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Public Libraries
New York Public Library, Los Angeles Public Library, Seattle Public Library
Library Assistants, Clerical
This job keeps a library running at the front desk and behind the scenes: checking materials in and out, helping people find information, updating patron records, and keeping the collection organized. The work is distinct because it mixes customer service with careful clerical tracking, and the tradeoff is clear—it's accessible to people with only a high school diploma, but the pay is modest and routine desk work is under pressure from self-service and digital systems.
Also known as Library ClerkCirculation ClerkLibrary AideCirculation AssistantLibrary Support Specialist
Median Salary
$36,010
Mean $37,910
U.S. Workforce
~80K
12.8K openings per year
10-Year Growth
+-6.7%
84.5K to 78.9K
Entry Education
High school diploma or equivalent
+ None experience
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
Library Assistants, Clerical sits in the Education category. In practical terms, this role combines day-to-day execution, cross-team coordination, and consistent decision-making under real business constraints.
U.S. employment is currently about ~80K workers, with a median annual pay of $36,010 and roughly 12.8K openings each year. Based on BLS projections, total employment is expected to decline from 84.5 K in 2024 to 78.9K in 2034.
Most hiring paths start with High school diploma or equivalent, and employers typically expect none of related experience. Many careers in this track begin around Library Clerk and can progress toward Library Services Supervisor. High-value skills usually include Integrated Library Systems (Koha, SirsiDynix Symphony & Ex Libris Alma), Circulation Desk Software & Patron Account Systems, and Records Management, Catalog Maintenance & Database Updates, paired with soft skills such as Service Orientation, Active Listening, and Reading Comprehension.
Core Responsibilities
- Help library users find books, articles, databases, and the library’s search system.
- Check materials in and out, place holds, and handle loans that come from other libraries.
- Keep item records organized, update catalog information, and file or track library cards and records.
- Register new patrons, issue library cards, and update account details in the computer system.
Keep exploring: more Education careers or browse all job titles.
A Day in the Life
01 Help library users find books, articles, databases, and the library’s search system.
02 Check materials in and out, place holds, and handle loans that come from other libraries.
03 Keep item records organized, update catalog information, and file or track library cards and records.
04 Register new patrons, issue library cards, and update account details in the computer system.
05 Inspect returned items for damage or late returns and calculate any fines that apply.
06 Move books and other materials between departments, shelves, and service desks.
Industries That Hire
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Schools and Universities
Harvard University, University of Michigan, Arizona State University
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Local Government and Library Systems
City of Chicago, King County, City of Austin
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Museums and Cultural Institutions
Smithsonian, The Met, Getty
Pros and Cons
Advantages
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It has a low barrier to entry: the usual starting point is a high school diploma or equivalent, and the job typically needs only short-term on-the-job training.
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There are still plenty of openings to chase, with about 12.8K annual openings even though the field is expected to shrink overall.
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The work is public-facing and practical, so you get to help people find information instead of just doing back-office filing.
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You build useful office skills fast, including records management, data entry, customer service, and computer-based tracking.
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The day-to-day work is usually structured and predictable, which can be a good fit if you prefer clear routines over constant change.
Challenges
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Pay is fairly modest: the median wage is $36,010 a year and the mean is $37,910, so it is not a high-earning clerical job.
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The occupation is projected to lose 6.7% of jobs by 2034, dropping from 84.5K to 78.9K, which means fewer total openings over time.
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The career ladder is limited unless you move into supervision or a different library specialty, so long-term wage growth can stall.
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A lot of the work is repetitive and detail-heavy, and mistakes in checkouts, fines, or patron records can quickly create problems.
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Self-checkout systems, digital catalogs, and tighter public budgets can reduce demand for routine desk work and make hiring less stable.
Career Progression
Library Clerk
0-2 years
$28K-$33K
New workers learn the circulation desk, basic records, and how to handle routine patron questions.
Library Assistant, Clerical
1-5 years
$34K-$39K
This is the main role: checking materials, updating records, helping patrons, and keeping the collection moving day to day.
Senior Library Assistant THIS ROLE
5-9 years
$39K-$46K
More experienced workers handle harder patron issues, train newer staff, and take on more complex record and reserve work.
Library Services Supervisor
9-15 years
$46K-$58K
Supervisors oversee desk operations, assign tasks, solve service problems, and keep the library’s clerical workflow on track.
Education Paths
High school diploma or equivalent
The most common entry point, held by 49.83% of workers in this role.
Some college courses
A smaller alternative path, held by 14.14% of workers, often paired with office or library experience.
Associate's degree
A minority path, held by 12.12% of workers, sometimes in library technology, office administration, or a related field.
Post-secondary certificate
Held by 10.74% of workers and useful for building office software, records, and library support skills.
Key Skills
Technical
Integrated Library Systems (Koha, SirsiDynix Symphony & Ex Libris Alma) 60%
Circulation Desk Software & Patron Account Systems 58%
Records Management, Catalog Maintenance & Database Updates 55%
Microsoft Word, Excel & Data Entry 54%
Interlibrary Loan, Holds & Reserve Management 52%
Soft Skills
Service OrientationActive ListeningReading ComprehensionCoordinationCritical ThinkingWriting Job Outlook and Trends
+-6.7%
Projected growth (2024-2034)
12.8K
Annual job openings
Employment is projected to rise from 84.5K to 78.9 K over the next decade, representing -6.7% growth. Around 12.8 K openings per year include both newly created roles and replacement hiring from turnover.
Remote availability is currently Rare. Demand remains strongest where employers need practical domain knowledge plus modern workflow and data skills.