People of all ages work as library assistants and many employers particularly in the public and academic sectors will welcome applications. As some evenings and Saturdays, in some cases also Sundays, are usually worked by staff in order to keep academic and public libraries open to users beyond the standard working day, there is particular scope for shift work and part time work for library assistants. Age should not present any major problems with regard to enrolling on courses for further study whether for vocational paraprofessional qualifications, or to take an appropriate degree or post graduate qualification in order to move into professional level employment. Those who have worked with computers, have management experience or studied business administration will find their background an advantage. However, Art graduates with qualification in librarianship can handle the work in scientific and technical libraries without much difficulty.
Jobs are available throughout the country but most librarians work in cities and towns.
Those attached to bookmobile units serve widely scattered population groups. As the information explosion continues, and the reading habit takes hold, there will be more job opportunities in the future. There are no promotion structure from assistant level to librarian that avoids follwing a professional course. As of date, job opportunities are static and highly competitive. General Secretary NZ Library Association Box 12-212, Wellington.