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.