Library Assistants, Clerical

AI & job outlook

What today's research says about this occupation's exposure to AI, how AI is actually being used in it, and where employment is headed. These are positions within published studies — measures of exposure and usage, not predictions that this job will disappear.

Exposure to current AI

Each study uses its own scale, so the raw scores are not comparable across rows — the percentile (this job's rank among all U.S. occupations with data) is the comparable figure, and sizes the bars.

OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.3), with simple added tooling (β 0.5), and including AI-powered software (γ 0.7). Higher means more of the job's tasks could be done at least twice as fast — not that they will be automated away.

This job mostly cannot be done remotely (Dingel–Neiman) — its hands-on tasks sit outside what software-based AI reaches.

Mixed signals. Today's AI/LLM studies show relatively low exposure for this job, but the older (2013) Frey–Osborne work rated it higher for computerization and robotics. Different eras, different technologies — the AI measures above reflect the current state.

How AI is actually used in this job

Among measured AI assistant conversations mapped to this occupation (Anthropic Economic Index, 2026-01-15), these task types came up most. These are shares of observed AI conversations — not shares of the job, of worker time, or of what could be automated.

Job outlook

Independent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projection for 2024–2034 — a labor-market forecast, not an AI-impact forecast.

“Annual openings” counts new jobs plus replacements for workers who leave the occupation, so it can be large even when growth is modest.

Where this work sits on the global GenAI gradient

The ILO's 2025 global study scores generative-AI exposure on the international ISCO-08 occupation system, not US SOC. Bridged through the published (and approximate, many-to-many) IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 crosswalk, this US occupation corresponds to the international occupation below. Exposure here means how much of the work's tasks today's AI can attempt — task overlap, not automation, adoption, or jobs lost.

Read the whole six-band gradient on the GenAI exposure gradient page. The crosswalk is approximate: a US occupation can map to several international ones, and the ILO scores describe the international occupation, not this exact US role.

Working with AI in this job

How people actually apply AI to this occupation's tasks, from Claude.ai (Free and Pro) conversations in the Anthropic Economic Index, 2026-01-15. This is one AI assistant's consumer sample — not all AI, not the whole workforce. Autonomy and the collaboration mix are model-rated estimates; figures below the sample floor are hidden.

What people delegate to AI

The role's most common tasks in AI conversations, each tagged with how people work with the AI on it. “Usage” is the share of observed conversations, not of the job.

Where a human is still needed

Tasks where the model most often judged that a person remained necessary — a useful read on the current boundary, not a guarantee.

What people most often hand AI here

Example prompts phrased from the tasks people most often delegate to AI in this occupation (Anthropic Economic Index). Each shows the underlying measured task and its share of observed AI use. They are suggested phrasings of real tasks — starting points, not endorsed instructions.

• Help me locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.

  From: Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures. · 5.1% of measured AI use · directive

• Help me classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.

  From: Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose. · 0.8% of measured AI use · directive

• Help me instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.

  From: Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems. · 0.4% of measured AI use · learning

Tasks

All 33 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.

• Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas. Core · importance 4.3
• Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment. Core · importance 4.3
• Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose. Supplemental · importance 4.3
• Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures. Core · importance 4.3
• Enter and update patrons' records on computers. Core · importance 4.3
• Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians. Core · importance 4.3
• 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 · importance 4.2
• Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans. Core · importance 4.1
• Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines. Core · importance 4.1
• Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems. Core · importance 4.1
• Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used. Core · importance 4.0
• Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material. Core · importance 4.0
• Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials. Core · importance 4.0
• Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors. Supplemental · importance 4.0
• Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software. Core · importance 3.9
• Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials. Core · importance 3.8
• Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers. Core · importance 3.8
• Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books. Core · importance 3.8
• Plan or participate in library events and programs, such as story time with children. Supplemental · importance 3.8
• Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment. Core · importance 3.7
• Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees. Core · importance 3.7
• Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair. Core · importance 3.7
• Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment. Supplemental · importance 3.7
• Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash. Supplemental · importance 3.7
• Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons. Core · importance 3.7
• Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues. Supplemental · importance 3.6
• Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers. Core · importance 3.6
• 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 · importance 3.5
• Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests. Core · importance 3.4
• Prepare library statistics reports. Core · importance 3.4
• Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts. Core · importance 3.3
• Assist in the preparation of book displays. Core · importance 3.1
• Place books in mailing containers, affix address labels, and secure containers with straps for mailing to blind library patrons. Supplemental

Emerging tasks

Newer responsibilities O*NET has flagged as growing for this occupation.

• Hire library staff such as student assistants.

