Library assistants, clerical
SOC Code: 43-4121
Library assistants, clerical carries a 80% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $36,010 and -6.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 84,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 80% AI exposure, Library assistants, clerical sits 43 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - among the most AI-exposed occupations tracked. It is one of just 21 occupations above the 70% high-exposure line.
Where Library assistants, clerical sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Library assistants, clerical has ai exposure of 80%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Library assistants, clerical vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Library assistants, clerical is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Library assistants, clerical (SOC 43-4121) carries an AI exposure score of 80%, placing it in the Very High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score above 70% signals that the majority of core duties are already technically automatable, workers in these roles face the steepest near-term displacement pressure.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 84,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -6.7% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $36,010, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Library assistants, clerical. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
- 2. Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.
- 3. Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
- 4. Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.
- 5. Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
- 6. Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.
- 7. Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.
- 8. Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.
- 9. Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.
- 10. Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.
Key Skills Required
- Service Orientation
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Psychology
- Computers and Electronics
- Public Safety and Security
- History and Archeology
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Library assistants, clerical?
Library assistants, clerical has an AI exposure score of 80%, indicating a very high level of automation risk. Many tasks in this role involve routine data processing and pattern recognition that current AI systems can perform.
What is the job outlook for Library assistants, clerical?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Library assistants, clerical is projected to decline by 6.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 84,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Library assistants, clerical?
Key skills for Library assistants, clerical include Service Orientation, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Library assistants, clerical earn?
The median annual wage for Library assistants, clerical is $36,010, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Library assistants, clerical?
The typical entry-level education for Library assistants, clerical is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Library assistants, clerical?
Library assistants, clerical roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).