Library Technicians in Iowa
Considering working as a Library Technicians in Iowa? Here’s what the data says. 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.
What do Library Technicians Make in Iowa?
For library technicians working in Iowa, the typical annual salary is $37,180 per year (or roughly $17.88/hour).Earnings range from $23,000 at the 10th percentile to $61,730 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $23,000 | $11.06 |
| 25th percentile | $27,410 | $13.18 |
| Median (50th) | $37,180 | $17.88 |
| 75th percentile | $49,710 | $23.90 |
| 90th percentile | $61,730 | $29.68 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Iowa compared to the national average — is 2.00, indicating that library technicians are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, library technicians earn a median of $37,590 per year ($18.07/hour), lower than the Iowa median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 681,752 library technicians in the U.S.. In Iowa alone, about 1,500 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 860 library technicians.
Top Iowa Metros for Library Technicians
The metro areas below employ the most library technicians in Iowa.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 260 | $42,520 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 150 | $41,240 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 140 | $37,790 |
| Iowa City, IA | 140 | $63,470 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | 100 | $45,750 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | 60 | $33,640 |
| Ames, IA | 50 | $40,480 |
| Dubuque, IA | 50 | $51,230 |
Top States for Library Technicians Employment
View the states that employ the most library technicians work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 7,760 |
| Texas | 5,160 |
| Ohio | 5,090 |
| New York | 4,070 |
| Florida | 3,610 |
| Wisconsin | 2,780 |
| Virginia | 2,690 |
| Colorado | 2,560 |
| Illinois | 2,540 |
| North Carolina | 2,450 |
| Michigan | 2,230 |
| Massachusetts | 1,910 |
| Oregon | 1,900 |
| Georgia | 1,880 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,820 |
| Indiana | 1,750 |
| Washington | 1,630 |
| Louisiana | 1,530 |
| Iowa | 1,500 |
| Maryland | 1,470 |
Highest-Paying States for Library Technicians
Where library technicians earn the most: library technicians.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $58,780 |
| Washington | $57,550 |
| Connecticut | $54,550 |
| California | $51,290 |
| Massachusetts | $49,650 |
| Maryland | $49,340 |
| New Hampshire | $47,640 |
| Minnesota | $47,330 |
| Oregon | $46,950 |
| Rhode Island | $46,910 |
Skills
Key library technicians skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for library technicians, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, library technicians typically:
- Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
- Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
- Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
- Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
- Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
- 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.
- Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
- Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
- Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
- Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
- Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
- Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Processing Information
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Illustrator In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Library & Archives Assisting
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Careers similar to library technicians include:
- Management Analysts
- Computer User Support Specialists
- Database Administrators
- Document Management Specialists
- Social Science Research Assistants
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Also Known As
Accessioner, Audio-Visual Aide, Bibliographer, Bindery Library Technical Assistant, Book Shelver, Book Sorter, Bookmobile Driver, Cataloging Library Technical Assistant (Cataloging LTA), Circulation Clerk, Classifier, Elementary Library Media Specialist, Librarian Helper, Library Acquisitions Technician, Library Aide, Library Assistant.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 25-4031.00