Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google

Ready to Ace Your Clerk Practice Test for the Library Page Exam?

Think you can master this library page test? Start your clerk exam practice now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art library scene with books clipboard pencil and quiz form on teal background

Preparing for a job among the stacks? Our free clerk practice test helps you master essential library page exam skills with realistic questions on cataloguing, shelving and patron service. This clerk exam practice quiz pinpoints strengths and gaps in your knowledge so you can ace the library page test with confidence. Whether you're new to the field or brushing up, get instant feedback, sharpen your understanding of library page examination topics and build on your strengths. Ready to start? Jump in now! For extra word power, try our spelling test practice , or expand your skills with a paralegal practice test .

What does the abbreviation DDC stand for in library classification?
Library of Congress System
Decimal Dewey Code
Dewey Decimal Classification
Data Documentation Code
DDC stands for Dewey Decimal Classification, which is a proprietary library classification system first published by Melvil Dewey in 1876. It organizes library materials by fields of knowledge, assigning each subject a number. It is widely used in public and school libraries worldwide. OCLC Dewey Info
In a library context, what does OPAC stand for?
Online Patron Access Catalog
Online Public Access Catalog
Open Public Access Classification
Online Print Availability Center
OPAC stands for Online Public Access Catalog, the digital database of materials held by a library. Patrons use OPACs to search for books, media, and other resources by title, author, subject, and call number. Modern OPACs often integrate user reviews and availability status. Library of Congress
Which staff member is primarily responsible for shelving returned books?
Librarian
Library clerk
Library page
Circulation manager
Library pages are typically entry-level staff responsible for shelving returned materials, maintaining order, and assisting with basic tasks. They ensure books and media are reshelved in the correct location according to call number. This role supports efficient library operations and accessibility of materials. Texas State Library roles
In the Dewey Decimal Classification, which 800s section would you find?
Science
Literature
History
Technology
The 800s in the Dewey Decimal Classification cover literature and rhetoric. This section includes poetry, drama, prose, and works about literature. Other subjects like science (500s) and history (900s) have their own designated ranges. dewey.info
How are books arranged on a shelf by call number?
Descending numerical order
Alphabetical by title
Ascending numerical order
By date of publication
Books are shelved in ascending order by call number, starting with the lowest number at the left of each shelf. This standardized approach ensures patrons and staff can locate materials quickly. Each component of the call number is compared sequentially. NISO Shelving Guidelines
Which Dewey number typically represents biography?
920
600
300
150
The 920 classification in Dewey Decimal is used for biography, genealogy, and insignia. It houses personal histories of individuals and family histories. Other numbers like 600 (technology) and 300 (social sciences) cover different subjects. OCLC guide
Where are reference books usually located in a public library?
Adult fiction shelves
Reference section
Children’s library
New arrival display
Reference books are non-circulating materials that provide factual answers, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and directories. They are kept in a dedicated reference section for easy access inside the library. Patrons use them on-site as they cannot be checked out. ALA Reference Section
What type of material is often shelved in chronological order rather than by call number?
Novels
Textbooks
Periodicals and journals
Reference manuals
Periodicals and journals are typically organized by date of publication rather than call number. This chronological arrangement helps patrons find the latest issues and follow volume/issue sequences. Fiction, textbooks, and reference manuals use standard classification. UIUC journals guidelines
How should these call numbers be arranged on a shelf: 150, 15.06, 150.2?
150, 150.2, 15.06
15.06, 150, 150.2
150.2, 150, 15.06
150, 15.06, 150.2
When ordering call numbers with decimals, you treat them as decimal values: 15.06 (fifteen point zero six) comes before 150. DDC Shelving Guide
Which tool is commonly used to assign Cutter numbers for author names?
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Cutter-Sanborn Tables
MARC Field Directory
ISBN Directory
Cutter-Sanborn tables provide standardized letter-number codes for authors’ names, ensuring consistent shelving and cataloging. They translate an author’s last name into a Cutter number. Cutter Table Info
In a MARC record, which field is used for the ISBN?
020
100
245
650
MARC field 020 is designated for ISBN (International Standard Book Number). Catalogers place the book’s ISBN in this field for identification and ordering. Library of Congress
Which Dewey Decimal number corresponds to the history of Europe?
300
940
820
560
The 940s cover the history of Europe in the Dewey Decimal system. It includes general histories as well as country-specific subdivisions. Other ranges, like 300s, cover social sciences. dewey.info
How often should shelf-reading ideally be performed to maintain order?
Once every five years
Weekly
Daily
Only when errors are found
Weekly shelf-reading is recommended to catch and correct mis-shelved items before they accumulate. Consistent checks help maintain high accuracy and patron satisfaction. Shelf-Reading Study
What should a library page do with a book found mis-shelved?
Leave it and continue shelving
Return it immediately to the correct spot
Discard it
Place it on a cart for librarian review
Mis-shelved items should be re-shelved immediately in their correct location to ensure accurate access. Delaying correction can mislead patrons and cause loss. NDLA Shelving Guide
Where are oversized books typically shelved?
On the main fiction shelves
In the biography section
On a separate oversize shelf
Behind the reference desk
Oversized books require special shelving due to their large dimensions. Libraries designate separate oversize shelves or areas labeled 'Oversize'. This prevents damage and confusion with standard materials. IFLA report
What is the primary function of a spine label?
To advertise the book
To protect the spine
To identify the call number and location
To indicate purchase date
Spine labels display a book’s call number, making it easy for patrons and staff to find and re-shelve materials correctly. They are essential for shelf browsing. Spine Labels Usage
Which Dewey Decimal number covers environmental science and ecology?
500
363
613
700
Dewey Decimal 363 is designated for environmental science and ecology, including environmental management and conservation. Other 300s address social sciences more broadly. dewey.info
In MARC records, which field contains information about a bibliographic citation or bibliography?
100
245
504
650
MARC field 504 is used to record bibliographic (citation) notes, indicating that a resource contains a bibliography or references. It helps catalogers and users know where bibliographic content appears. Library of Congress
How should these Dewey call numbers be ordered: 58.1, 580, 590?
590, 580, 58.1
580, 58.1, 590
58.1, 580, 590
580, 590, 58.1
When arranging decimal call numbers, you compare the numbers as decimals: 58.1 (fifty-eight point one) precedes 580. OCLC Shelving
If two books have identical main Dewey numbers, what element is used next to organize them?
Publication date only
Author Cutter number
Page count
Book color
When call numbers are identical, libraries use the Cutter number, which encodes the author’s name, to differentiate and order books. Publication date may follow but Cutter is primary. DDC Shelving
Which MARC field is used for Library of Congress Subject Headings?
040
650
700
852
MARC field 650 is designated for topical subject headings, including Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH). It allows standardized retrieval of materials by subject. Library of Congress
In the Library of Congress Classification, which class covers philosophy?
P
E
B
J
Class B in the Library of Congress Classification system covers philosophy, psychology, and religion. Designations P is language and literature; E and F cover American history; J covers political science. LCC Overview
What is the term for moving books to reflect changes in classification or collection arrangement?
Weeding
Shelf reading
Shelf shifting
Rebinding
Shelf shifting is the process of relocating books on shelves after classification changes or reorganization of stacks. It ensures call numbers remain in proper order after any reclassification. IFLA Guidelines
In MARC records, what does the 022 field represent?
ISSN
ISBN
LCCN
Location
MARC field 022 is used for the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), identifying serial publications. ISBN is in field 020. Library of Congress
What type of material would a book with the call number QA76.76.D47 A38 2020 most likely cover?
Medieval history
Mechanical engineering
Java programming
Art therapy
In the Library of Congress Classification, QA76 covers computer science, QA76.76 indicates programming languages, and the Cutter .D47 corresponds to Java. The year identifies the edition or publication year. LCC QA76
0
{"name":"What does the abbreviation DDC stand for in library classification?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"What does the abbreviation DDC stand for in library classification?, In a library context, what does OPAC stand for?, Which staff member is primarily responsible for shelving returned books?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Core Clerk Concepts -

