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Bureau of Labor Statistics > Occupational Requirements Survey > Publications > Factsheets

Library assistants, clerical

Man standing next to bookshelf holding a book Compile records, and sort, shelve, issue, and receive library materials such as books, electronic media, pictures, cards, slides and microfilm. Locate library materials for loan and replace material in shelving area, stacks, or files according to identification number and title. Register patrons to permit them to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials.

For terms and definitions in this profile, see definitions of major terms.

Cognitive and mental requirements

The qualifications that workers need to use judgment, make decisions, interact with others, and adapt to changes in jobs.

In 2025, external verbal interactions were required constantly (every few minutes) for 80.7 percent of library assistants, clerical. External verbal interactions were required more than once per hour (but not constantly) for 15.6 percent.

Table 1. Percentage of library assistants, clerical with cognitive and mental requirements, 2025
Requirement	Yes	No
Work schedule varies	52.1	47.9
Ability to pause work (and take brief unscheduled breaks)	54.3	45.7
Working around crowds	<0.5	>99.5
Telework routinely allowed	<0.5	>99.5
Supervising others	6.4	93.6
Supervisor present in immediate work area	77.1	22.9
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey

Education, training, and experience requirements

The minimum level of formal education required, credentials necessary, on-the-job training, and prior work experience necessary for average performance in jobs. The time associated with these requirements is combined to calculate the specific vocational preparation level needed for the job.

In 2025, prior work experience was required for 20.3 percent of library assistants, clerical and on-the-job training was required for 92.5 percent.

A high school diploma was required for 79.2 percent of library assistants, clerical.

Environmental conditions

The various hazards or difficulties that are in the area where workers perform their critical tasks.

In 2025, a quiet noise exposure was present for 66.1 percent of library assistants, clerical. Another less than 0.5 percent were exposed to loud noise and less than 0.5 percent to very loud noise. Personal protective equipment (PPE) was used by less than 0.5 percent of workers to mitigate noise exposure and was not used by greater than 99.5 percent.

Physical demands

The physical activities required to perform tasks in jobs. The presence and, in some cases, duration of these activities are published.

In 2025, speaking was required for greater than 99.5 percent of library assistants, clerical and was not required for less than 0.5 percent. For less than 5 percent of workers, speaking was seldom required, for 70.2 percent speaking was occasionally required, for 28.1 percent speaking was frequently required, and for less than 0.5 percent speaking was required constantly.

Performing work in low postures was required for greater than 90 percent of library assistants, clerical and was not required for less than 10 percent.

The choice to sit or stand when performing critical tasks was available to 25.2 percent of library assistants, clerical. On average, workers spent 39.8 percent of the workday sitting and 60.2 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of library assistants, clerical with physical demands, 2025
Requirement	Yes	No
Ability to choose to sit or stand for tasks	25.2	74.8
Driving	<10	>90
Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs	25.9	74.1
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey