If the old image of libraries was of old buildings full of dusty books and librarians going “sshhhhhh” all the time, times have certainly changed!

Today’s libraries are often bursting at the seams with the information we find so vital to modern life. The books are still there but these are complemented by journals, CD-ROMs, audio CDs and cassettes, records, sheet music, maps, pictures, videos and, of course, the Internet.

Library assistants work as part of the team that manages all this information and makes it easily accessible to users. They support the work of professionally qualified librarians or information managers and ensure that public and school libraries run efficiently. They deal with the borrowing of books and other materials and help members of the public to find specific books and sources of information.

There are more than 23,000 library assistants employed by local authority leisure services departments.

Work Environment

Library assistants are generally based in large city centre libraries, local public libraries, or school or college libraries. Some assistants travel between, and work in several different libraries. Others, particularly in rural areas, work in mobile libraries - buses and vans that travel from place to place to reach people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to library materials.

Libraries range from being in very old buildings, to modern, bright, purpose built ones. The work can be physically demanding - bending, lifting, carrying books; walking around the library, and maybe even climbing ladders. The environment can be quite dusty.

Hours vary according to opening times and may include working on a rota basis. Some Saturday and evening work is usually required.

Daily Activities

Dealing with enquiries from users, both in person and over the telephone, forms a large part of the job. This may involve helping them to locate books; use reference sources; carry out research; and use the equipment - photocopiers, microfiche readers, computers, etc. The more routine tasks include:

• working on the counter issuing books and taking in returns using a computerised system, collecting fines for late books, reserving books, enrolling new readers and renewing existing memberships
• keeping the library tidy and shelving books in alphabetical or numerical order
• sending out letters regarding overdue books
• arranging inter-library loans
• carrying out minor book repairs (such as taping loose pages in place) or arranging for repairs to be done
• ordering new material as directed by the librarian
• helping librarians to catalogue new materials, allocate classification codes, and add to computer records of library stock.

Some libraries are community centres as well as a place to read and borrow books. Library assistants may be expected to take part in special events: educational activities for children such as reading stories, drawing and painting; and social activities for other groups within the community.

Skills & Interests

Good interpersonal skills and communication skills are essential; in other words, you must be patient, friendly, outgoing, and like helping the public - you will be dealing with people from all walks of life.

A good memory, an enquiring mind and a logical approach to work are important for carrying out research. You should have basic computer skills and be able to work well as part of a team.

A genuine interest in books and collections of information is desirable.

Entry Requirements

Most posts will ask for at least 4 GCSEs at grades A-C (or Standard grades 1-3) including English, or GNVQs/GSVQs.

For some posts applicants need A levels/Highers or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC/SQA national certificates/diplomas or Advanced GNVQs/GSVQs Level III.

Training is mainly on the job under the supervision of senior staff. Library assistants may be encouraged to work towards NVQs/SVQs in Library and Information Services at levels 2, 3 and 4

City and Guilds and SQA also offer courses in library and information science via part time or distance learning to those already employed in libraries.

Apprenticeships in Information and Library Services may be available.

Estimated salary range

Between £10,278 and £13,000 p.a. depending on the employer and the responsibilities of the post.

Senior library assistants can earn around £16,000 p.a.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

Library assistants can progress to a supervisory role in a senior assistant post.

Library assistants with degrees and at least one year’s experience can move into professional librarian/information manager posts by taking a postgraduate qualification.

Opportunities for library assistants also exist outside local authorities, in universities/colleges, private industry and commerce, medical services, government departments, and in specialist libraries, for example.

The greatest opportunities are in urban areas.

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