Library Assistants, Clerical

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 11 (33%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 13 (39%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 9 (27%)

• Enter and update patrons' records on computers.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Prepare library statistics reports.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Assist in the preparation of book displays.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• 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.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Plan or participate in library events and programs, such as story time with children.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Place books in mailing containers, affix address labels, and secure containers with straps for mailing to blind library patrons.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about library assistants, clerical and AI