    Use the free clerk practice test to grasp essential cataloging, metadata and classification principles crucial for a library page exam.

  2. Apply Circulation Procedures -

    Demonstrate the ability to execute standard circulation tasks, including checking items in and out, managing holds and issuing library cards.

  3. Navigate Classification Systems -

    Develop skills in using the Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress schemes to accurately shelve and retrieve materials during your clerk exam practice.

  4. Analyze Test Question Strategies -

    Learn to identify and approach various question formats under timed conditions, improving your speed and accuracy.

  5. Evaluate Exam Readiness -

    Assess your strengths and weaknesses to tailor a focused study plan, boosting confidence for the library page test.

  6. Reinforce Professional Etiquette -

    Solidify best practices in patron interaction, confidentiality and communication to excel in real-world library clerk roles.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Dewey Decimal System Mastery -

    Recognize major classes 000 - 900 using the mnemonic "General People Do Good Science, History, Arts, Language" to quickly sort materials (ALA, 2020). For example, 641.5 guides you to cookbooks under 641, then decimals for specialty dishes. Consistent recall of these ranges accelerates shelving accuracy during clerk exam practice.

  2. Call Number & Alphabetical Order -

    Organize books by call number then author/title in Cutter order (Library of Congress Practice Guide). Remember "Numbers First, Letters Next" to alphabetize T - J after 200, then T2, T25, etc. This systematic approach cuts shelf-search time in half during a library page test.

  3. MARC Records & RDA Basics -

    Identify key fields in a MARC record: 245 for title, 100 for author, and 082 for Dewey (Library of Congress). Use the "245 - 100 - 082" triad as a quick mnemonic to verify catalog entries. Familiarity with RDA rules ensures accurate metadata creation on the clerk practice test.

  4. Efficient Circulation Procedures -

    Follow the check-in/check-out flow: scan patron card, item barcode, apply due-date slip, and log in ILS (OCLC guidelines). Use the "Scan, Slip, Log" mantra to prevent errors in renewals, recalls, and overdue notices. Mastery of this workflow boosts performance on clerk exam questions on circulation.

  5. Special Collections & Reference Support -

    Differentiate circulating vs. non-circulating materials using signage and security strips (Society of American Archivists). Always register reference queries with brief notes for future retrieval and user follow-up. Confidence in handling rare items and guiding patrons in a library page examination showcases professionalism.

Powered by: Quiz Maker