Library assistant | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Library assistants help librarians to manage the day-to-day running of a library.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.
Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape

Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.
Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-dated items.
Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.
Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.
Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.
Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.
Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.
Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.
Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.
Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.
Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.
Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.
Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.
Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.
Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.
Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.
Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests.
Prepare library statistics reports.
Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.
Assist in the preparation of book displays.
Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.
Plan or participate in library events and programs, such as story time with children.
Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.
Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.
Place books in mailing containers, affix address labels, and secure containers with straps for mailing to blind library patrons.
Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.
Acquire books, pamphlets, periodicals, audio-visual materials, and other library supplies by checking prices, figuring costs, and preparing appropriate order forms and facilitating the ordering process by providing such information to others.

Average salary
21,762 GBP *
per year

Average salary for Library assistant

23,094 GBP
21,071 GBP

Average salary for part-time Library assistant

Average salary for full-time Library assistant

Showing:

10,456 GBP
10,768 GBP

21,762 GBP
21,071 GBP
23,094 GBP

Salary over time for Library assistant

Salary for this role has increased over time

19,720 GBP
20,734 GBP
19,690 GBP
19,723 GBP
20,325 GBP
20,630 GBP
21,762 GBP
22,097 GBP
22,475 GBP

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Future outlook for Library assistants

Balanced outlook

23 000+ jobs available

Balanced outlook

2% yearly wage growth (on average)

Balanced outlook

52% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Library assistant and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

50% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
14% of people in this role have a certificate of higher education or equivalent but no degree
12% of people in this role have a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent

You could do a Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Libraries, Archives and Information Services.

You'll need:

administration skills
the ability to work well with others
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
customer service skills
the ability to work on your own
knowledge of English language
to be flexible and open to change
sensitivity and understanding
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Library assistant

Library Science

Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Concern for Others Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

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This job has a good outlook! Job numbers look steady and there is a steady wage increase.

Library assistant | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Salary statistics

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Future outlook for Library assistants

Library assistant - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

Things to highlight for your Library assistant interview

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