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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.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
C
Conventional
This occupation
You
R
Realistic
S
Social
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Library assistants and clerks
2023 OaSIS: 14300.00

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

  • 2
    Realistic

    Realistic jobs focus on working with your hands, tools, machines, or animals. People in these jobs often fix, build, or take care of things. They like clear tasks and working in a physical way. These jobs usually don’t need much paperwork or teamwork. Examples include mechanics, farmers, and builders.

  • 3
    Social

    Social jobs are about helping and working with people. People in these jobs enjoy teaching, caring for others, or giving advice. They often work in schools, hospitals, or community centres. These jobs involve talking, listening, and supporting others. Examples include teachers, nurses, and counsellors.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 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
2023 OaSIS: 14300.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

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

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

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 12 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 28, 2021 and Feb 27, 2025.

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: Perform circulation functions
Tasks: Handle and maintain library equipment (e.g., microfilm/microfiche readers, large print readers, etc.)
Tasks: Reshelve books and library materials
Tasks: Perform routine clerical duties
Tasks: Maintain classified collections (shelves shift, shelf-read)
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Word
Tasks: Issue and receive books and library materials
Attention to detail
Tasks: Answer quick reference questions
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Excel
Tasks: Perform circulation functions 10
Tasks: Handle and maintain library equipment (e.g., microfilm/microfiche readers, large print readers, etc.) 10
Tasks: Reshelve books and library materials 10
Tasks: Perform routine clerical duties 10
Tasks: Maintain classified collections (shelves shift, shelf-read) 10
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Word 10
Tasks: Issue and receive books and library materials 10
Attention to detail 9
Tasks: Answer quick reference questions 9
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Excel 9
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 Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation 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
Cold
Job Market
3,000
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 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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iStock.com/filadendron
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 2021 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

2021 NOC: 14300
Average Wage
$25.19
Per Hour
Average Salary
$29,666.00
Per Year
Average Hours
22.5
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.6
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 14300 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 $28.78 $22.01 $21.32
Overall $15.00 $33.75 $25.19 $25.03
Top $16.00 $36.73 $27.11 $26.53

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
ALL INDUSTRIES $29,666
Information, Culture, Recreation $30,496
Educational Services $26,532

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
55%
55%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
15%
15%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
3%
3%
Vacancy Rate
0%
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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