# Library Assistants, Clerical > 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. - Code: 43-4121.00 (O*NET-SOC; SOC 2018 43-4121) - Family: [Office & Administrative Support](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations#family-43), one of its 55 occupations - Tasks: 32 tasks (25 core and 7 supplemental) - Page: https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/43-4121.00 - JSON: https://foundation.org.ai/data/tasks/43-4121.00.json ## What the work is made of 1. Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas. Core task · Task 2645 · Rated by 87 people who do the job, August 2018 2. Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment. Core task · Task 18769 · Rated by 86 people who do the job, August 2018 3. Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures. Core task · Task 2646 · Rated by 87 people who do the job, August 2018 4. Enter and update patrons' records on computers. Core task · Task 2643 · Rated by 87 people who do the job, August 2018 5. Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians. Core task · Task 2649 · Rated by 86 people who do the job, August 2018 6. Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items. Core task · Task 18773 · Rated by 88 people who do the job, August 2018 7. Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans. Core task · Task 18774 · Rated by 88 people who do the job, August 2018 8. Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems. Core task · Task 2647 · Rated by 88 people who do the job, August 2018 9. Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines. Core task · Task 2648 · Rated by 87 people who do the job, August 2018 10. Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used. Core task · Task 2650 · Rated by 88 people who do the job, August 2018 11. Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material. Core task · Task 18770 · Rated by 87 people who do the job, August 2018 12. Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials. Core task · Task 2655 · Rated by 88 people who do the job, August 2018 13. Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software. Core task · Task 2644 · Rated by 87 people who do the job, August 2018 14. Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials. Core task · Task 2652 · Rated by 86 people who do the job, August 2018 15. Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers. Core task · Task 2661 · Rated by 86 people who do the job, August 2018 16. Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books. Core task · Task 2656 · Rated by 87 people who do the job, August 2018 17. Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment. Core task · Task 18772 · Rated by 86 people who do the job, August 2018 18. Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees. Core task · Task 18771 · Rated by 87 people who do the job, August 2018 19. Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair. Core task · Task 18776 · Rated by 87 people who do the job, August 2018 20. Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons. Core task · Task 2653 · Rated by 86 people who do the job, August 2018 21. Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers. Core task · Task 2658 · Rated by 87 people who do the job, August 2018 22. Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests. Core task · Task 2662 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2018 23. Prepare library statistics reports. Core task · Task 18778 · Rated by 87 people who do the job, August 2018 24. Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts. Core task · Task 2664 · Rated by 87 people who do the job, August 2018 25. Assist in the preparation of book displays. Core task · Task 2667 · Rated by 84 people who do the job, August 2018 26. Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose. Supplemental task · Task 2654 · Rated by 84 people who do the job, August 2018 27. Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors. Supplemental task · Task 2657 · Rated by 87 people who do the job, August 2018 28. Plan or participate in library events and programs, such as story time with children. Supplemental task · Task 21077 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2018 29. Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash. Supplemental task · Task 18775 · Rated by 87 people who do the job, August 2018 30. Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment. Supplemental task · Task 2660 · Rated by 84 people who do the job, August 2018 31. Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues. Supplemental task · Task 18779 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2018 32. Acquire books, pamphlets, periodicals, audio-visual materials, and other library supplies by checking prices, figuring costs, and preparing appropriate order forms and facilitating the ordering process by providing such information to others. Supplemental task · Task 18777 · Rated by 84 people who do the job, August 2018 ## More in Office & Administrative Support - [Bill and Account Collectors](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/43-3011.00): 15 tasks - [Billing and Posting Clerks](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/43-3021.00): 28 tasks - [Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/43-3031.00): 28 tasks - [Brokerage Clerks](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/43-4011.00): 10 tasks - [Cargo and Freight Agents](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/43-5011.00): 24 tasks - [Communications Equipment Operators, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/43-2099.00): no tasks listed - [Correspondence Clerks](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/43-4021.00): 17 tasks - [Couriers and Messengers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/43-5021.00): 15 tasks - [Court, Municipal, and License Clerks](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/43-4031.00): 30 tasks - [Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/43-4041.00): 16 tasks - 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