Will “Reference Assistant” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

95% Chance of Automation

“Reference Assistant” will almost certainly be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #616 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

Care to share? Click for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or XING. 👍

Job Description

Compile records, 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.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 43-4121.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 27,450.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 13.00
Currently, there are 98,560 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Library Assistants, Clerical”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Reference Assistant”

Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.
Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.
Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.
Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.
Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.
Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.
Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.
Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.
Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-dated items.
Prepare library statistics reports.
Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.
Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
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.
Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.
Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual (AV) equipment.
Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.
Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.
Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.
Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.
Assist in the preparation of book displays.
Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.
Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.
Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.
Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.
Place books in mailing containers, affix address labels, and secure containers with straps for mailing to blind library patrons.
Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.
Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests.

Related Technology & Tools

Cash registers
Microfilm readers
Handheld calculators
Photocopying equipment
Scanners
Delivery vans
Digital cameras
Laser printers
Microfiche printers
Laser facsimile machines
Magnifiers
Desktop computers
Thermal book binders
Braile embossers
Video teleconferencing systems
Typewriters
Barcode scanners
Personal readers
10-key calculators
Multi function printers
Laminating machines
Microfilm printers
Film projectors
Microfiche readers
Mail opening equipment
Multi-line telephone systems
Bookmobiles
Multimedia projectors

C++
Microsoft Word
Cataloging software
Microsoft Publisher
Online Computer Library Center OCLC
Microsoft Excel
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Recordkeeping software
Automated circulation systems
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Access
ResourceMate Plus
Word processing software
Web browser software
Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
Online Computer Library Center OCLC databases
Microsoft Office
Database software
Video retrieval systems
WorldCat