What does a student library assistant do?
Student library assistant responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real student library assistant resumes:
- Process, sort and organize books and DVDs.
- Copy and original cataloging of auction catalogues; maintenance of auction catalogue shelves.
- Organize books, DVDs, and CDs for organizational purpose to help other employees and patrons.
- Assist in the cataloging and inventory of books, to restock or reorder popular or pertinent publications.
- Process internal and external inter-library loan requests for fiction and non-fiction titles and digital media.
- Assess and discard non-fiction collections as assigned.
Student library assistant skills and personality traits
We calculated that 20% of Student Library Assistants are proficient in Library Materials, Circulation Desk, and Front Desk. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Detail oriented, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Student Library Assistants that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Library Materials, 20%
Assisted with completing duplication requested and maintaining the security of Reading Rooms and ensuring the security and preservation of library materials.
- Circulation Desk, 12%
Assist library patrons at the circulation desk and provide basic reference and directional assistance
- Front Desk, 9%
Managed the day-to-day operations at the front desk of the PCL Library, the 11th largest library in the US.
- Customer Service, 8%
Provided back-up assistance with library reference counter and helped preserve quality customer service.
- Library Patrons, 7%
Maintained and organized archived materials in catalog and assisted library patrons with finding materials.
- Library Resources, 4%
Sorted library resources according to established procedure for easier access to students and professors.
"library materials," "circulation desk," and "front desk" are among the most common skills that student library assistants use at work. You can find even more student library assistant responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a student library assistant 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 student library assistant resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "developed interpersonal communication skills resulting in a greater ability to provide effective and expedited customer service. "
Detail oriented. Many student library assistant duties rely on detail oriented. "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.," so a student library assistant will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways student library assistant responsibilities rely on detail oriented: "demonstrated quality customer service, interpersonal skills, commitment, reliability, attention to details, and problem-solving. "
Interpersonal skills. student library assistants are also known for interpersonal skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to student library assistant responsibilities, because "library technicians and assistants need to work with library patrons, librarians, teachers, or researchers." A student library assistant resume example shows how interpersonal skills is used in the workplace: "developed customer service and interpersonal skills through extensive interactions with staff and customers. "
The three companies that hire the most student library assistants are:
- University of Alaska4 student library assistants jobs
- University of Kentucky2 student library assistants jobs
- Aramark1 student library assistants jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable student library assistant resume templates
Build a professional student library assistant resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your student library assistant resume.
Compare different student library assistants
Student library assistant vs. Page
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.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between student library assistants and page. For instance, student library assistant responsibilities require skills such as "customer service," "photoshop," "library catalog," and "study rooms." Whereas a page is skilled in "library shelves," "decimal system," "legislative session," and "committee hearings." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Pages really shine in the media industry with an average salary of $27,082. Comparatively, student library assistants tend to make the most money in the education industry with an average salary of $26,842.pages tend to reach similar levels of education than student library assistants. In fact, pages are 2.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Student library assistant vs. Circulation clerk
Each career also uses different skills, according to real student library assistant resumes. While student library assistant responsibilities can utilize skills like "photoshop," "library catalog," "library collection," and "study rooms," circulation clerks use skills like "patron accounts," "issue library cards," "interlibrary loan," and "customer accounts."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Circulation clerks tend to reach similar levels of education than student library assistants. In fact, they're 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Student library assistant vs. Shelver
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, student library assistants are more likely to have skills like "library equipment," "photoshop," "library catalog," and "library services." But a shelver is more likely to have skills like "book displays," "book drop," "book carts," and "numerical order."
Most shelvers achieve a similar degree level compared to student library assistants. For example, they're 2.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Student library assistant vs. Library clerk
Even though a few skill sets overlap between student library assistants and library clerks, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a student library assistant might have more use for skills like "photoshop," "study rooms," "research materials," and "university libraries." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of library clerks require skills like "clerical tasks," "library programs," "library policies," and "overdue materials. "
In general, library clerks earn the most working in the finance industry, with an average salary of $30,717. The highest-paying industry for a student library assistant is the education industry.The average resume of library clerks showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to student library assistants. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 0.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.1%.Types of student library assistant
Updated January 8, 2025
