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) 

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.

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.

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.

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.