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Senior library assistant vs library clerk

The differences between senior library assistants and library clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a senior library assistant has an average salary of $34,518, which is higher than the $30,275 average annual salary of a library clerk.

The top three skills for a senior library assistant include library materials, library patrons and library policies. The most important skills for a library clerk are library materials, customer service, and circulation desk.

Senior library assistant vs library clerk overview

Senior Library AssistantLibrary Clerk
Yearly salary$34,518$30,275
Hourly rate$16.60$14.56
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs1,09967,131
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age4747
Years of experience--

What does a senior library assistant do?

As a senior library assistant, you have to look after the day-to-day operations of the library. You are in charge of the entire library. So, you have to answer the desk questions of the readers who come to the library. You have to issue the library cards to readers as well. In addition to this, you also need to collect the money given by the readers and maintain the library record. Moreover, you also have to respond to the reader's request for books as well as locate and reserve the books at the right place. To be a senior library assistant, a bachelor's degree is a must.

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.

Senior library assistant vs library clerk salary

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

Senior Library AssistantLibrary Clerk
Average salary$34,518$30,275
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $44,000Between $23,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City-Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Mayor Ethan Berkowitz
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between senior library assistant and library clerk education

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

Senior Library AssistantLibrary Clerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common majorEnglishBusiness
Most common collegeNew York UniversityStanford University

Senior library assistant vs library clerk demographics

Here are the differences between senior library assistants' and library clerks' demographics:

Senior Library AssistantLibrary Clerk
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 31.6% Female, 68.4%Male, 28.7% Female, 71.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 6.3% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%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 Percentage11%11%

Differences between senior library assistant and library clerk duties and responsibilities

Senior library assistant example responsibilities.

  • Collect data, compile bibliographies, manage current contents and perform copy cataloging functions.
  • Train patrons on Westlaw, Lexis and general reference computer system.
  • Direct and train library staff in receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.
  • Collect data, compile bibliographies, manage current contents and perform copy cataloging functions.
  • Assess and discard non-fiction collections as assigned.

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

Senior library assistant vs library clerk skills

Common senior library assistant skills
  • Library Materials, 12%
  • Library Patrons, 11%
  • Library Policies, 9%
  • Library Operations, 6%
  • Student Assistants, 6%
  • Library System, 6%
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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