A catalogue is the record of all the materials in the library. People use it to check whether the library has what they want. Classification is a way of coding all items in the library so that they can be arranged according to their subject matter. Once catalogued, the material goes through various coding stages. Jackets and pockets are then put on the books.
Library assistants are responsible for the routine work in a library.
They issue books and other resources, replace returned items in the correct place on the shelves for retrieval and help people find information and books. They notify people when books are overdue or when ones they have requested for are available and generally help to keep the library properly organised. They answer telephone enquiries, issue identification cards to new members and deal with members problems. They also have administrative and clerical duties in acquisitions and carry out basic repairs on materials. Senior library assistants may hold responsibility for management of buildings, junior staff, make out lists of new books, prepare guides and help to make users aware of the library's services.