# Tasks & work activities — library assistant

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 25-4031.00 (Library Technicians).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
- **[Core]** Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
- **[Core]** Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
- **[Core]** Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.
- **[Core]** Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.
- **[Core]** Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
- **[Core]** Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
- **[Core]** Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
- **[Core]** Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
- **[Core]** Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.
- **[Core]** Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.
- **[Core]** Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
- **[Core]** Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
- **[Core]** Catalogue and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
- **[Core]** Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
- **[Core]** Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.
- **[Core]** Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage.
- **[Supplemental]** Process interlibrary loans for patrons.
- **[Supplemental]** Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer.
- **[Supplemental]** Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.
- **[Supplemental]** Issue identification cards to borrowers.
- **[Supplemental]** Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.
- **[Supplemental]** Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.
- **[Supplemental]** Send out notices about lost or overdue books.
- **[Supplemental]** Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.
- **[Supplemental]** Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.
- **[Supplemental]** Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.
- **[Supplemental]** Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments.
- **[Supplemental]** Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals.
- **[Supplemental]** Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours.
- **[Supplemental]** Sort and deliver library mail and packages.

## Detailed work activities

- Assist other educational professionals with projects or research.
- Classify materials according to standard systems.
- Collect deposits, payments or fees.
- Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.
- Deliver items.
- Develop instructional materials.
- Direct activities of subordinates.
- Distribute instructional or library materials.
- Help patrons use library or archival resources.
- Inspect materials or equipment to determine need for repair or replacement.
- Maintain computer equipment or software.
- Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
- Maintain operational records.
- Mediate disputes.
- Move materials, equipment, or supplies.
- Operate audiovisual equipment.
- Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
- Organize informational materials.
- Plan community programs or activities for the general public.
- Process library materials.
- Provide information to the general public.
- Respond to customer problems or complaints.
- Search information sources to find specific data.
- Send information, materials or documentation.
- Sort mail.
- Train staff members.
- Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.