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Circulation Assistant, Customer Services Specialist, Information Clerk, Library Assistant
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:
| Starting | $21.55 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $24.53 |
| Top | $26.52 |
Interest in comparing information to reshelve books and other materials; and to maintain journal subscriptions
Interest in assisting users to gain access to materials and to make interlibrary loans
Interest in handling to issue and receive books and other materials
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.
In general, library clerks:
Other duties depend upon the size and nature of the library. Library clerks also may:
Many duties are automated. In large libraries, duties generally are divided among a number of library or circulation clerks.
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.
Library clerks need:
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.
Most employers prefer to hire people who have:
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).
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Library clerks are employed in:
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:
In Alberta, the 1451: Library assistants and clerks occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $29.13 | $21.55 | $21.84 |
| Overall | $15.15 | $35.16 | $24.53 | $25.18 |
| Top | $15.75 | $35.84 | $26.52 | $28.41 |
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.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Public Administration | $40,169 |
|---|---|
| Educational Services | $30,481 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $27,254 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $24,832 |
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.