What does a library page do?
A library page is an individual who is responsible for organizing all returned books and other items while putting them in their proper places on the shelves. This library page must retrieve materials that are kept in secured areas and checking items that are returned from patrons. The library page is required to help library patrons by helping them find a specific section of the library or book titles. This library page must also provide information to patrons related to due dates as well as library policies.
Library page responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real library page resumes:
- Perform check-in and check-out of library books on a daily basis.
- Coordinate seating for VIP guests.
- Gain familiarity with a vast array of works of fiction and nonfiction.
- Issue library cards, check-in and check-out library materials, answer incoming calls.
- Sort & organize various library materials consisting of books, magazines, CDs, etc.
- Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, DVDs, etc.
- Scan books and DVDs that are being return and make sure their names are registered on the computer.
- Straighten shelves for cleanliness and organization.
- Maintain filing system for fiction and multimedia divisions.
- Direct pages and coordinate audience load-in/load-out process with a high level of organization.
- Perform elementary descriptive cataloging using automate bibliographic database.
- Create and organize spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and slideshows.
- Arrange non-fiction and children books in order.
- Sort and reshelve books in adult non-fiction area.
- Assist with intake as well as sorting inter-library loan deliveries.
Library page skills and personality traits
We calculated that 21% of Library Pages are proficient in Customer Service, Library Patrons, and Library System. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Detail oriented, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Library Pages that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 21%
Ensured top quality customer service to a diverse community in navigating library materials, and facilitated computer workshop for beginners.
- Library Patrons, 10%
Circulated materials to library patrons using automated system Undertook inventory project of historical materials
- Library System, 8%
Checked in library materials using the computerized library system.
- Photocopying, 6%
Performed administrative tasks when required such as photocopying, mailing, scanning, creating signs and notices.
- Shelve Library Materials, 5%
Staff service desk, shelve library materials, check materials in and out, collect fines, and maintain borrower records.
- Public Library, 4%
Worked in a very fast paced public library, helping to process holds, maintain physical space, and shelve items.
Most library pages use their skills in "customer service," "library patrons," and "library system" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential library page responsibilities here:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a library page to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "library technicians and assistants must be able to answer patrons’ questions clearly and explain use of library resources." Additionally, a library page resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "utilized ability to organize library resources effectively demonstrated communication skills in helping patrons find desired resources"
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling library page duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "library technicians and assistants must pay close attention to ensure that library materials and information are organized correctly and according to the library’s organizational system." According to a library page resume, here's how library pages can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "shelved library books and material with high attention to detail and efficiency. "
Interpersonal skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of library pages is interpersonal skills. This skill is critical to many everyday library page duties, as "library technicians and assistants need to work with library patrons, librarians, teachers, or researchers." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "assist library patrons with check out, return and library information provide outstanding customer service demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills"
The three companies that hire the most library pages are:
- The New York Public Library26 library pages jobs
- Jefferson County Sheriffs Dept
8 library pages jobs
- Forsyth County1 library pages jobs
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Compare different library pages
Library page vs. Shelver
An acquisitions assistant helps the acquisition team in performing different administrative tasks. They conduct detailed research to plan and keep the acquisition process running smoothly. Besides categorizing and storing goods and materials and placing orders to the vendor, acquisitions assistants also prepare and keep payments and purchase records and receipts for reference. They receive the requested orders, evaluate the goods and other items, and return all damaged materials to the vendors. Moreover, these professionals maintain magazine records, book records, and other journal records in the library.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a library page are more likely to require skills like "photocopying," "shelve library materials," "check-in," and "general appearance." On the other hand, a job as a shelver requires skills like "library materials," "book displays," "county library," and "audio-visual materials." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Shelvers tend to reach similar levels of education than library pages. In fact, shelvers are 1.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Library page vs. Acquisitions assistant
A product assistant assists the marketing manager in executing and formulating plans for assigned products designed to achieve company sales, profit objectives, and units. Their major responsibilities are to assist in the package and product development of new and existing products and to determine their selling features. They advertise programs in conjunction with media agencies, prepare budgets for the assigned brands, and conduct periodic store checks and submit observations. Also, they assist in the development of specific strategies and execute action plans for the brands.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, library page responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "library patrons," "photocopying," and "shelve library materials." Meanwhile, an acquisitions assistant has duties that require skills in areas such as "hr," "data entry," "background checks," and "interview process." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Acquisitions assistants earn similar levels of education than library pages in general. They're 3.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for library pages in the next 3-5 years?
Kacy Lovelace
Research and Student Success Librarian, Marshall University
Library page vs. Reference assistant
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from library page resumes include skills like "customer service," "photocopying," "shelve library materials," and "public library," whereas a reference assistant is more likely to list skills in "library materials," "interlibrary loan," "reference desk," and "reference services. "
When it comes to education, reference assistants tend to earn higher degree levels compared to library pages. In fact, they're 6.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 2.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Library page vs. Product assistant
Types of library page
Updated January 8, 2025
