Library assistant apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly
College
You could do a Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Libraries, Archives and Information Services. You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.
Apprenticeship
You could do a library, information and archive services Level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship.
Direct Application
You can apply for a job as a library assistant if you have some experience of working in a library, an archive or information service, for example as a volunteer. You may need GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including English, to apply.
Experience working in an administration, customer services or IT role would also be useful for
applying directly.
For some assistant jobs, for example in industrial or commercial libraries, you may need qualifications at A-Level standard or higher. You may also need specialist knowledge like languages or science, depending on the job. A knowledge of information classification systems, like the Dewey Decimal Classification, may be useful, though not essential, as training would be given.
Library assistant apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- administration skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- the ability to work on your own
- knowledge of English language
- to be flexible and open to change
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to
pass enhanced background checks
Library assistant apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
On a typical day you could:
- help users find what they need, in print and online
- organise IT access and solve user problems
- check materials in and out and catalogue new items
- shelve returned items and arrange repair of damaged materials
- deal with counter, phone and email enquiries
- make sure copyright licence agreements are followed
- maintain databases and records
- help with community events and activities like reading sessions
Working environment
You could work at a library, at a school, at a college or at a university.
Career path and progression - Library assistant apprenticeships
With experience and qualifications, you could become a librarian. The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) has more information.