| Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures. |
| Importance: 99 (%) | Description: Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas. |
| Importance: 96 (%) | Description: Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material. |
| Importance: 95 (%) | Description: Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items. |
| Importance: 94 (%) | Description: Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems. |
| Importance: 94 (%) | Description: Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines. |
| Importance: 94 (%) | Description: Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment. |
| Importance: 90 (%) | Description: Enter and update patrons' records on computers. |
| Importance: 88 (%) | Description: Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials. |
| Importance: 88 (%) | Description: Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment. |
| Importance: 88 (%) | Description: Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books. |
| Importance: 87 (%) | Description: Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons. |
| Importance: 87 (%) | Description: Assist in the preparation of book displays. |
| Importance: 87 (%) | Description: Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans. |
| Importance: 84 (%) | Description: Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers. |
| Importance: 84 (%) | Description: Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair. |
| Importance: 81 (%) | Description: Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts. |
| Importance: 79 (%) | Description: Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians. |
| Importance: 77 (%) | Description: Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used. |
| Importance: 74 (%) | Description: Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software. |
| Importance: 73 (%) | Description: Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Prepare library statistics reports. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests. |
Associate Degree Careers and Jobs
Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less - All On One Page.
Sorted by median annual U.S. salary and including percentage of job holders with Associate's Degree or less.
An associate's degree can open doors to skilled technical, healthcare, and business support roles without the time commitment of a four-year degree. For people who want a faster, more affordable path into a stable career. Compare careers ranked by salary, review degree-holder and experience percentages, and access preparation resources for each role.
Here is a short Helper Video 
.
This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select a career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.
Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover careers that might be of interest.
Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.
Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.
Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).
Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.
Step 1 of 4: Select a Career
Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs
What jobs can you get with an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are careers related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 571 specific careers are listed, with matching jobs currently available. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those careers that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:
Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)
Step 2 of 4: Find a Job
Job Listings for: Library Assistants, Clerical.
Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career
Prepare for the "Library Assistants, Clerical" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.
Library Assistants, Clerical
Description: 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.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Library Assistants, Clerical":
U.S. Total Employment (2023):
88,000U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
87,500
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
-500 (-0.6%) Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
13,400
Core Duties
Supplemental Duties
| Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Plan or participate in library events and programs, such as story time with children. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash. |
| Importance: 53 (%) | Description: Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose. |
| Importance: 47 (%) | Description: Acquire books, pamphlets, periodicals, audio-visual materials, and other library supplies by checking prices, figuring costs, and preparing appropriate order forms and facilitating the ordering process by providing such information to others. |
| Importance: 43 (%) | Description: Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors. |
| Importance: 30 (%) | Description: Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues. |
Work Activities
| Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 93 (%) | Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| Importance: 84 (%) | Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Importance: 83 (%) | Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| Importance: 81 (%) | Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
| Importance: 77 (%) | Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
Specific Work Activities
| Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below: |
|
| Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information. | |
| Arrange items for use or display. | |
| Calculate financial data. | |
| Collect deposits, payments or fees. | |
| Deliver items. | |
| Demonstrate activity techniques or equipment use. | |
| Develop computer or online applications. | |
| Distribute materials to employees or customers. | |
| Enter information into databases or software programs. | |
| Inspect items for damage or defects. | |
| Issue documentation or identification to customers or employees. | |
| Maintain electronic equipment. | |
| Maintain financial or account records. | |
| Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products. | |
| Maintain inventory records. | |
| Maintain office equipment in proper operating condition. | |
| Maintain security. | |
| Manage clerical or administrative activities. | |
| Operate office equipment. | |
| Order materials, supplies, or equipment. | |
| Plan educational activities. | |
| Plan special events. | |
| Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance. | |
| Prepare employee work schedules. | |
| Prepare research or technical reports. | |
| Process library materials. | |
| Provide customer service to clients or users. | |
| Refer customers to appropriate personnel. | |
