Library Assistants and Clerks
(NOC 1451)
in All Business, Finance, and AdministrationLibrary assistants and clerks issue and receive library materials, sort and shelve books and provide general library information to users. They also do clerical functions like maintaining journal subscriptions, manual and electronic filing and recording of payments received, and helping library users access library materials and online resources, and make interlibrary loans. Library clerks work for libraries or other organizations with library services.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Budget pressures have led many libraries throughout the province to cut-back on programming and staff hours. Low entry requirements for such clerical roles may also lead to greater job competition. A challenging job market for library technicians, a higher-skilled position, could lead some unemployed technicians to apply for work in this occupation, further suggesting fairly weak job prospects in the current environment.
Hourly Pay
$14.50
Minimum$20.15
Median$25.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,029
Minimum$21,865
Median$39,596
MaximumCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$23.00
Median$38.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,754
Minimum$36,515
Median$70,271
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Library assistants and clerks issue and receive library materials, sort and shelve books and provide general library information to users. They also do clerical functions like maintaining journal subscriptions, manual and electronic filing and recording of payments received, and helping library users access library materials and online resources, and make interlibrary loans. Library clerks work for libraries or other organizations with library services.
Job duties
Library assistants and clerks:
- Issue and receive library books and other materials.
- Sort and re-shelve books and other library materials.
- Complete clerical activities like manual and electronic filing and recording payments received.
- Maintain journal subscriptions.
- Help library users access library materials and online resources, and make interlibrary loans.
Sample job titles
- bookmobile clerk
- circulation assistant
- library aide
- library assistant
- library clerk
- periodicals clerk
- reference clerk - library
- shelving clerk - library
Skills
- You should be patient and organized, and have good research skills. Both spoken and written communication skills are essential. You must be able to work unsupervised with library users, and cooperate with co-workers. Good computer skills and knowledge about audiovisual equipment are strongly recommended. Knowledge of literature is also an asset.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
Other considerations
- Movement to more senior positions is possible with experience and post-secondary education related to library science.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$25,794 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$15,984 median annual incomeSouthern
$24,788 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$22,291 median annual incomeCape Breton
$29,968 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Information and cultural industries
Health care and social assistance
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
15-24
45-54
35-44
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$26,505 median annual incomeHigh school
$16,275 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,220 median annual incomeMaster
$23,758 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
College Diploma
$36,304 median annual incomeHigh school
$32,903 median annual incomeBachelor
$41,755 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$34,807 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,174 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Library Assistant/Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare individuals to assist professional librarians. They include courses in principles, systems, processes, and procedures of library operation, library resources and services, processes of acquisition, cataloguing, storage, and display systems, discovery and retrieval of requested materials, management of books, periodicals, and other documents.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.