Library assistants, clerical

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.

Cognitive and mental requirements

The qualifications that workers need to use judgment, make decisions, 

interact with others, and adapt to changes in jobs.

In 2023, verbal interactions were required constantly (every few minutes) for 40.6 percent of library assistants, clerical, 

and were required not constantly, but more than once per hour for 47.5 percent.

Table 1. Percentage of library assistants, clerical with cognitive and mental 

requirements, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Pace: Pause control 64.6 35.4

Interaction with general public 96.0 4.0

Working around crowds <5 >95

Telework <0.5 >99.5

Work review: Supervising others 2.4 97.6

Work review: Presence of supervisor 80.2 19.8

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-thejob training, and prior work 

experience necessary for 

average performance in jobs.

In 2023, credentials were 

required for 12.0 percent of 

library assistants, clerical. 

Prior work experience was 

required for 27.5 percent and 

on-the-job training was 

required for 90.9 percent.

A high school diploma was 

required for 72.9 percent of 

library assistants, clerical.
Occupational Requirements Survey ●www.bls.gov/ors ●orsinfo@bls.gov ●202.691.6199

Environmental conditions

The various tangible or concrete hazards or 

difficulties that are in the vicinity of where 

jobs’ critical tasks are performed.

In 2023, greater than 99.5 percent of 

library assistants, clerical were not exposed 

to extreme cold, and greater than 99.5 

percent were not exposed to extreme heat. 

Wetness was not present for greater than 

99.5 percent, greater than 99.5 percent 

were not exposed to heavy vibrations, and 

92.2 percent were not exposed to the 

outdoors.

Physical demands

Refer to the physical activities required to 

perform tasks in jobs. The presence and, in 

some cases, duration of these activities are 

published.

In 2023, keyboarding was required for 96.5 

percent of library assistants, clerical and 

was not required for 3.5 percent. For 14.2 

percent of workers, keyboarding was 

seldom performed, for 46.4 percent 

keyboarding occurred occasionally, 35.9 

percent frequently, and for less than 0.5 

percent keyboarding occurred constantly.

Performing work in low postures was 

required for 89.6 percent of library 

assistants, clerical and was not required for 

10.4 percent.

The choice to sit or stand when performing critical tasks was available to 45.8 percent of library assistants, clerical. On 

average, workers spent 47.9 percent of the workday sitting and 52.1 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of library assistants, clerical with physical demands, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Choice of sitting or standing 45.8 54.2

Driving 11.3 88.7

Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs 9.2 90.8

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey