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Senior library assistant skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted experts

Kacy Lovelace,

Dr. Rene Burress Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical senior library assistant skills. We ranked the top skills for senior library assistants based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 12.5% of senior library assistant resumes contained library materials as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a senior library assistant needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 senior library assistant skills for your resume and career

1. Library Materials

Here's how senior library assistants use library materials:

Processed new materials and performed circulation of library materials, inputting and updated customer information in a circulation database.
Charged, renewed and discharged library materials being borrowed using automated systems.

2. Library Patrons

Here's how senior library assistants use library patrons:

Processed more than 5000 requests annually from USI library patrons and from libraries nationally and internationally using ILL management software.
Responded to requests for information and complaints on regulations and policies made by library patrons.

3. Library Policies

Here's how senior library assistants use library policies:

Answered patron questions regarding library policies and procedures.
Communicate library policies and procedures.

4. Library Operations

Here's how senior library assistants use library operations:

Handled daily library operations including checking in and re-shelving books, filing loose-leaf journals and maintaining library database records.
Utilized computers and other related equipment to develop reports and produce library statistics to support management of library operations.

5. Student Assistants

Here's how senior library assistants use student assistants:

Supervised and trained student assistants.
Hire, schedule, train and verify time for student assistants.

6. Library System

Here's how senior library assistants use library system:

Performed bibliographic record and integrated library system edit.
Group project member in conversion of both general and reference collections, and all patron records, to computerized library system.

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7. Interlibrary Loan

Here's how senior library assistants use interlibrary loan:

Track and compile circulation and computers usage statistics; create temporary bibliographic item record for interlibrary loan.
Process interlibrary loan and document delivery transactions.

8. Library Cards

Here's how senior library assistants use library cards:

Assisted patrons to obtain library cards, checked books out and in, and collected overdue fines.
Preformed circulation desk duties including checking materials in and out, issuing library cards and collecting fines.

9. Word Processing

Here's how senior library assistants use word processing:

Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, word processing, data entry, photocopying, and mailing out material.
Required extensive use of several word processing and database programs across different platforms.

10. Library Services

Library Services are those resources, products, and events provided and held by a library or a similar entity to an individual. Users of the library may make use of these tools, which often differ from one institution to the next but amongst which may be things like online information and phone services, literary and other classes, book clubs, referencing services, and a number of other things.

Here's how senior library assistants use library services:

Participated on Washington County Library Services Circulation committee.
Provided comprehensive training to 20 staff on the full scope of library services and inventory management

11. Circulation Desk

A circulation desk refers to a place in the library where one can check-in, borrow materials, pay fines, collect inquiries, and many more during library hours. It is usually located near the main entrance of each library.

Here's how senior library assistants use circulation desk:

Performed basic Circulation Desk procedures.
Assisted the librarians with the day-to-day duties at the circulation desk - including providing technical assistant to customers.

12. Cataloging

Here's how senior library assistants use cataloging:

Compiled and categorized pertinent information for user friendly access to computerized database Initiated cataloging label program and database system linking.
Revised cataloging instructions and procedures guidelines; Suggested time and cost saving measures for cataloging and circulation processes.

13. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how senior library assistants use customer service:

Provide excellent customer service while promoting positive work environment.
Provided customer service in compliance with Library standards

14. Bulletin Boards

Bulletin boards are physical or digital platforms used to post public messages. Examples of messages include advertisements, items for sale, or events.

Here's how senior library assistants use bulletin boards:

Provide positive learning environment by preparing bulletin boards and other displays.
Designed posters, bulletin boards, and displays to inform students of library events and services.

15. Library Assistants

Here's how senior library assistants use library assistants:

Trained Junior Library Assistants in operational procedures.
Assisted in supervising 10 to 12 Library Assistants.

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What skills help Senior Library Assistants find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What senior library assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Kacy Lovelace

Research and Student Success Librarian, Marshall University

Consider skills that directly apply to the job that you want in the future. Get creative with this! Improve your communication skills, cross-cultural understanding by working abroad. The hospitality industry offers many opportunities for improving these valuable skills while also teaching listening skills, time management skills, and collaboration skills. If working abroad is not an option, take a language immersion course (online or in-person) and increase your ability to communicate with patrons and colleagues and your attractiveness to potential employers.

What type of skills will young senior library assistants need?

Dr. Rene Burress Ph.D.

Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator, University of Central Missouri

Our graduates need to be completely digital literate when they enter the workforce. Librarians are technology leaders and should be ready to assist and train their patrons on all types of technology for people of all technical skill levels.

What technical skills for a senior library assistant stand out to employers?

Andrew Wertheimer Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Library & Information Science Program, University of Hawai'i at Manoa

Libraries and archives look for a variety of skills. It would be hard to specify which ones since different workplaces need different skills. The reason they hire our graduates is that they have this wide range of skills as well as soft-skills to provide service to users and communities in an ethical and legal way. If I had to name a few areas though I would say health informatics, digital archives, digital libraries, online instruction, as well as data science. Again, different employers have different technical needs. Our employers keep telling us that they also need the strong foundations plus soft skills.

Do you want to know more?

List of senior library assistant skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a senior library assistant resume and required skills for a senior library assistant to have include:

Library Materials
Library Patrons
Library Policies
Library Operations
Student Assistants
Library System
Interlibrary Loan
Library Cards
Word Processing
Library Services
Circulation Desk
Cataloging
Customer Service
Bulletin Boards
Library Assistants

OCLC
Statistical Data
Library Equipment
County Library
Reference Services
Dewey Decimal System
Reference Desk
Overdue Materials
Collection Development
Card Catalog
Customer Inquiries
Library Resources
Book Displays
Electronic Resources
Public Library

DVDs
ILS
Community Outreach
Audio-Visual Materials
Reference Materials
Millennium
PowerPoint
Library Collection
Circulation Procedures
Computer Software
Front Desk
Computer Programs
Law Library

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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