| Repair books or other printed material. | |
| Send information, materials or documentation. | |
| Sort mail. | |
| Sort materials or products. | |
| Store records or related materials. | |
| Supervise clerical or administrative personnel. | |
| Track goods or materials. | |
| Type documents. | |
Knowledge Required
| Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 73 (%) | Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
| Importance: 73 (%) | Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology. |
| Importance: 70 (%) | Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar. |
| Importance: 59 (%) | Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
Essential Skills
| Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
Transferable Skills
| Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 56 (%) | Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people. |
Day-in-the-Life Summaries
| Day-in-the-Life Summaries These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you? |
| Activity: Arrange displays or decorations. |
| Activity: Assign work to others. |
| Activity: Assist others to access additional services or resources. |
| Activity: Calculate financial data. |
| Activity: Collect fares or payments. |
| Activity: Design computer or information systems or applications. |
| Activity: Develop educational programs, plans, or procedures. |
| Activity: Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures. |
| Activity: Distribute materials, supplies, or resources. |
| Activity: Inspect completed work or finished products. |
| Activity: Issue documentation. |
| Activity: Maintain electronic, computer, or other technical equipment. |
| Activity: Maintain operational records. |
| Activity: Maintain safety or security. |
| Activity: Maintain sales or financial records. |
| Activity: Maintain tools or equipment. |
| Activity: Monitor operations to ensure adequate performance. |
| Activity: Move materials, equipment, or supplies. |
| Activity: Operate office equipment. |
| Activity: Perform administrative or clerical activities. |
| Activity: Plan events or programs. |
| Activity: Prepare documentation for contracts, applications, or permits. |
| Activity: Present research or technical information. |
| Activity: Process digital or online data. |
| Activity: Process shipments or mail. |
| Activity: Provide information to guests, clients, or customers. |
| Activity: Purchase goods or services. |
| Activity: Repair workpieces or products. |
| Activity: Replenish inventories of materials, equipment, or products. |
| Activity: Sort materials or products. |
| Activity: Stock supplies or products. |
| Activity: Supervise personnel activities. |
| Activity: Train others to use equipment or products. |
Software Skills
|
Software Skills These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job? |
|||||
| High-Priority Tech Skills | |||||
| Office suite software: | |||||
| Microsoft Office software | |||||
| Spreadsheet software: | |||||
| Microsoft Excel | |||||
| Emerging Tech Skills | |||||
| Data base user interface and query software: | |||||
| Microsoft Access | |||||
| Document management software: | |||||
| Adobe Acrobat | |||||
| Electronic mail software: | |||||
| Microsoft Outlook | |||||
| Graphics or photo imaging software: | |||||
| Adobe Photoshop | |||||
| Object or component oriented development software: | |||||
| C++ | |||||
| Operating system software: | |||||
| Microsoft Windows | |||||
| Presentation software: | |||||
| Microsoft PowerPoint | |||||
| Word processing software: | |||||
| Microsoft Word | |||||
| General Software Tools | |||||
| Data base user interface and query software: | |||||
| Database software Recordkeeping software | |||||
| Desktop publishing software: | |||||
| Microsoft Publisher | |||||
| Information retrieval or search software: | |||||
| Video retrieval systems | |||||
| Internet browser software: | |||||
| Web browser software | |||||
| Library software (scroll table below): | |||||
|
Preparation Required
| Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job? |
| Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed |
| Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. |
| Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. |
| Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. |
| These occupations involve following instructions and often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include dishwashers, landscaping and groundskeeping workers, counter and rental clerks, dental laboratory technicians, and security guards. |
Education Required
| Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Education |
| Frequency of Attainment: 49.8 (%) | Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) |
| Frequency of Attainment: 14.1 (%) | Level of Education: Some College Courses |
| Frequency of Attainment: 12.1 (%) | Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) |
| Frequency of Attainment: 10.7 (%) | Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) |
| Frequency of Attainment: 8.6 (%) | Level of Education: Less than a High School Diploma |
| Frequency of Attainment: 4.6 (%) | Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree |
Training and Experience Required
| Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience |
| Frequency of Attainment: 24.4 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: None |
| Frequency of Attainment: 19.9 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Up to and including 1 month |
| Frequency of Attainment: 14.9 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months |
| Frequency of Attainment: 14.6 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 13.2 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 9.3 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months |
| Frequency of Attainment: 3.7 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year |
Local Salary Information
Select a State (scroll and Select) :
Please select a State to see State and National Salaries
Job Listings
Related Careers to Consider
Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)
This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Library Assistants, Clerical". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.
Videos
Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes
Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.
Job Description
Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.
Interviews
There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.
Step-by-Step
Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Library Assistants, Clerical
LinkedIn®
Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.
Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page
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