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- Assist in the daily running of a library
- Useful if you have a love or passion for books or research
- Requires organisational, record-keeping, cataloguing, and IT skills
As a library assistant, you'll assist librarians in running libraries, using your passion for books and research.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Helping library users find what they need (in print and online)
- Opening IT access and solving user problems
- Checking materials in and out and cataloguing new items
- Shelving returned items and arranging repair of damaged materials
- Dealing with counter, phone and email enquiries
- Making sure copyright licence agreements are followed
- Maintaining databases and records
- Helping with community events and activities like reading sessions
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work at a university, in a commercial building, or at a college.
You'll need
To be a library assistant, you'll need to have administration and customer service skills, the ability to work well with others, thoroughness and attention to detail, flexibility and openness to change, sensitivity and understanding, knowledge of English language, basic computer skills, and the ability to work on your own.
There are no set entry requirements, so you can directly apply, but if you have some previous experience of working or volunteering in a library, this may help. Also, employers may ask for GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent. Experience working in an administration, customer services, or an IT role would be useful.
You could do a library, information and archive services intermediate or advanced apprenticeship.
You can also complete a Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Libraries, Archives and Information Services.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience and qualifications, you could become a librarian.