If visitors need a library card, assistants process the cards. They ask the visitors a few questions, enter the information into the computer, and look at their identification. In addition, assistants answer visitorsquestions about the library. When books are returned, library assistants inspect them for damage. They make basic repairs, such as taping torn pages and book covers.
Assistants also check the due dates and compute any fines that are owed for late books.
Then they send overdue notices to people who have not returned their books on time. Once books have been checked back in, assistants sort them and return them to their proper shelves. Many card catalogues are computerized, so library assistants must know how to use the system. Library assistants are also called library media assistants, library technicians, library aides, or circulation assistants. Some library assistants specialize in helping customers who have vision problems, such as blindness.