Library Assistant

Introduction
If the old image of libraries was of old buildings full of dusty books and librarians going "sshhhhhh" all the time, times have certainly changed!  Today's libraries are often bursting at the seams with the information we find so vital to modern life. The books are still there but these are complemented by journals, CD-ROMs, audio CDs and cassettes, records, sheet music, maps, pictures, videos and, of course, the Internet.

Library assistants work as part of the team that manages all this information and makes it easily accessible to users. They support the work of professionally qualified librarians or information managers and ensure that public and school libraries run efficiently. They deal with the borrowing of books and other materials and help members of the public to find specific books and sources of information.  There are more than 23,000 library assistants employed by local authority leisure services departments.

Work Environment
Library assistants are generally based in large city centre libraries, local public libraries,orschoolorcollege libraries. Some assistants travel between, and work in several different libraries. Others, particularly in rural areas, work in mobile libraries - buses and vans that travel from place to place to reach people who wouldn't otherwise have access to library materials.

Libraries range from being in very old buildings, to modern, bright, purpose built ones. The work can be physically demanding - bending, lifting, carrying books; walking around the library, and maybe even climbing ladders. The environment can be quite dusty.

Daily Activities
Dealing with enquiries from users, both in person and over the telephone, forms a large part of the job. This may involve helping them to locate books; use reference sources; carry out research; and use the equipment - photocopiers, microfiche readers, computers, etc. The more routine tasks include: 

  • working on the counter issuing books and taking in returns using a computerised system, collecting fines forlate books, reserving books, enrolling new readers and renewing existing memberships;
  • keeping the library tidy and shelving books in alphabeticalornumericalorder;
  • sending out letters regarding overdue books;
  • arranging inter-library loans;
  • carrying out minorbook repairs (such as taping loose pages in place)orarranging forrepairs to be done;
  • ordering new material as directed by the librarian;
  • helping librarians to catalogue new materials, allocate classification codes, and add to computer records of library stock.

Some libraries are community centres as well as a place to read and borrow books. Library assistants may be expected to take part in special events: educational activities forchildren such as reading stories, drawing and painting; and social activities forother groups within the community.

Skills & Interests
Good interpersonal skills and communication skills are essential; in other words, you must be patient, friendly, outgoing, and like helping the public - you will be dealing with people from all walks of life.  A good memory, an enquiring mind and a logical approach to work are important for carrying out research. You should have basic computer skills and be able to work well as part of a team.  A genuine interest in books and collections of information is desirable.

Entry Requirements
Most posts will ask forat least 4 GCSEs at grades A-C including English, or GNVQs/GSVQs.  For some posts applicants need A-levels or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC/SQA national certificates/diplomas or Advanced GNVQs/GSVQs Level III.  Training is mainly on the job under the supervision of seniorstaff. Library assistants may be encouraged to work towards NVQs/SVQs in Library and Information Services at levels 2, 3 and 4.  City and Guilds and SQA also offer courses in library and information science via part timeordistance learning to those already employed in libraries.  Apprenticeships in Information and Library Services may be available.

Future Prospects & Opportunities
Library assistants can progress to a supervisory role in a seniorassistant post.  Library assistants with degrees and at least one year's experience can move into professional librarian/information manager posts by taking a postgraduate qualification.  Opportunities forlibrary assistants also exist outside local authorities, in universities/colleges, private industry and commerce, medical services, government departments, and in specialist libraries, forexample.  The greatest opportunities are in urban areas.

Further Information & Services
Apprenticeship information www.apprenticeships.org.uk 
Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals www.cilip.org.uk 
Institute for the Management of Information Systems www.imis.org.uk 
School Library Association www.sla.org.uk 
The Chartered Institute for IT www.bcs.org.uk

Careers Wales have produced a Spotlight article on careers in creative industries: www.careerswales.com/en/spotlight-on-creative-industries/ 

You may find further information about this area of work through Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or in your local library, careers officeor school careers library. 

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