Activities	Library technicians help librarians acquire, prepare, and organize material, and assist users in finding information. They assist 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 references. Library technicians compile records; sort and shelve books; remove or repair damaged books; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process.
Outlook	Average job growth
Median Income	$28,800 per year in 2008
Work Context & Conditions	Technicians answer questions and provide assistance to library users. Those who prepare library materials sit at desks or computer terminals for long periods.
Minimum Education Requirements	General High School Program
Skills	Active Listening, Service Orientation, Reading Comprehension
Abilities	Oral Expression, Category Flexibility, Speech Clarity, Information Ordering
Interviews	Crystal Smith

Job Category		Education, Training, & Library
Job Description		Library technicians help librarians acquire, prepare, and organize material, and assist users in finding information. Library technicians usually work under the supervision of a librarian, although they work independently in certain situations. Technicians in small libraries handle a range of duties; those in large libraries usually specialize. As libraries increasingly use new technologies—such as CD-ROM, the Internet, virtual libraries, and automated databases—the duties of library technicians will expand and evolve accordingly. Library technicians are assuming greater responsibilities, in some cases taking on tasks previously performed by librarians. Depending on the employer, library technicians can have other titles, such as library technical assistant or media aide. Library technicians direct library users to standard references, organize and maintain periodicals, prepare volumes for binding, handle interlibrary loan requests, prepare invoices, perform routine cataloguing and coding of library materials, retrieve information from computer databases, and supervise support staff. The widespread use of computerized information storage and retrieval systems has resulted in technicians handling more technical and user services—such as entering catalogue information into the library's computer—that were once performed by librarians. Technicians assist with customizing databases. In addition, technicians instruct patrons how to use computer systems to access data. The increased automation of recordkeeping has reduced the amount of clerical work performed by library technicians. Many libraries now offer self-service registration and circulations with computers, decreasing the time library technicians spend manually recording and inputting records. Some library technicians operate and maintain audiovisual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders, and assist users with microfilm or microfiche readers. They also design posters, bulletin boards, or displays. Library technicians in school libraries encourage and teach students to use the library and media center. They also help teachers obtain instructional materials and assist students with special assignments. Some work in special libraries maintained by government agencies, corporations, law firms, advertising agencies, museums, professional societies, medical centers, and research laboratories, where they conduct literature searches, compile bibliographies, and prepare abstracts, usually on subjects of particular interest to the organization.
Working Conditions		Technicians answer questions and provide assistance to library users. Those who prepare library materials sit at desks or computer terminals for long periods and can develop headaches or eyestrain from working with video display terminals. Some duties, like calculating circulation statistics, can be repetitive and boring. Others, such as performing computer searches using local and regional library networks and cooperatives, can be interesting and challenging. Library technicians may lift and carry books, and climb ladders to reach high stacks. Library technicians in school libraries work regular school hours. Those in public libraries and college and university (academic) libraries also work weekends, evenings and some holidays. Library technicians in special libraries usually work normal business hours, although they often work overtime as well.
Salary Range		Median annual earnings of library technicians in 2008 were $28,800. The middle 50 percent earned between $21,900 and $37,000. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,100, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $45,800.

Education Required		Training requirements for library technicians vary widely, ranging from a high school diploma to specialized postsecondary training. Some employers hire individuals with work experience or other training; others train inexperienced workers on the job. Other employers require that technicians have an associate or bachelor's degree. Given the rapid spread of automation in libraries, computer skills are needed for many jobs. Knowledge of databases, library automation systems, online library systems, online public access systems, and circulation systems is valuable. Some 2-year colleges offer an associate of arts degree in library technology. Programs include both liberal arts and library-related study. Students learn about library and media organization and operation, and how to order, process, catalogue, locate, and circulate library materials and work with library automation. Libraries and associations offer continuing education courses to keep technicians abreast of new developments in the field. Library technicians usually advance by assuming added responsibilities. For example, technicians often start at the circulation desk, checking books in and out. After gaining experience, they may become responsible for storing and verifying information. As they advance, they may become involved in budget and personnel matters in their department. Some library technicians advance to supervisory positions and are in charge of the day-to-day operation of their department.
Recommended High School Courses		Computers and Electronics, Clerical, English
Postsecondary Instructional Programs		English Language, Customer and Personal Service, Computers and Electronics, Clerical
Certification and Licensing

Interest Area		Conventional Involves following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. There's usually a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values		Company Policies and Practices Treated fairly by the company. Moral Values Never pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong. Social Service Do things for other people. Working Conditions Good working conditions. Co-workers Have co-workers who are easy to get along with.
Skills		Active Listening Listen to what other people are saying and ask questions as appropriate. Service Orientation Actively look for ways to help people. Reading Comprehension Understand written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Abilities		Oral Expression Able to convey information and ideas through speech in ways that others will understand. Category Flexibility Generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. Speech Clarity Able to speak clearly so listeners understand. Information Ordering Able to correctly follow rules for arranging things or actions in a certain order, including numbers, words, pictures, procedures, and logical operations.

Related Jobs		Technician, Medical Records and Health Information
Job Outlook		Employment of library technicians is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2018. In addition to jobs opening up through employment growth, some job openings will result from the need to replace library technicians who transfer to other fields or leave the labor force. Library technicians held about 120,600 jobs in 2008; almost half worked in county or municipal public libraries. Most of the rest worked in school or academic libraries, while some worked in special libraries for health and legal services. The Federal Government employs library technicians primarily at the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Library of Congress. The increasing use of library automation is expected to spur job growth among library technicians. Computerized information systems have simplified certain tasks, such as descriptive cataloging, which can now be handled by technicians instead of librarians. For example, technicians can now easily retrieve information from a central database and store it in the library's computer. Although efforts to contain costs could dampen employment growth of library technicians in school, public, and college and university libraries, cost containment efforts could also result in more hiring of library technicians than librarians. Growth in the number of professionals and other workers who use special libraries should result in good job opportunities for library technicians in those settings.
More Information		American Library Association, Medical Library Association
References		Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Library Technicians and Library Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos316.htm O*NET OnLine, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/25-4031.00