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
- 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.
- File catalog cards according to system used.
- Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
- Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.
- Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.
- Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
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Library Technician Skills
Library Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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
- Media Center Specialist
- Library Technical Assistant (LTA)
- Library Clerk
- Loan Technician
- Stacker
Job Outlook for Library Technicians
There were about 99,200 jobs for Library Technician in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
Do Library Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?
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 each U.S. state?
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 do I Become a Library Technician?
Individuals working as a Library Technician have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Library Technicians?

Below are examples of industries where Library Technicians work:

References:
Image Credit: collin via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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