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43-4121.00 · Task explorer

Library Assistants, Clerical: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Compile records, and 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.

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This source lists 32 tasks, including 25 marked Core and 7 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2018.

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32 tasks shown

Core · Task 2645 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.

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Core · Task 18769 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.

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Core · Task 2646 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.

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Core · Task 2643 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Enter and update patrons' records on computers.

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Core · Task 2649 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.

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Core · Task 18773 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.

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Core · Task 18774 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.

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Core · Task 2647 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.

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Core · Task 2648 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.

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Core · Task 2650 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.

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Core · Task 18770 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.

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Core · Task 2655 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.

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Core · Task 2644 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.

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Core · Task 2652 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.

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Core · Task 2661 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.

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Core · Task 2656 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.

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Core · Task 18772 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.

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Core · Task 18771 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.

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Core · Task 18776 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.

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Core · Task 2653 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.

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Core · Task 2658 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.

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Core · Task 2662 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests.

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Core · Task 18778 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Prepare library statistics reports.

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Core · Task 2664 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.

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Core · Task 2667 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Assist in the preparation of book displays.

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Supplemental · Task 2654 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.

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Supplemental · Task 2657 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.

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Supplemental · Task 21077 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Plan or participate in library events and programs, such as story time with children.

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Supplemental · Task 18775 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.

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Supplemental · Task 2660 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.

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Supplemental · Task 18779 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.

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Supplemental · Task 18777 · 08/2018 · Incumbent

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.

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Make the shortlist useful

Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.