Library assistant Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

The job title library assistant usually applies to assistants in public libraries. In other areas, such as industry or education, they may be called information assistants.

As a library assistant, you would work with a variety of material, including:

• books and journals
• newspapers, leaflets and pamphlets
• maps and photographs
• video, film, DVD and CD
• microfiche and computer databases.

Your work would include:

• helping library users to find the information they need
• checking materials in and out
• filing or replacing returned items
• dealing with enquiries by telephone, email, letter or fax
• cataloguing new materials
• maintaining databases and records
• arranging repair of damaged materials.

In a public library, you may help with community events such as story readings.

Hours

You would usually work shifts, including weekends or evenings, especially in a public or academic library, although some assistants work office hours.

You may have the opportunity to work in a mobile library, travelling around the local area.

Income

Library assistants can earn between around £15,000 and over £18,000 a year.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You would usually need at least five GCSEs (A-C) or equivalent, including English.

For some jobs, for example in industrial or commercial libraries or information centres, you may need A levels or equivalent qualifications. You may also need specialist knowledge such as languages or science.

You might be able to find work without formal qualifications if you have skills relevant to the particular library or job.

You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit the Apprenticeships website:

• Apprenticeships

Training and development

Once you start work, you will usually receive training on the job, under the supervision of a senior library assistant or librarian. You may also study for qualifications (usually by day release or distance learning), including:

• City & Guilds (7371) Progression Award in Library and Information Services
• EDI Certificate in Libraries, Archives and Information Services Level 2 and Diploma in Libraries, Archives and Information Services Level 3

With experience, you can apply for Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) Certification, which is a useful stepping stone to becoming a librarian. See the Librarian profile for further details.

To apply for the Certification, you must have:

• five years’ full-time work experience in an information-based setting, or
• two years’ work experience and some relevant training, such as work-based training, external information courses or other self-development courses.

After passing the Certification process, you will become an associate member of CILIP (ACLIP). Visit the CILIP website for details.

Skills and knowledge

To be a library assistant you should have:

• good customer service skills
• a methodical and well-organised approach
• the ability to work as part of a team
• good computer skills.

More information

Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)
7 Ridgmount Street
London
WC1E 7AE
Tel: 020 7255 0500
www.cilip.org.uk

Opportunities

You could work for a variety of employers, including:

• local authority public library services
• national libraries
• universities and other educational establishments
• public service industries.

In a large library, you may be able to progress to more senior grades. You could also qualify as a librarian by gaining experience and work-based training. See the librarian profile for details.

• librarian

Look out for vacancies advertised in newspapers and at Jobcentre Plus. You may also find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):

• Lisjobnet
• Artsjobsonline
• LGjobs

Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.

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