Library Assistants

How AI is changing library assistants work

3 of 25 measurable main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Green (little AI use yet) — 12%.

This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.

Tasks in this job and recorded AI use

• Locate library materials for patrons (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
• Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Enter and update patrons' records on computers (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Perform clerical activities (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Review records (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Maintain library equipment (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Prepare library statistics reports (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Assist in the preparation of book displays (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities — some recorded AI use
• Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose — some recorded AI use
• Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment — some recorded AI use
• Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors — no recorded AI use
• Plan or participate in library events and programs — no recorded AI use
• Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues — no recorded AI use
• 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 — no recorded AI use

Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).

Your first steps (guidance)

1. Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
2. Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Locate library materials for patrons”. Try the prompt for: “Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers”.

Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. The first 2 weeks are free; Premium (coming soon) adds weeks 3–12. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.

Questions about AI and library assistants

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