Will AI Replace Library Assistants, Clerical?

Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.

physical manipulation — Sorting physical materials requires hands-on handling

Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.

situated mobility — Physical security presence in world

Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.

information retrieval — Tracking via systems is digital; physical reconciliation needs humans

Enter and update patrons' records on computers.

data analysis — Data entry into systems automatable

Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.

decision support — Routing referrals from criteria; human confirms fit

Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-of-date items.

physical manipulation — Physically distributing materials to people

Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.

physical manipulation — Physically distributing materials to people

Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.

physical manipulation — Demonstrating techniques is physical, hands-on work

Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.

data analysis — Financial calculations fully automatable

Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.

data analysis — Maintain inventory records from provided counts

Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.

text generation — Typing documents is core AI text output

Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.

physical manipulation — ID issuance often physical and identity-verified

Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.

physical manipulation — Physical library materials handling and shelving

Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.

data analysis — Materials inventory records and forecasting automatable

Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.

data analysis — Maintain inventory records from provided counts

Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.

text generation — Sending digital materials automatable; physical mailing human

Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.

physical manipulation — Physical office equipment servicing

Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.

decision support — Draft schedules; human owns fairness and coverage

Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.

physical manipulation — Physical library materials handling and shelving

Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.

situated mobility — Physical security presence in world

Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.

data analysis — Maintain inventory records from provided counts

Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests.

interpersonal — Customer service is relational and accountability-bearing

Prepare library statistics reports.

text generation — Technical reports drafted; human verifies content

Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.

situated mobility — Physical delivery of items in real environments

Assist in the preparation of book displays.

physical manipulation — Arranging items is physical placement

Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.

physical manipulation — Sorting physical materials requires hands-on handling

Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.

interpersonal — Managing clerical staff is supervisory accountability

Plan or participate in library events and programs, such as story time with children.

text generation — Drafts activity plans; educator adapts to learners

Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.

data analysis — Maintain financial records; human reconciles exceptions

Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.

physical manipulation — Physical operation of office machines and jams

Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.

text generation — App code generated; human reviews and deploys

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.

decision support — Ordering via systems automatable; human approves spend