Library Assistant
Assist in the daily operations of a library under the supervision of a Librarian
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Library Assistant?
- How to become a Library Assistant
- Latest Library Assistant jobs
- Top skills and experience for Library Assistants
- Is Library Assistant the right role for you?
- Library Assistant role reviews
What's it like to be a Library Assistant?
Library Assistants contribute to the daily operations of a library, including receiving, sorting, issuing and shelving items such as books, magazines and films. The role of a Library Assistant is suited to individuals who like helping people, have good organisational skills and who are excellent communicators. Library Assistants typically work as a member of a team under the supervision of a Librarian.
Tasks and duties
- Helping library patrons by issuing items from collections and retrieving items on reserve.
- Inspecting returned items for damage and making repairs as required, in addition to cataloguing and returning items to shelves or storage areas.
- Maintaining records of borrowed items and issuing overdue notices and supporting patrons who are physically unable to attend the library with outreach services.
How to become a Library Assistant
You don’t need formal qualifications to work as a Library Assistant, however a qualification can help with your theoretical and practical knowledge and skills.
- Get started in the industry by completing a VET level qualification such as a Certificate IV in Library and Information Services (BSB40720) or a Diploma of Library and Information Services (BSB50520).
- Many libraries require you to have a Working with Children Check.
- There are many opportunities for Library Assistants to further their career, such as becoming a Librarian (by completing a Bachelor of Information Studies) or moving into specialised roles such as children’s services, research or online services.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Library Assistants.Latest Library Assistant jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Library Assistant jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Library Assistant employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Library Services
Library Management Systems
Cataloguing
Information Services
Digital Literacy
Customer Service
Reading Skills
Printing
Stock Take
Numeracy
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Library Assistant reviews
May 2021
The work is great... if you can find work
Reviewer's QualificationDiploma of Library and Information Services
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationGovernment & Defence
The good thingsWorking as a Library Assistant is great if you are a people person, because the role involves a lot of interactions with library patrons face to face and over the phone. I enjoy helping someone find a...
The challengesFor me the biggest challenge is job security in this competitive and casualised industry. All Library Assistants at my workplace are casual employees, mostly getting shifts "on call" rather than roste...
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Sep 2024
Varied and energetic role with acultur cultural atmoshpere
Reviewer's QualificationDiploma of Library and Information Services
ExperienceLess than a year
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationCommunity Services & Development
The good thingsServing the public. I have always been a people person, and this role gives me the opportunity to serve the public directly, and a number of people who I would otherwise never meet. It also gives me t...
The challengesLong standing hours. I have chronic fatigue at the moment. It is a very physically demanding job, and I didn't realize it. The extreme fatigue crept up on me suddenly and has left me crippled for 4 da...
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SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
