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.

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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”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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