Library Assistants, Clerical

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.83
Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.83
Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.82
Enter and update patrons' records on computers.82
Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.82
Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.81
Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.81
Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.77
Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.77
Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.77
Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.76
Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.75

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Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.75
Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.74
Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.73
Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.71
Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.71
Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.71
Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.69
Plan or participate in library events and programs, such as story time with children.69
Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.68
Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.68
Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.68
Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.68
Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.67
Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.65
Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.64
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.63
Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests.61
Prepare library statistics reports.60
Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.58
Assist in the preparation of book displays.53
Hire library staff such as student assistants.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Service Orientation60
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Active Listening56
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension56
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Speaking50
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing50
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving47
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring47
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness47
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management47
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Instructing44
Teaching others how to do something.

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Judgment and Decision Making44
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Learning Strategies38
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Active Learning31
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Management of Personnel Resources31
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics28
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Persuasion28
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Negotiation25
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Quality Control Analysis25
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Systems Analysis25
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Financial Resources22
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operations Monitoring19
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design10
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Equipment Maintenance6
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing6
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting6
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operations Analysis3
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operation and Control0
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service69
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administrative68
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
English Language64
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Education and Training51
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Psychology50
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Computers and Electronics49
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Public Safety and Security48
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Administration and Management34
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
History and Archeology34
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Sociology and Anthropology34
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Communications and Media33
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Mathematics33
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

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Sales and Marketing30
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Geography29
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Telecommunications27
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Philosophy and Theology26
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Foreign Language20
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Law and Government19
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Production and Processing18
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Medicine and Dentistry17
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Personnel and Human Resources17
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Economics and Accounting16
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Therapy and Counseling16
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Fine Arts12
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Transportation12
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Design9
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Chemistry8
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Mechanical8
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Engineering and Technology6
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Physics4
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Biology2
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Building and Construction2
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Expression66
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension66
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Information Ordering60
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Comprehension60
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Near Vision56
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity53
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Speech Clarity53
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition53
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Written Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

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Deductive Reasoning47
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning47
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Time Sharing47
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Flexibility of Closure44
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Far Vision41
The ability to see details at a distance.
Trunk Strength41
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Finger Dexterity38
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Memorization38
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Visualization35
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Arm-Hand Steadiness31
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Auditory Attention28
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Extent Flexibility28
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Fluency of Ideas28
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Originality28
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Static Strength28
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Dynamic Strength25
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium25
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Manual Dexterity25
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Multilimb Coordination25
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Stamina25
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Visual Color Discrimination25
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Spatial Orientation22
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Wrist-Finger Speed16
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Depth Perception10
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Explosive Strength3
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Night Vision3
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision3
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Working with Computers91
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information80
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships79
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates78
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge78
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Handling and Moving Objects76
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public72
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings70
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Processing Information70
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Documenting/Recording Information61
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Assisting and Caring for Others58
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work57
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

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Making Decisions and Solving Problems56
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Performing Administrative Activities56
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events55
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Thinking Creatively52
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Scheduling Work and Activities49
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others48
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Coaching and Developing Others47
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others46
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People46
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources46
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization44
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others44
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Analyzing Data or Information43
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards43
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Performing General Physical Activities40
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Training and Teaching Others39
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Developing and Building Teams37
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Developing Objectives and Strategies35
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information32
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates32
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials31
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment28
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others26
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Controlling Machines and Processes22
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Staffing Organizational Units14
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Selling or Influencing Others13
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment5
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail80
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability75
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cooperation69
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Social Orientation53
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Integrity46
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Control43
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Sincerity41
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Cautiousness35
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Empathy35
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Humility30
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Optimism28
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Initiative22
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

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Stress Tolerance22
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Achievement Orientation21
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Intellectual Curiosity19
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Adaptability17
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Perseverance16
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Confidence15
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional98
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social46
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Realistic32
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Enterprising20
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Investigative17
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic5
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day91%
E-Mail
- Every day93%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day67%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others65%
- Contact with others most of the time25%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day86%
- Never14%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important71%
- Fairly important13%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important36%
- Very important45%
- Important17%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom24%
- Some freedom55%
- Limited freedom20%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom40%
- Some freedom29%
- Limited freedom16%
- Very little freedom16%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day47%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)30%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)32%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)36%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important57%
- Fairly important14%
- Not important at all12%

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Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important15%
- Very important52%
- Important23%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually24%
- More than half the time34%
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time26%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually40%
- More than half the time13%
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time28%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results29%
- Important results28%
- Moderate results16%
- Minor results15%
- No results12%
Time Pressure
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never15%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day39%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important21%
- Very important23%
- Important29%
- Fairly important19%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month42%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never12%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time23%
- About half the time42%
- Less than half the time27%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Never22%
Public Speaking
- Every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week35%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never24%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time56%
- Less than half the time34%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually12%
- About half the time26%
- Less than half the time52%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility11%
- High responsibility29%
- Limited responsibility20%
- No responsibility31%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility11%
- High responsibility18%
- Moderate responsibility15%
- Limited responsibility38%
- No responsibility18%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours18%
- 40 hours44%
- Less than 40 hours38%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time16%
- Less than half the time72%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive18%
- Moderately competitive33%
- Slightly competitive24%
- Not at all competitive25%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Never55%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated42%
- Slightly automated17%
- Not at all automated32%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time70%
- Never12%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day16%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never59%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never52%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never66%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never76%
Consequence of Error
- Fairly serious37%
- Not serious at all54%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Fairly important26%
- Not important at all68%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never73%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never74%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
- Never68%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time33%
- Never66%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never78%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never78%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time27%
- Never70%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never80%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never87%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never90%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never90%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)99%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never99%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never99%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Data base user interface and query software
Database software, Microsoft Access, Recordkeeping software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Library software
Cataloging software, Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) databases, ResourceMate Plus, WorldCat
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Photoshop
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat
Desktop publishing software
Microsoft Publisher
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Object or component oriented development software
C++
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Information retrieval or search software
Video retrieval systems

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Maintain security.
Sort materials or products.
Enter information into databases or software programs.
Track goods or materials.
Distribute materials to employees or customers.
Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
Calculate financial data.
Demonstrate activity techniques or equipment use.
Inspect items for damage or defects.
Maintain inventory records.
Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
Issue documentation or identification to customers or employees.

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Sort mail.
Type documents.
Manage clerical or administrative activities.
Process library materials.
Collect deposits, payments or fees.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Send information, materials or documentation.
Maintain office equipment in proper operating condition.
Plan educational activities.
Plan special events.
Prepare employee work schedules.
Repair books or other printed material.
Supervise clerical or administrative personnel.
Maintain electronic equipment.
Maintain financial or account records.
Operate office equipment.
Develop computer or online applications.
Store records or related materials.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
Provide customer service to clients or users.
Prepare research or technical reports.
Deliver items.
Arrange items for use or display.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology