Information Assistant, the term itself describes i.e. the assistants who provide Information. To elaborate, we can say that Information Assistants is the professionals who provide information to anyone who is seeking it.
Information Assistants are referred to as 'Paraprofessionals'. Paraprofessionals are those trained workers who are not a member of a profession but who assist a professional. Information Assistants are generally employed in Airports, Museums, Tourist Centres, Libraries or any other workplace, where there is a need for hiring an Assistant for the dissemination of Information.
However, here we will focus on Information Assistant who works in a Library Set-Up. This Library Set-Up can be found in a variety of organisations including law firms, public libraries, the government, schools, prisons, the health service, science and technology, industry, universities and financial institutions. Library and Information Assistants perform a wide range of administrative tasks in support of the work of professionally qualified library staff. Such posts are mostly taken by those who do not wish or have been unable, to acquire a professional librarian qualification.
Since the job an Assistant is to provide information service, previous experience in a customer service job can enhance one's chances of finding work. These changes get even better if you know a foreign language. They might be needed to provide their services on phone, so usually need a good phone voice. They should also be adaptive as they might need to work on night shifts. Written and oral communication skills are obviously needed to deliver information in an easy to understand manner.
In India, Staff Selection Commission (SSC) requires these professionals for various Ministries/ Offices of the Government of India. These Posts are:
- Library & Information Assistant - General and Language
- Library & Information Assistant - Reprography
Library Information Assistant Eligibility
Educational Qualification
The minimum educational qualification for becoming Library Information Assistance is a Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science from recognized University/colleges.
Age Limits
Below 30 years, preferably 18-28 years of age.
Library Information Assistant Required Skills
- Library Information Assistants should possess good customer service skills; a keen interest in books and the benefits of reading and methodical and well-organised approach.
- They also have the ability to work as part of a team and also have good computer skills.
- They should also be perfect in helping library users to find the information they need; checking materials in and out and filing or replacing returned items.
- They possess good skills like dealing with enquiries by telephone, email, letter or fax; cataloguing new materials; maintaining databases and records and arranging the repair of damaged materials.
How to become a Library Information Assistant?
Aspiring candidates have to follow the given steps to become a Library Information Assistant:
Step 1
After clearing 12 class from a recognised board the aspiring candidates need to get admission in Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent diploma in Library Science of a recognized University/ Institute.
Alternatively, graduate candidates can go for a one-year certificate course in Computer Application or equivalent from a recognized Institution.
Step 2
After a bachelor's degree or Diploma in the relevant subjects candidates can go for a job in the relevant field or join in the Master’s Degree in Library Science.
Some Organisations may require a minimum of 2 years of experience or more, in a Library/Computerization of a Library along with / or one year certificate in Computer application from a recognised Institution or equivalent.
Library Information Assistant Job Description
Library Information Assistant Job includes:
- Arranging the purchase of new material
- Checking the status of loans and reservations using a central database
- Issuing fines for over dues
- Repairing damaged resources
- Shelving
- Undertaking basic enquiry work
Library Information Assistant Career Prospects
It is possible to achieve promotion to a supervisory post if one is working in a large library. In general, however, career prospects are fairly limited, for those who do not obtain a professional qualification.
Library Information Assistant Salary
As far as remunerations of a Library / Information Assistant are concerned one can get anything between Rs.9,300 to Rs. 34,800-grade pay Rs.4,200.
