Library assistant
Library assistants help librarians to manage the day-to-day running of a library.
Typical Salary
£17,000 – £23,000
per year
Working Hours
34–36
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
You could work on a customer service desk to:
- help users access print and online resources
- organise IT access and answer library users' queries
- check materials in and out
- deal with counter, phone and email enquiries
You may also:
- catalogue new resources
- shelve returned items and arrange repair of damaged materials
- promote collections or new library resources
- make sure copyright licence agreements are followed
- maintain databases and records
- help with events and activities like storytelling or author sessions
Skills needed
- administration skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- the ability to work on your own
- knowledge of English language
- to be flexible and open to change
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
Career progression
With experience, further training and qualifications, you could become a librarian.