Library Assistants
O*NET title: Library Assistants, Clerical
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.
Also called: Access Services Assistant, Acquisitions Assistant, Administrative Library Assistant, Book Sorter, Bookmobile Driver, Braille and Talking Books Clerk
Median pay
$36,910
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$27,730 – $55,310
People employed
85,520
Holland code
CSR
Conventional · Social · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 2.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
Library Assistants pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What library assistants do
- 01Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
- 02Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.
- 03Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
- 04Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
- 05Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
- 06Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Psychology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from library assistants
- Office Clerks, General90% · +22%
- Library Technicians90% · +21%
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive88% · +29%
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants78% · +108%
- Telephone Operators77% · +13%
Change into library assistants
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Library Technicians87% · $44,580
- Data Entry Keyers76% · $41,340
- Telephone Operators76% · $41,740