Library assistant
Do the day-to-day tasks in a library so people can find and borrow the information they need.
Also known as: library para-professional, information assistant
About the job
What it's like
You would support the day-to-day running of a library. You’d help people find and borrow the information they want.
You could work in a public library or in a library in a large business, university, college or school, as part of a team.
There are a lot of different materials you might work with, including:
Books and journals
Newspapers, leaflets and pamphlets
Maps and photographs
Video, film, DVDs and CDs
Microfiche and computer databases
You would:
Help library users to find the items they need
Check materials in and out
Put returned items back on the shelves or in store
Answer enquiries by telephone, email or post
Add new materials to the library catalogue
Keep databases and records up to date
Get damaged items repaired
In a public library, you might help with community events such as story readings.
Hours
You would usually work shifts, including weekends or evenings, especially in a public or academic library, although some assistants may work normal office hours. Part-time or term-time work is common.
Environment
You would be based indoors.
Travel
You may have the opportunity to work in a mobile library, travelling around the local area.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- library services
- library management
- it service management
- integrated library systems
- adult education
- floor scrubbers
- information privacy
- polishing
- finance
- business systems
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- sorting
- filtering
- respecting
- researching
- written communication
- verbal communication
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
English
English and Communication
Information and Communications Technology - ICT
Social Subjects
There are no set qualifications for this role. Most employers look for:
National 4 or 5 qualifications including English and maths
IT skills
Customer service skills
You could get this job through a Modern Apprenticeship.
Once in the job with experience, you can apply for Affiliate membership of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (ACILIP) and work towards their Certification award. This can be a useful stepping stone to becoming a fully-qualified librarian.
Once in the job you may be expected to gain further qualifications such as:
Professional Development Award (PDA) in Applications of ICT in Libraries at (SCQF level 7/8)
Certificate in Libraries, Archives and Information Services at QCF level 2 / SCQF level 5
Diploma in Libraries, Archives and Information Services at QCF level 3/SCQF level 6
For some jobs, you will need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Library assistant'
