Will “Reference Library Assistant” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

95% Chance of Automation

“Reference Library Assistant” will almost certainly be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #616 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Compile records, sort, shelve, issue, and receive library materials such as books, electronic media, pictures, cards, slides and microfilm. Locate library materials for loan and replace material in shelving area, stacks, or files according to identification number and title. Register patrons to permit them to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 43-4121.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 27,450.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 13.00
Currently, there are 98,560 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Library Assistants, Clerical”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Reference Library Assistant”

Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.
Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.
Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.
Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.
Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.
Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.
Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.
Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.
Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.
Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual (AV) equipment.
Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.
Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests.
Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.
Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.
Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.
Prepare library statistics reports.
Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.
Place books in mailing containers, affix address labels, and secure containers with straps for mailing to blind library patrons.
Acquire books, pamphlets, periodicals, audio-visual materials, and other library supplies by checking prices, figuring costs, and preparing appropriate order forms and facilitating the ordering process by providing such information to others.
Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.
Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.
Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.
Assist in the preparation of book displays.
Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.
Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.
Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-dated items.

Related Technology & Tools

Microfiche readers
Personal readers
Microfilm printers
Bookmobiles
Microfiche printers
Microfilm readers
Desktop computers
Laser printers
Cash registers
Multimedia projectors
Photocopying equipment
Thermal book binders
Barcode scanners
Laser facsimile machines
Delivery vans
10-key calculators
Multi function printers
Video teleconferencing systems
Braile embossers
Typewriters
Film projectors
Handheld calculators
Laminating machines
Digital cameras
Scanners
Mail opening equipment
Magnifiers
Multi-line telephone systems

Microsoft Excel
Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
Cataloging software
Microsoft Office
Web browser software
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
ResourceMate Plus
Microsoft Publisher
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Access
Recordkeeping software
Video retrieval systems
WorldCat
C++
Automated circulation systems
Word processing software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Online Computer Library Center OCLC databases
Database software
Online Computer Library Center OCLC