The recent dialogue on this topic is very interesting to someone who works in
an environment where there is only one level of library paraprofessional staff.
In state-operated Virginia libraries, we use the state's classification
system.  There is a category called Library Assistant, which is the only truly
paraprofessional library position below professional librarian.  All the rest
of the workers in our libraries are clerical positions.  Several years ago,
the state revamped the system and changed the designations of Clerk Typist A,
B, and C to Office Services Aide, Assistant, and Supervisor.  All they changed,
of course, was the names - the responsibilities remained the same.  The comments
   from other institutions are really helpful and might be of use if we can ever
convince state personnel that libraries really are different animals, and that
the kind of clerical work that goes on in social services or motor vehicles is
not the same kind of work done here.  If there are any others in Virginia who
are interested in working towards this goal, I would appreciate hearing from
you.
At Va. Commonwealth Univ., we have LAs doing copy cataloging, pre-order searchin
   g, and supervisory work.  The latter do what would normally be done by
professional librarians, if we had enough of them to go around.  We have clerica
   l level staff doing all receiving, most desk work (circulation and periodical
   s),and just abouth anything else we can find for them to do.  For those of yo
   u who
have multiple designations of library-track staff, count yourselves lucky.