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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.
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Avg. Salary $29,592.00
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Avg. Wage $22.92
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Minimum Education High school diploma
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Outlook N/A
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In Demand Lower
Also Known As
Circulation Assistant, Information Clerk , Library Assistant
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
48%
48%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
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Certification Not Regulated
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Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg
NOC & Interest Codes
The Library Clerk is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Library Clerks
NOC code: 1451
- METHODICAL
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Interest in comparing information to reshelve books and other materials; and to maintain journal subscriptions
- SOCIAL
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Interest in assisting users to gain access to materials and to make interlibrary loans
- objective
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Interest in handling to issue and receive books and other materials
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 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.
Duties
Updated Mar 29, 2017
In general, library clerks:
- issue books and audiovisual materials to library users
- 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 materials and replace them on the shelves
- help people find books and publications
- 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 pamphlet files up to date
- assist in the preparation of displays
- issue photocopier cards.
Many duties are automated. In large libraries, duties generally are divided among a number of library or circulation clerks.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 29, 2017
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.
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Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 29, 2017
Library clerks need the following characteristics:
- patience and a strong customer service orientation
- flexibility and resourcefulness
- an ability to communicate effectively and deal pleasantly with library users
- an ability to work with little supervision
- an ability to work as part of a team
- an appreciation for detail
- an ability to maintain accuracy and persevere at tasks that may be repetitive.
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.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 29, 2017
Most employers prefer to hire people who have:
- at least a high school diploma
- related education or training
- keyboarding and computer skills
- volunteer or part-time 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).
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 29, 2017
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).
In Alberta, 77% of people employed as library clerks work in the Information, Culture and Recreation (PDF) industry.
The employment outlook (PDF) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Information, Culture and Recreation industry)
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
- occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
- size of the occupation.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 29, 2017
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.
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $11.00 | $26.40 | $19.46 | $18.76 |
| Overall | $11.97 | $30.63 | $22.92 | $21.96 |
| Top | $12.75 | $33.69 | $26.38 | $23.94 |
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.
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.
Industry Information
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
48%
48%
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
4%
4%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
8%
8%
2015 Vacancy Rate
10%
Related High School Subjects
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Business, Administration, Finance and IT
- Information Processing
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
- Education and Library Studies
- Personal and Food Services
Updated Mar 29, 2017. 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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