All occupationsCompare
Export

Library Assistants

Office & Administrative Supporthighmixed
BLS 2024-34: -8%
Median Wage: $32,560
Employment: 97K

Overall Exposure

60

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

79

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

41

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

57

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 โ†’ 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

60โ†’73
+13

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

79โ†’89
+10

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

41โ†’57
+16

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

57โ†’69
+12

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
202455753552actual
202560794157estimated
202665834761estimated
202769865265estimated
202873895769estimated

Task Breakdown

Catalog and classify library materials
78%ฮฒ 1
Process circulation transactions and manage holds
72%ฮฒ 1
Assist patrons with locating resources and equipment
40%ฮฒ 0.5

About This Occupation

If you work as a Library Assistant, AI is automating many of your cataloging and circulation tasks. With an automation risk of 57/100 and overall exposure at 60%, this role faces high transformation. Cataloging sees the highest automation at 78%. BLS projects -8% decline through 2034.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 57%, Library Assistants faces a moderate level of AI-driven change. Some tasks can be automated, but many require human judgment, creativity, or interpersonal skills that AI cannot yet replicate. The role is more likely to evolve alongside AI than be replaced.

The AI automation risk score for Library Assistants is 57% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 60%, with 79% theoretical exposure and 41% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is 0 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Library Assistants are: Catalog and classify library materials (78%), Process circulation transactions and manage holds (72%), Assist patrons with locating resources and equipment (40%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects -8% employment change for Library Assistants from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 60%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Library Assistants should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.