-4121 O*NET: 43-4121.00
Median Salary
$36,010
per year
Job Growth
📉 -6.7%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
12.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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.
What does a Library Assistants, Clerical do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$25,090
10th percentile
Early Career
$30,190
25th percentile
Median
$36,010
50th percentile
Experienced
$44,200
75th percentile
Top Earners
$52,790
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$25,090
25th
$30,190
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$36,010
Mean: $37,910
75th
$44,200
90th
$52,790
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $27,700 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $30,190 and $44,200
- •Salary spread is 38.9% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 80,070 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:84,500
Top Industries
Information9.7%
Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services9.6%
Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services9.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-6.7%
Annual Openings:12,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)84,500
Current
2034 (Projected)78,900
-6.7%
-5,600
Employment Change
-6.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Library Assistants, Clerical professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
10,420 jobs$47,0301.11x
New York
6,810 jobs$36,1801.37x
Pennsylvania
4,540 jobs$30,0201.45x
Illinois
4,330 jobs$32,3601.38x
Ohio
4,220 jobs$31,3501.47x
Michigan
3,670 jobs$33,5301.61x
Washington
2,820 jobs$45,9801.53x
Massachusetts
2,730 jobs$40,0301.44x
New Jersey
2,610 jobs$37,9801.18x
Florida
2,580 jobs$34,8200.51x
Texas
2,340 jobs$28,7500.33x
Virginia
2,160 jobs$37,1201.02x
Minnesota
2,160 jobs$37,0101.43x
Connecticut
1,790 jobs$36,9002.05x
Indiana
1,770 jobs$28,8201.07x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Service Orientation
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
90%
#3
Active Listening
80%
#4
Coordination
70%
#5
Speaking
60%
#6
Critical Thinking
50%
#7
Writing
40%
Skills Overview
Service Orientation
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.5
90%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Coordination
intermediate3.5
70%
Speaking
intermediate3.0
60%
Critical Thinking
basic2.5
50%
Writing
basic2.0
40%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Service Orientation
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance90%
abilities
4.5/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance70%
skills
3.5/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
basicImportance50%
abilities
2.5/5.0
Writing
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Receptionists and Information Clerks88%
5 shared skills
Office Clerks, General78%
5 shared skills
Couriers and Messengers75%
5 shared skills
Baggage Porters and Bellhops71%
5 shared skills
Proofreaders and Copy Markers71%
5 shared skills
Registered Nurses70%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →Critical Thinking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Service Orientation
- ★Active Listening
- ★Reading Comprehension
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Library Assistants, Clerical
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Access
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Photoshop
🔥 Hot TechC++
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
Adobe Photoshop
C++
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (5)General Responsibilities (13)Planning & Development (1)Training & Development (1)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development88% perform92%
6
Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Library Assistants, Clerical
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Library Assistants, Clerical professionals typically have a CSR Holland code and highly value relationships
CConventional
SSocial
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Library Assistants, Clerical
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.44
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.28
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.24
Concern for Others
Very ImportantConcern for Others
Importance Level4.05
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.04
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.01
Complete Work Styles Profile
Cooperation
4.4
Dependability
4.3
Integrity
4.2
Concern for Others
4.0
Attention to Detail
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
Self-Control
4.0
Independence
3.9
Stress Tolerance
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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