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Automation Squad

Role

AI for Library Assistants

Robert MacKelfresh

By Robert MacKelfresh

Founder, Automation Squad

Compile records, and sort, shelve, issue, and receive library materials such as books, electronic media, pictures, cards, slides and microfilm. Locate library materials for loan and replace material in shelving area, stacks, or files according to identification number and title. Register patrons to permit them to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials.

Library Assistants, Clerical · O*NET 43-4121.00 · Job Zone 2 · sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor occupation database

Automation coverage

11 of 20tools on this list have an AI solution available today

Counted by matching the tools this occupation is documented as using against a corpus of 226,452 AI products, MCP servers, skills and connectors. Where a tool has no match, we say so rather than inventing one.

AI you can use for this job

21 matched to the tools library assistants, clerical use. Showing 21.

The tools this job actually uses

20 documented for this occupation. Showing 20, hot technologies first. A filled dot means an AI solution exists for it.

  • Adobe Acrobathot
  • Adobe Photoshophot
  • Chot
  • Microsoft Accesshot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Microsoft Windowshot
  • Microsoft Wordhot
  • Automated circulation systems
  • Cataloging software
  • Database software
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) databases
  • Recordkeeping software
  • ResourceMate Plus
  • Video retrieval systems
  • Web browser software
  • WorldCat

What this job involves

33 documented tasks, most important first. Showing 24.

  1. Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
  2. Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.
  3. Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
  4. Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
  5. Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
  6. Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
  7. Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.
  8. Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.
  9. Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
  10. Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.
  11. Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.
  12. Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.
  13. Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.
  14. Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.
  15. Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.
  16. Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.
  17. Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.
  18. Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.
  19. Plan or participate in library events and programs, such as story time with children.
  20. Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.
  21. Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.
  22. Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.
  23. Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.
  24. Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.
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