Library Assistant
Tasks & duties
Library assistants may do some or all of the following:
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issue library materials, such as books, magazines, CDs and DVDs
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deal with customer enquiries in person, and by phone
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help customers use the online library catalogue, digital resources or the Internet
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check and process library material returns
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collect money from customers for fines or special services
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sort, file and shelve library material
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enrol new library users
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send out notices regarding overdue books and reserved items
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help catalogue and prepare new materials for library use
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mend damaged books and other items
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drive library book bus to designated user stops
Skills & knowledge
Library assistants need to have:
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excellent oral and written communication skills
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computer skills and an understanding of how to use library management systems and databases
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knowledge of methods of organising and finding information in libraries
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basic research skills
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organisational ability, and sorting and filing skills
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numeracy and money-handling skills
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good general knowledge to help with customer enquiries
Library assistants who work on book buses need to have first aid skills, and be able to drive heavy vehicles.
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements to become a library assistant. However, some employers prefer candidates who have – or are working towards – a tertiary qualification, a Diploma in Library and Information Studies (Level 5), or a Certificate in Cataloguing.
Library assistants who work on library book buses need a current New Zealand heavy vehicle driver's licence and
a first aid certificate.
Secondary education
Useful school subjects for a library assistant include NCEA Level 2 or Sixth Form Certificate English, maths, languages, history and geography.
Tertiary education
The Open Polytechnic offers two distance-learning courses in library and information studies:
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Certificate in Cataloguing
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Diploma of Library and Information Studies (Level 5)
Training on the job
Library assistants gain many skills on the job, such as how to use library management software and catalogue new material. They may also attend training courses organised by their library.
Some library assistants may study towards a library qualification, often through distance learning or part-time study.
Useful experience
Useful experience for library assistants includes:
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voluntary work in a library
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customer service jobs such as work in restaurants, hotels, or shops
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work in a bookshop or newsagent's
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teaching
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office work
Related courses
Librarianship and Information Management
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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