Library Assistant Job

It's a long time since I worked in a library, but some things may still be relevant.

There were two categories of library assistant in my day, one qualified and the other not. The unqualified ones assisted in general duties - replacing books on shelves (a lot of the time), registering books out and in (at the desk), repairing books (a nice, quiet job) and other odds and ends. The library I worked in had a separate children's library, which was always noisier than the adult, but manageable. The qualified librarian took storytime for children etc.

Replacing books is easy as libraries catalogue books on the Dewey system, which goves every category of knowledge a main number and sub-numbers for sub-categories. You won't be expected to know this immediately (qualified librarians learn it in order to assign a category to books) but you will find you pick it up over time. As every book has a number on the spine, you don't have to guess - just put the numbers in order and file the books away.

Desk duties included checking books for damage, answering queries about where to find a particular book or category of non-fiction and library facilities such as local information. Of course, these days there are other things such as computers, DVDs etc. You should receive training in all this and be paired with an experienced librarian who can handle the queries yoiu don't have an answer to. 

You can ask what areas you'll be expected to work in and what training you'll be given. 

I used to work regularly in an office near our library. The noisiest time was half an hour once a week when they had baby rhyme time complete with instruments. That was noisy, but only lasted half an hour. The other noisy thing in the building was the weekly alarm test, but it was always at the same time. 

Hi thanks for the information. 

Looks as though they work in twos maybe threes. Something I will ask about in interview. I went into the library to scope it out and there were two women behind the desk. 

I will ask about group work etc as they have children coming in.

I've always wanted to work in a library and although my current job is stressful and sensory overload in many ways, I'm used to the routine and people so want to make sure I make the right decision.

Thanks again 

Good morning

I used to volunteer at the local library 2013-2020. Unfortunately they got 2 library volunteers who are not regular users. After covid outbreak everyone wanted to return to the library. Shame didn't ask me.

The supervisor is hardly there.

Enjoyed putting books away, looking for book requests and writing out the requests slips (when someone orders a book from a different library); every month you exchange books at another library (stock rotation); plus photocopying.

Also I was helping out with the library aassistant. They would go through emails and see anything needs doing.

You'll need a CRB check which the employers pay for. I needed one as was in environment with vulnerable people and children.

Hope this is helpful.

Sorry haven't explained clearly. 

Fingers crossed for you and hopefully your get this. Are you working in a team or alone?