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General clerk vs library clerk

The differences between general clerks and library clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a general clerk has an average salary of $33,254, which is higher than the $30,275 average annual salary of a library clerk.

The top three skills for a general clerk include customer service, data entry and office procedures. The most important skills for a library clerk are library materials, customer service, and circulation desk.

General clerk vs library clerk overview

General ClerkLibrary Clerk
Yearly salary$33,254$30,275
Hourly rate$15.99$14.56
Growth rate-5%-4%
Number of jobs141,57067,131
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 33%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age4747
Years of experience2-

What does a general clerk do?

General clerks are responsible for a variety of miscellaneous and administrative tasks within an organization. These include answering and transferring calls, sorting and delivering incoming emails, and scheduling appointments. They are also responsible for providing information to clients and staff members, preparing and processing bills and office documents, and performing data entry tasks. General clerks are often employed in almost all industries. This position typically requires a high school diploma and basic knowledge of computer applications such as spreadsheet software and word processing.

What does a library clerk do?

Library clerks help librarians by primarily doing sorting, shelving, updating database and files, and cataloging several library materials such as books, newspapers, magazines, and multimedia resources. They check books and other resources in and out of the library assist in the procurement of library supplies, work with audio-visual equipment most of the time. In addition, other job responsibilities include setting up book displays, repairing damaged books, sending out overdue notices, and helping visitors find what they look for.

General clerk vs library clerk salary

General clerks and library clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

General ClerkLibrary Clerk
Average salary$33,254$30,275
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $40,000Between $23,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MAAnchorage, AK
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyNational Grid plcMayor Ethan Berkowitz
Best paying industryGovernmentFinance

Differences between general clerk and library clerk education

There are a few differences between a general clerk and a library clerk in terms of educational background:

General ClerkLibrary Clerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 33%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeWestern Carolina UniversityStanford University

General clerk vs library clerk demographics

Here are the differences between general clerks' and library clerks' demographics:

General ClerkLibrary Clerk
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 33.1% Female, 66.9%Male, 28.7% Female, 71.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 9.2% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%11%

Differences between general clerk and library clerk duties and responsibilities

General clerk example responsibilities.

  • Excel, beginners & PowerPoint, beginners.
  • Have knowledge of CPRS navigation and ICD-9 codes.
  • Engage in transactions involving cash where constant math and arithmetic occurs.
  • Utilize PowerPoint to communicate daily, weekly contest, and training material.
  • Close money bags daily using math and also logic (when necessary).
  • Assist the 2010 CFC group with their video presentations to galvanize employee donations throughout entire FSA.
  • Show more

Library clerk example responsibilities.

  • Issue out DVDs, CD's, and newspapers to library customers.
  • Check in and out library merchandise including: books, audio recordings, magazines, and DVDs.
  • Perform copy cataloging, subject analysis and assignment of classification numbers.
  • Perform regular cataloging of new acquisitions, maintaining accurate data building for microfilm, microfiche, periodicals, and academic collections.
  • Collate, and burned documents to CDs for time-sensitive shipment.
  • Shelve music books, music scores, CDs, vinyl record albums, and audiobooks.
  • Show more

General clerk vs library clerk skills

Common general clerk skills
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • Data Entry, 10%
  • Office Procedures, 6%
  • Veterans, 6%
  • Office Equipment, 5%
  • Citizenship, 5%
Common library clerk skills
  • Library Materials, 19%
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • Circulation Desk, 7%
  • Library Patrons, 4%
  • Word Processing, 3%
  • Office Equipment, 3%

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