Work activities

• Maintain security.
• Sort mail.
• Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
• Type documents.
• Prepare employee work schedules.
• Supervise clerical or administrative personnel.
• Maintain office equipment in proper operating condition.
• Distribute materials to employees or customers.
• Maintain financial or account records.
• Repair books or other printed material.
• Process library materials.
• Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
• Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
• Prepare research or technical reports.
• Develop computer or online applications.
• Plan educational activities.
• Plan special events.
• Enter information into databases or software programs.
• Sort materials or products.
• Track goods or materials.
• Demonstrate activity techniques or equipment use.
• Inspect items for damage or defects.
• Calculate financial data.
• Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
• Maintain inventory records.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
• Issue documentation or identification to customers or employees.
• Send information, materials or documentation.
• Collect deposits, payments or fees.
• Manage clerical or administrative activities.
• Store records or related materials.
• Operate office equipment.
• Maintain electronic equipment.
• Provide customer service to clients or users.
• Deliver items.
• Arrange items for use or display.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).

Knowledge

Abilities

Transferable skills

Essential skills

Skills in demand

Skills employers ask for in job postings for this occupation (Lightcast), with whether each is a common or specialized skill.

• English Language Common Skill
• Microsoft Excel Common Skill
• Information Ordering Specialized Skill
• Reading Comprehension Common Skill
• Active Listening Common Skill
• Speech Recognition Specialized Skill
• Writing Common Skill
• Microsoft Word Common Skill
• Microsoft Windows Common Skill
• Microsoft PowerPoint Common Skill
• Microsoft Outlook Common Skill
• Microsoft Access Specialized Skill
• Critical Thinking Common Skill
• Adobe Photoshop Specialized Skill
• Adobe Acrobat Specialized Skill
• Psychology Specialized Skill
• Time Management Common Skill
• Social Perceptiveness Common Skill
• Inductive Reasoning Common Skill
• Deductive Reasoning Common Skill
• Complex Problem Solving Common Skill
• Instructing Specialized Skill
• Learning Strategies Specialized Skill
• Finger Dexterity Common Skill
• Visualization Specialized Skill
• Mathematics Common Skill
• Active Learning Common Skill
• Geography Specialized Skill
• Telecommunications Specialized Skill
• WorldCat Specialized Skill
• Systems Analysis Specialized Skill
• Negotiation Common Skill
• Microsoft Publisher Specialized Skill
• Database Software Specialized Skill
• Foreign Language Common Skill
• Depth Perception Common Skill
• Chemistry Specialized Skill
• Equipment Maintenance Specialized Skill
• Physics Specialized Skill
• Biology Specialized Skill

Showing the top 40 of 43.

Tools & technology

Work context

How characteristic each condition is of the job, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale (higher = more present in day-to-day work). Each condition links to how it varies across all occupations.

How to get in

Job zone

Zone 2 — Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Education

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Typical entry-level education

High school diploma or equivalent · BLS, the typical path — not a requirement

Related experience

Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Preparation level

SVP (Below 6.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.

Education of current workers

Share of people in this occupation at each level of education.

Interests & work styles

The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.

Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)

Interest areas

Work styles

Wages & employment

U.S. · annual wages (BLS OEWS)

Industries that employ this occupation

Where these workers are employed, by number of jobs (national, BLS OEWS). Pay shown is the occupation's national median, not industry-specific.

Where this work is most concentrated

Industries where this occupation is far more common than in the economy as a whole. The location quotient is how many times more concentrated it is here (a value of 5 means five times its economy-wide share).

Related occupations

Part of the Education career cluster.

• Library Technicians · 25-4031.00 Compare →
• File Clerks · 43-4071.00 Compare →
• Office Clerks, General · 43-9061.00 Compare →
• Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive · 43-6014.00 Compare →
• Document Management Specialists · 15-1299.03 Compare →
• Stockers and Order Fillers · 53-7065.00 Compare →
• Receptionists and Information Clerks · 43-4171.00 Compare →
• Office Machine Operators, Except Computer · 43-9071.00 Compare →
• Correspondence Clerks · 43-4021.00 Compare →
• Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants · 43-6011.00 Compare →
• Librarians and Media Collections Specialists · 25-4022.00 Compare →
• Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary · 25-1082.00 Compare →

Side-by-side comparisons place two occupations’ pay, preparation, skills, and AI exposure on the same page — same data, same scale, no forecast.

What you can do with this

Options the data surfaces for Library Assistants, Clerical — not advice or a forecast. Each is a real cross-link you can follow into the evidence.

Sources for this page

Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.

• O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
• BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27) Anthropic
• Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai Microsoft Research
• “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic
• AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans academic
• ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025 International Labour Organization
• IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022 Institute for Structural Research (IBS)
• Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation academic
• Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome academic

Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.

@misc{singulariki-role-43-4121-00,
  title  = {Library Assistants, Clerical},
  author = {{Singulariki}},
  year   = {2026},
  note   = {O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026},
  url    = {https://singulariki.com/roles/role-43-4121-00}
}