Life As 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.
What Do Library Technicians Do On a Daily Basis?
- Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals.
- Plan and conduct children’s programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours.
- Issue identification cards to borrowers.
- Process interlibrary loans for patrons.
- Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
- Sort and deliver library mail and packages.
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What a Library Technician Should Know
When polled, Library Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Types of Library Technician Jobs
- Media Specialist
- Library Circulation Technician
- Textbook Associate
- Book Sorter
- Media Center Specialist
Library Technician Job Outlook
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. The BLS estimates 14,400 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
How Much Does a Library Technician Make?
The typical yearly salary for Library Technicians is somewhere between $21,350 and $54,910.

Library Technicians who work in District of Columbia, Connecticut, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Library Technicians make 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
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Library Technicians may use on a daily basis:
- 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
Becoming a Library Technician
Individuals working as a Library Technician have obtained the following education levels:

What work experience do I need to become a Library Technician?

Where do Library Technicians Work?

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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