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Library Assistant
Library assistants perform routine tasks to free librarians from other duties.
Assistants check books in and out, answer routine questions and sort and shelve library materials. They may repair damaged books and keep files of special materials such as career information or newspapers up-to-date. In addition, they aid in the purchasing and cataloguing of library materials.
They operate audio-visual equipment when required and help users find reference materials, maintain loan records and send out overdue notices. In addition, they may work on special projects and assist in organising and arranging book exhibitions.
Library assistants work indoors in all types of libraries. They may work at the front desk, between bookshelves or in special rooks or offices such as repair or audiovisual storage areas and travelling library vehicles.
Satisfying Aspects
- working in a quiet, pleasant environment
- working with people
- keeping things organized and up-to-date
Demanding aspects
- the routine nature of the work
- low salaries
- having to work on some evenings and weekends in certain cases
Requirements
A library assistant should:
- want to help people;
- enjoy working with others;
- enjoy routine work;
- be accurate;
- be neat and well organised;
- be fond of books and like to read.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Two Official Languages
Recommended Subjects: Other Languages, Computer Applications
Training
Degree: Degree courses, for example BBibl or Library and Information Science - UNISA, UWC, UV, UZ, Information Science - US, UP, Information Studies - UKZN, Information Systems - RU, UFH, UCT, UZ.
Diploma: N.Dip.: Library and Information Studies- DUT, TUT. Course takes 3 years.
Postgraduate: Information Science Honours, Masters and doctorate can be followed at UNISA and UJ
It is expected that students at both universities and universities of technology will gain practical experience in a library for a specified period. Practical training takes place on the job under the guidance of a trained librarian.
Persons with a lower diploma in librarianship may also be appointed as library assistants. This is a two-year undergraduate diploma course offered by some universities. A National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) with two official languages as subjects is the minimum qualification for appointment as a library
assistant. Some libraries take on matriculants as library assistants.
The library services of the Department of National Education also conduct annual orientation courses for beginners. As further entry requirements vary from one university to another, prospective students are advised to consult the yearbook of the university of their choice.
Employer
- Public libraries
- University, university of technology and colleges
- Government departments
- Provincial administrations
- Private organisations
- Research bodies such as HSRC and CSIR
- Special libraries such as those in hospitals, private industry and correctional institutions
Contact
Sabinet
P O Box 9785
Centurion, 0046
Tel: (012) 643 9500 Fax: (012) 663 3543
info@sabinet.co.za
Library and Information Association of South Africa
P O Box 1598
Pretoria, 0001
228 Proes Street
Tel: (012) 328-2010 Fax: (012) 323-1033
www.liasa.org.za
www.aclib.sabinet.co.za