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Library Clerk: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you like providing customer service and helping people? Are you interested in maintaining the condition of library collections’ so people can easily locate what they need? Can you do repetitive tasks accurately? Then you may want to read up on a career as a library clerk.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Library Clerk

Library clerks help librarians and library technicians by serving library users and performing many of the clerical tasks involved in library work.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Circulation Assistant, Customer Services Specialist, Information Clerk, Library Assistant

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 1451: Library Clerks

2006 NOC-S

  • B551: Library Clerks

2011 NOC

  • 1451: Library assistants and clerks

2016 NOC

  • 1451: Library assistants and clerks

2021 NOC

  • 14300: Library assistants and clerks

2023 OaSIS

  • 14300.00: Library assistants and clerks
Duties
Updated Mar 04, 2021

In general, library clerks:

  • Issue materials to library users using online software
  • Check for damage when materials are returned
  • Deal with library users' questions and concerns and, when appropriate, refer them to other library staff members
  • Sort and shelf materials
  • Help people find books and other materials
  • Photocopy and mail out material
  • Maintain records of overdue books and issue notices
  • Accept fine payments
  • Reserve requested materials
  • Sort and stamp mail
  • Do related word processing, as required

Other duties depend upon the size and nature of the library. Library clerks also may:

  • Issue library membership cards
  • Make minor repairs to damaged books
  • Answer telephone inquiries
  • Process new materials, including books, audiovisual materials and computer software
  • Enter bibliographic information into databases
  • Maintain the periodical section
  • Assist in delivering programming for children and adults
  • Keep online and paper files and pamphlets up to date
  • Assist in the preparation of displays
  • Issue photocopier cards
  • Reconcile daily cash deposit

Many duties are automated. In large libraries, duties generally are divided among a number of library or circulation clerks.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 04, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Public, college and university libraries require library clerks to work some evenings and weekends, usually on a rotating basis. School and business libraries normally are open only during regular school and business hours. Lifting up to 10 kilograms may be required. Repetitive motions are performed to complete duties.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Library Clerks

2006 NOC: 1451

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in comparing information to reshelve books and other materials; and to maintain journal subscriptions

SOCIAL

Interest in assisting users to gain access to materials and to make interlibrary loans

objective

Interest in handling to issue and receive books and other materials

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 04, 2021

Library clerks need:

  • Patience and a strong customer service orientation
  • Flexibility and resourcefulness
  • An ability to communicate effectively both orally and written
  • Interpersonal skills
  • An ability to work with alone or as part of a team
  • To be detail oriented
  • Accuracy while doing repetitive tasks
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
  • Understanding of the Dewey Decimal System and other classification systems used for library collections

They should enjoy taking a methodical approach to tasks such as re-shelving books, helping people find information, and working with equipment such as computers.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Library assistants and clerks

2016 NOC: 1451

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 10 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 28, 2021 and May 29, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Issue and receive books and library materials
Tasks: Reshelve books and library materials
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Word
Tasks: Perform circulation functions
Tasks: Handle and maintain library equipment (e.g., microfilm/microfiche readers, large print readers, etc.)
Tasks: Perform routine clerical duties
Tasks: Maintain classified collections (shelves shift, shelf-read)
Attention to detail
Tasks: Answer quick reference questions
Other benefits: Free parking available
Tasks: Issue and receive books and library materials 8
Tasks: Reshelve books and library materials 8
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Word 8
Tasks: Perform circulation functions 8
Tasks: Handle and maintain library equipment (e.g., microfilm/microfiche readers, large print readers, etc.) 8
Tasks: Perform routine clerical duties 8
Tasks: Maintain classified collections (shelves shift, shelf-read) 8
Attention to detail 7
Tasks: Answer quick reference questions 7
Other benefits: Free parking available 7
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 04, 2021
  • Minimum Education High school diploma

Most employers prefer to hire people who have:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Related education or training
  • Keyboarding and computer skills
  • Volunteer or work experience in a library
  • Past work experience in a service capacity, helping the public

Post-secondary education is a definite asset.

Once hired, library clerks are trained on the job or take related post-secondary courses (for more information, see the Library Technician occupational profile).

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Red River College Polytechnic

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 04, 2021
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 04, 2021

Library clerks are employed in:

  • Public libraries
  • Public and private school libraries
  • College, research and university libraries
  • Corporate, government, hospital and legal libraries

Some positions are part time. Advancement to library technician positions requires completion of a 2-year post-secondary diploma program (see the Library Technician occupational profile).

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Library assistants and clerks
2016 NOC: 1451

99.3% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Library assistants and clerks
2021 NOC: 14300
Lower
Demand
< 1500
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
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OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Library assistants and clerks
2016 NOC: 1451
2.7%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
49
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 04, 2021

Salaries for library clerks vary greatly depending upon the responsibilities of the position, the nature and location of the library, and the clerk's qualifications.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Library assistants and clerks

2016 NOC: 1451
Average Wage
$26.03
Per Hour
Average Salary
$30,201.00
Per Year
Average Hours
22
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.9
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 1451 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $29.13 $22.93 $22.33
Overall $15.61 $34.56 $26.03 $25.48
Top $16.50 $36.73 $28.17 $27.49

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Information, Culture, Recreation
Educational Services
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $30,201
Information, Culture, Recreation $29,518
Educational Services $30,996
Public Administration $38,572

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
41%
41%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
9%
9%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
4%
4%
Vacancy Rate
1%
Related High School Subjects
  • Business, Administration, Finance and IT
    • Information Processing
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Education and Library Studies
  • Personal and Food Services

Updated Mar 04, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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