Will “Reference Assistant” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

99% Chance of Automation

“Reference Assistant” will certainly be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #692 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 25-4031.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 34,780.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 16.00
Currently, there are 93,410 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Library Technicians”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Reference Assistant”

Catalogue and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.
Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.
Prepare volumes for binding.
Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer.
Collaborate with archivists to arrange for the safe storage of historical records and documents.
Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.
Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage.
Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.
Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.
Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.
File catalog cards according to system used.
Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.
Design, customize, and maintain databases, web pages, and local area networks.
Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.
Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.
Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
Send out notices about lost or overdue books.
Process interlibrary loans for patrons.
Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.
Issue identification cards to borrowers.
Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours.
Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.
Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments.
Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals.

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