Published: August 7th, 2006
The Chronicle Herald
INFORMATION, CORRESPONDENCE AND LIBRARY CLERKS
Keeping the rest of us on track
The outlook is good for adaptable, computer-savvy information navigators
Chief librarian Frances Newman reshelves a book in the Amherst branch of the Cumberland Regional Library. (Tom McCoag / Staff)
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Nature of the Work
Workers in these occupations provide or collect information and work with the public.
Customer service clerks work for establishments such as call centres, utilities and retail stores. They answer questions and provide information, and handle payments and requests for service.
Survey interviewers contact individuals, either in person or by phone, to collect information for market research, public opinion polls, or election and census enumeration. Statistical clerks check and code information, and enter and analyze data to produce reports or lists.
Library clerks check out books and other material, sort and shelve books, provide general library information and do basic clerical duties.
Librarians today do much more than recommend good books to read, says Frances Newman, chief librarian for the Cumberland Regional Library.
"We are information navigators, literary promoters and community developers who embrace changing technologies."
To be a good librarian in today's diverse world, Ms. Newman said librarians have to be well-versed in technology, enjoy and be well-versed in literature, skilled in reference and research and have a desire to learn new things.
"It also helps to be well-organized, to like helping people and serving people of all ages as well as being able to work flexible hours because libraries are open nights and weekends as well as during the day."
Correspondence clerks reply to requests for information and assistance, inquiries and complaints. Editorial assistants and publication clerks assist in the preparation of published material, proofread and check facts.
Skills
Good communication and interpersonal skills are important, along with a willingness to learn and adapt to continually changing equipment and software.
Statistical clerks require basic mathematical skills and should be comfortable handling basic numerical analysis.
You should also be co-operative and able to work as part of a team.
Employment Requirements
Library clerks require high school completion.
A diploma or degree related to library science is required to progress to more senior positions.
Advertising, correspondence and publication clerks require high school completion and may require courses or a diploma in writing, journalism or a related field.
Previous clerical or administrative experience may be required.
Customer service providers usually require high school completion and may require completion of a relevant post-secondary program.
Clerical or sales experience is an asset.
Survey interviewers usually require high school completion and experience in operating a computer. On-the-job training is usually provided.
Some positions may require a driver's licence.
Other Considerations
The widespread application of computer technology to the duties performed by many clerks means that a solid foundation in computer skills is often necessary for entry into these occupations. As well, workers should be able to adapt to changes in technology.
Work Prospects
Employment prospects differ for the various occupations included in this occupational group. A high rate of employment growth is expected for customer service information clerks, who are largely employed by call centres. This is the largest occupation included in this group. Demand for this occupation has increased due to growth in the number of customer self-help applications being used to process basic transactions. This has increased the number and complexity of customer inquiries directed to customer service centres.
Opportunities for survey interviewers and statistical clerks have been buoyed by the expansion of telemarketing and outbound call centres.
Overall, this is a relatively young workforce and attrition can be expected to contribute to job openings.
Labour Market Information
Outlook: Good
Employment in 2005: 9,460
Change in employment between 2005 and 2010: Growing
Average annual number of openings: 393
Estimated average earnings in 2005: $11.50 per hour
Where the jobs are:
Halifax 62.1%
Cape Breton 13.5%
North Shore 9.3%
South Shore 8.5%
Annapolis Valley 6.6%
About 16 per cent of people in these occupations work part time and 55 per cent of them are less than 35 years old. Thirty-one per cent have a high school diploma and an additional 42 per cent have a certificate or diploma.
Industry of Employment
Management, administrative and other support 41.0%
Public administration 15.2%
Retail trade 10.5%
Finance and insurance 5.2%
Information services/data processing 4.6%
Professional, scientific and technical services 2.3%
Typical Jobs
Library clerk,
Correspondence clerk,
Editorial assistant,
Proofreader,
Call centre agent,
Tourist information clerk,
Survey interviewer,
Customer service clerk,
Customer service representative at a call centre
On the Job is a weekly column looking at employment options in Nova Scotia.
Information on 300 occupations for Nova Scotians can be found at the Education D
epartment's Career Options website, novascotiacareeroptions.ca.
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