Position Overview
A librarian assistant may be hired at the entry level or not, depending on the type of work that a library management wants him or her to perform.
As a librarian assistant, it is important for one to know the procedures of the work as the intensity can be quite overwhelming at times.
To the layman, it might seem as if all that a librarian assistant does is to check books in and out, but deep down, the work is so much more than this.
Position Requirements
Working as a library assistant requires a high school diploma or a GED equivalent at the very least. If you have a degree, you may be considered a better candidate to hire. And if you have had some experience in the past, working as a librarian assistant, you will of course be considered highly.
If this is the work that you are thinking of taking up, you must be genuinely interested in reading – since you will be answering a lot of questions thrown at you by patrons, it is important that you know about different types of books, authors, resources, and materials. Moreover, you will need to be calm and patient, as the environment that you will be working in demands it.
Some of the main duties that you will be performing while working as a librarian assistant include:
Librarian Assistant Duties and Responsibilities
• Greet patrons as they arrive at the library, and check their library cards to ensure that their membership is current.
• Provide interested persons with information on library services and membership criteria.
• Assist patrons by responding to their queries regarding books, periodicals and resources, and their locations.
• Direct or escort patrons to the right shelves or aisles, and locating their choice of books.
• Lend books and resources to patrons, ensuring that their information and statuses are properly punched into the system.
• Follow up on overdue books through telephone and email, in a bid to ensure that they are returned on time.
• Process newly arrived materials such as books, audio-visual materials and computer software.
• Sort books and other publications according to their genre, and ensure that any damaged print material is repaired or replaced.
• Provide instruction to patrons on the use of reference sources, card catalogues, and automated information systems.
• Create and maintain records of patrons, ensuring that they are updated on a regular basis.
• Follow up with book vendors to ensure timely and accurate delivery of books, periodicals, and reference resources.