Clerical Aptitude In Library Employment

A L L T H E BASIC operations and many of the more complex ones in a library depend fundamentally upon clerical aptitude. Clerical aptitude is necessary in shelving books, in filing various types of cards, in searching for missing books, in using catalogs and indexes, and in revising slipping or typing or cataloging— indeed in almost every operation required in a library. The clerical aptitude required in performing any of these routine operations with speed and accuracy can be divided into two separate abilities: number differentiation and name (verbal) differentiation. Some people have equal or almost equal ability in these two areas; others show considerable differences because of variations in mathematical and verbal skills.