Library Technicians
Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.
- Overview
- Tasks
- Skills
Median Annual Wage: $31,680
Projected Growth: Average (8% to 14%)
Related Job Titles: Library Assistant; Library Technician; Library Associate; Library Technical Assistant (LTA); Library Specialist; Library Aide; Library Clerk; Page Technician; Acquisitions Technician; Assistant Librarian
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Library Technicians.
- Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
- Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
- Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
- Catalogue and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
- Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
- Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.
- Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
- Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
- Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Library Technicians.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Library Technicians.
