Library Clerk

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: Library Clerks (1451) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Library Clerks (B551) 
• 2011 NOC: Library assistants and clerks (1451) 
• 2016 NOC: Library assistants and clerks (1451) 

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.

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 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 (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation

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.