What Does Library Page Do? (And Salary and Job Outlook Info)

Updated September 30, 2022

A library page is a professional who works with a librarian to help with the operations of a library, including organizing the materials and helping the patrons. If this sounds interesting to you, consider pursuing this role. Understanding the daily tasks of this position can help you determine if this is the right role for you.In this article, we discuss the answer to the question, "what does a library page do?" including how to earn this role in four steps, some skills for you to develop and the salary and job outlook information for this position.

What does a library page do?

A library page is a professional who works under librarians to complete important tasks in the library. Some of their duties include organizing the library shelves for the books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs and other library materials for patrons to browse, find and enjoy. When you begin your role, it's important to learn about the library's organizational systems. Most libraries use the Dewey Decimal System, which is using a set of numbers to classify a book into 10 different categories. A library may also use the Library of Congress system, which uses the alphabet to classify books into different categories.Some of their other duties include cleaning the library and ensuring it's cared for properly for patrons to enjoy. They may also use their customer service skills to help the library patrons with their questions, such as inquiring about where a book is located, dates of library programs and setting up library card accounts for new patrons. These professionals may also help with updating and maintaining the library's records.Related: Careers for English Literature Majors

How to become a library page in 4 steps

Here are some steps you can follow on how to become a library page:

1. Obtain your bachelor's degree

At some library organizations, you can earn this role with a high school diploma, GED or an associate degree. This depends on the library's preferences, so it's important to check the education requirements in the job description before applying. Most libraries require its professionals to have earned their bachelor's degree in English, library science, history or business. In your course programs, you can learn the knowledge and skills required to do your job well in a real-world setting.Related: 15 of the Highest-Paying Jobs for English Majors (And Their Duties)

2. Consider pursuing a high-level degree

Most libraries may not require its professionals to have obtained their master's degree or higher degree, but you may find it beneficial to complete yours. Pursuing a high-level degree can help differentiate yourself from other professionals who may have a similar background to yours but only earned a bachelor's degree. You may also find that earning a higher degree can help advance your career further, such as earning a promotion. The type of master's degree you can earn includes:

Master's degree in library science
Master's degree in English
Master's degree in business
Master's degree in education
Master's degree in information science

3. Earn library or other work experience

While earning your degree, you may find it beneficial in your job search later to earn library or other relevant work experience. To do this, you can volunteer to help at your local library. This can allow you to become familiar with their organization system and programs. You may also apply the knowledge and skills you've learned in your courses to your volunteer experience. While volunteering at the library, you may complete a variety of tasks, such as:

Shelving books
Ensuring books and other library materials are in the correct place
Gathering books or other library materials for patrons to pick up or to be delivered to them
Assisting at special events
Helping patrons use the library computers
Providing clerical support

Some other relevant work experience you may find helpful is being a sales associate at a store or completing an internship through your college program. An internship allows you a space to learn from a library mentor and to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, while also receiving feedback from your mentor. The feedback may help you improve your skills for your library page role.Related: Librarian Job Requirements for a Successful Career

4. Apply for library page roles

After you've completed your education and earned relevant work experience, apply for library page roles. You can do this by asking for applications from your local libraries or looking online at job board posting sites. While you're applying for roles, ask your friends or family to help prepare you for an interview by conducting a mock one. By doing this, you can practice your answers to common interview questions. You may also hear feedback from friends or family about your interview skills that you can work on improving before your actual interview for a library page.Related: 33 Interview Questions for a Library Assistant

Skills for a library page

Here are some skills you may find helpful in this role:

Alphabetizing skills: Alphabetizing is your ability to organize books and other material based on the title of the book or the author. This skill makes it easier for you to follow the organizing systems, especially the Library of Congress system.
Numerical skills: Having skills in numeracy is beneficial in a library, especially when working with the Dewey Decimal system because it's categorized with numbers. This skill can also help you keep track of books in the library and assist with the library budget when required.
Organizational skills: This is a helpful skill to have because you're working with a large catalog of books and other library materials that follow an organizational system determined by the library. It's also important to arrange materials for children's programs in a manner that makes sense for children to follow.
Communication skills: While working at a library, it's important to have developed your communication skills because you're speaking with and helping patrons throughout your day. It's also helpful because if you're leading a library program, this skill helps you communicate your message concisely and clearly.
Basic literature knowledge: Having skills in basic literature helps you to understand the different library programs and assists patrons when they ask a question. You may also find this skill helpful when patrons ask for your book recommendations or your favorite novels and authors.
Writing skills: Writing skills can help you when you're creating written instructions for library programs to follow, especially for activities. This skill can also help you with creating, updating and maintaining library documents and other important records, such as financial reports.

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Salary and job outlook information for a library page

Your salary may vary depending on your location, organization, level of education and experience. A library page has a national average salary of $29,225 per year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't have information for this role specifically, but they have information for librarians and library media specialists, which are similar occupations. The BLS project this role to grow by 9% between 2020 and 2030. This job growth is about as fast as most jobs in the country.For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the link(s) provided.

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