What is a Library Technician?
Library Technician Job Description 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.
A Day in the Life of a Library Technician
- Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
- Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
- Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
- Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library’s computer.
- Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
- Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.
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Things a Library Technician Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Library Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Related Job Titles
- Library Monitor
- Loan Technician
- Stack Attendant
- Media Specialist
- Circulation Clerk
Is There Job Demand for Library Technicians?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 99,200 jobs in the United States for Library Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 9,000 new jobs for Library Technician by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 14,400 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Library Technician are Utah, Nevada, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, New Jersey, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Library Technician Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Library Technician ranges between $21,350 and $54,910.
Library Technicians who work in District of Columbia, Connecticut, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Library Technicians in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $32,410 |
| Alaska | $46,520 |
| Arizona | $33,170 |
| Arkansas | $25,810 |
| California | $45,750 |
| Colorado | $34,380 |
| Connecticut | $47,980 |
| Delaware | $42,330 |
| District of Columbia | $50,330 |
| Florida | $34,910 |
| Georgia | $34,280 |
| Hawaii | $41,930 |
| Idaho | $26,530 |
| Illinois | $36,190 |
| Indiana | $26,560 |
| Iowa | $33,150 |
| Kansas | $34,870 |
| Kentucky | $28,450 |
| Louisiana | $32,100 |
| Maine | $36,000 |
| Maryland | $39,160 |
| Massachusetts | $46,980 |
| Michigan | $31,880 |
| Minnesota | $43,850 |
| Mississippi | $25,500 |
| Missouri | $29,920 |
| Montana | $30,920 |
| Nebraska | $32,590 |
| Nevada | $36,890 |
| New Hampshire | $37,490 |
| New Jersey | $37,350 |
| New Mexico | $35,810 |
| New York | $35,050 |
| North Carolina | $34,340 |
| North Dakota | $32,510 |
| Ohio | $32,250 |
| Oklahoma | $29,310 |
| Oregon | $39,770 |
| Pennsylvania | $34,510 |
| Rhode Island | $43,560 |
| South Carolina | $32,000 |
| South Dakota | $26,760 |
| Tennessee | $28,160 |
| Texas | $30,820 |
| Utah | $30,180 |
| Vermont | $35,380 |
| Virginia | $35,970 |
| Washington | $44,690 |
| West Virginia | $26,550 |
| Wisconsin | $28,100 |
| Wyoming | $33,840 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Library Technicians
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Library Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Database software
- Microsoft Publisher
- FileMaker Pro
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- WorldCat
- Online Computer Library Center OCLC
- Ex Libris Group Aleph
- Innovative Interfaces Millennium
- National Library of Medicine DOCLINE
- Dynix Digital Library
- SirsiDynix Symphony
- WebClarity Software BookWhere
How to Become a Library Technician
Are there Library Technicians education requirements?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Library Technician?
Library Technicians Sector
Library Technicians work in the following industries:
References:
Image Credit: collin via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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