Library Assistants and Bookmobile Drivers

• Nature of the Work

  Library assistants and bookmobile drivers keep library resources in order and make them readily available to a variety of users. They work under the direction of librarians.

  Library assistants-sometimes referred to as library media assistants, library aides, or circulation assistants-register patrons so they can borrow materials from the library. They record the borrower's name and address from an application and then issue a library card. Many library assistants now enter and update patrons' records using computers.

  At the circulation desk, assistants lend and collect books, periodicals, video tapes, and other materials. When an item is borrowed, assistants stamp the due date on the material and record the patron's identification from his or her library card. They inspect returned materials for damage, check the due dates, and compute any fines that may be owed. They review records to compile a list of overdue materials and send out notices. They also answer patrons' questions in person and on the telephone and refer those they cannot answer to a librarian.

  Throughout the library, assistants sort returned books, periodicals, and other items and return them to their designated shelves, files, or storage areas. They locate materials to be loaned, either to a patron or to another library. Many card catalogues are computerized, so library assistants must be familiar with the computer system for their particular library. If any of the materials have been damaged, these workers repair them, if possible. For example, they use tape or paste to repair torn pages or book covers and other specialized processes to repair more valuable materials.

  Some library assistants specialize in helping patrons with vision problems. Sometimes referred to as talking-books library clerks or braille-and-talking-books clerks, they review the borrower's list of desired reading material. They select those materials or closely related substitutes from the library collection of large type or braille volumes, tape cassettes, and open-reel talking books. They complete the necessary paperwork and give or mail them to the borrower.

  To extend library services to as wide an audience as possible, many libraries operate bookmobiles. Bookmobile drivers drive trucks stocked with books or drive light trucks that pull book trailers to designated sites on a regular schedule. Bookmobiles serve community organizations such as shopping centers, apartment complexes, schools, and nursing homes. Depending on local conditions, they may drive alone or may be accompanied by a library technician.

  When working alone, the drivers perform many of the same functions as a library assistant in a main or branch library. They answer patrons' questions, receive and check out books, collect fines, maintain the book collection, and shelve materials. Bookmobile drivers participate and may assist in planning programs sponsored by the library such as reader advisory programs, used book sales, or outreach programs. They must keep track of their mileage, the materials lent out, and the amount of fines collected. In some areas they are responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle and any photocopiers or other equipment in it. They record statistics on circulation and the number of people visiting the bookmobile. Drivers may also record requests for special items from the main library and arrange for the materials to be mailed or delivered to a patron during the next scheduled visit. Increasingly, bookmobiles are equipped with personal computers and CD-ROM systems linked to the main library system; this allows bookmobile drivers to reserve or locate books immediately.

  Because bookmobile drivers may be the only link some people have to the library, much of their work is helping the public. They may assist handicapped or elderly patrons to the bookmobile or shovel snow to assure their safety. They may enter hospitals or nursing homes to deliver books directly to patrons who are bedridden. Bookmobile drivers also should be familiar with audiovisual equipment for showing slides or films.

  The schedules of bookmobile drivers depend on the size of the area being served. Some of these workers go out on their routes every working day, while others do so only certain days of the week. On the other days, they perform library assistant duties at the library. Some now work evenings and weekends to give patrons as much access to the library as possible.

• Employment

  Library assistants and bookmobile drivers held about 121,000 jobs in 1994. Over one-half of these workers were employed school libraries; most of the remainder worked in public libraries. Opportunities for flexible schedules are abundant; over one-half of these workers were on part-time schedules.

• Job Outlook

  Opportunities should be good for persons interested in jobs as library assistants or bookmobile drivers through the year 2005. Turnover of these workers is quite high, reflecting the relatively weak attachment to the occupation. This work is attractive to retirees and others who want a part-time schedule, and there is a lot of movement into and out of the occupation. Many openings will become available each year to replace workers who transfer to another occupation or leave the labor force. Some positions become available as library assistants move within the organization. Library assistants can be promoted to supervisory positions in public service or technical service areas. Advancement opportunities are greater in larger libraries and may be more limited in smaller ones.

  Employment is expected to change or grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. The vast majority of library assistants and bookmobile drivers work in public or school libraries of some kind. Slow employment growth is expected due to budgetary constraints in local governments and academic institutions of all types. Because so many are employed by public institutions, library assistants and bookmobile drivers are not directly affected by the ups and downs of the business cycle. Some of these workers may lose their jobs, however, if there are cuts in government budgets.

  (See introductory part of this section for information on working conditions, training requirements, and earnings, as well as sources of additional information.)

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