Library Assistant
What is the work like?
Library assistants work as part of a team, supporting the day-to-day running of libraries. 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.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
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 www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
When you start work as a library assistant, you will usually be trained on the job, under the supervision of a senior library assistant or a librarian. You may also study for qualifications (usually by day release or distance learning), including:
- NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Information and Library Services
- City & Guilds (7371) Progression Award in Library and Information Services.
When you are experienced as a library assistant, 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.
Where can I go for more information?
7 Ridgmount StreetLondon
WC1E 7AE
Tel: 020 7255 0500
St Andrew’s House
18-20 St Andrew Street
London
EC4A 3AY
Information and Advice Service: 020 7936 5798
Email: advice@lluk.org
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- New library assistants can earn around £13,000 a year.
- With experience earnings can be £15,000 to £18,000 or more a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
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.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good customer service skills
- a methodical and well-organised approach
- the ability to work as part of a team
- good computer skills.
What opportunities are there?
You could work as a library assistant for a variety of employers, including local authority public library services, central government departments, national libraries, universities and other educational establishments, and public service industries and corporations.
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.
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