Managing thousands of books, hundreds of memberships and other library resources is no easy feat. Libraries have an important role to play in facilitating access to information for learning, education and training. It is a known fact that a well-managed library is a successful library. Library management means efficient and effective management of material (information sources), machinery, men (human resource), technology and money to meet the objectives of the library. In fact, library management involves overseeing all library operations, managing library budget, planning and negotiating the acquisition of materials, inter-library loan [ILL] requests, stacks maintenance, overseeing fee collection, event planning, fundraising, and human resources.

A library performs a number of specialized activities. Based on each specialization, the library work is divided into various sections. Most common sections are the Acquisition Section, Technical Processing Section, Circulation Section, Reference Section, Periodicals Section, Maintenance Section, and the Administration & Finance Section.

Every library has to build up a collection of information which may be in print or non-print or electronic formats. Functions of Acquisition Section include selection, ordering, receiving supplies, making record entries in the stock register and processing the bills for payment.

The newly acquired books are prepared for library use. For this purpose, these are classified, catalogued, entries filed in library catalogue and books shelved on display racks or in the stacks by the Technical Processing Section.

The Reference Section collects and organizes a number of reference books. Reference book is one which is not read like text book from beginning to end. You refer to a reference book to know the answer of your specific query. This may pertain to a word, term, person, place, concept or subject. You need to consult a dictionary, thesaurus, directory, year book, encyclopedia, or such other type of information source.

Periodicals Section collects and organizes a number of periodical publications such as, a journal, magazine, newspaper which are published in continuity and with predefined periodicity (such as, daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, etc.). A library first receives the current issues of the volume of a periodical publication. Later on, the completed volumes may get bound and shelved in the periodicals section.

Maintenance Section is responsible for various jobs such as organization of collection, shelving and reshelving, dusting and cleaning, mending and binding, weeding and stock verification. Much of the work done in maintenance section is behind the scene which helps to keep the collection live and presentable for maximum use.

Library assistants help to keep libraries organized and efficient while assisting patrons as required. They typically assist patrons with checking materials in and out and sometimes with locating materials. Library assistants also answer incoming calls to the library and direct them to the appropriate people. When not assisting patrons, library assistants also will help with restocking shelves and otherwise organizing library materials.

The library assistant is an entry level position in the library management career. He or she typically performs the following tasks:

• Loan library materials to patrons and collect returned materials.
• Sort and reshelve returned books, periodicals, and other materials.
• Catalogue and maintain library materials. Handle inter-library loans.
• Register new patrons and issue library cards.
• Answer routine reference questions from patrons.
• Teach patrons how to use library resources.
• Maintain computer databases used to locate library materials.
• Perform routine clerical tasks such as answering phones and organizing files.
• Help plan and participate in special programs, such as used-book sales, story times, or outreach programs.

The Competencies Needed by a Library Assistant

The library assistant needs to demonstrate the following competencies in his or her work:

• Have active listening skills so as to understand what others are meaning to say.
• Should demonstrate outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use technology and to use it to enhance the overall effectiveness of a library.
• Good overall knowledge of archiving and filing information as well as maintaining databases and reference information.
• Capability of evaluating resources and finding the best ones for addressing different questions or issues.
• Ability to quickly and professionally search databases, internet resources, and catalogs to find needed information.
• Ability to promote reading.
• Ability to present information clearly and in an interesting manner.
• Outstanding organizational skills.