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What Does it Take to Be a Library Technician?

Library Technician Example 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.

Daily Life Of a Library Technician

  • Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments.
  • Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.
  • Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
  • Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
  • Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.
  • Enter and update patrons' records on computers.

Qualities of a Library Technician

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.

Other Library Technician Job Titles

  • Library Specialist
  • Library Aide
  • Library Information Technician
  • Loan Technician
  • Bindery Library Technical Assistant

Library Technician Employment Estimates

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.

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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.

Salary for a Library Technician

The typical yearly salary for Library Technicians is somewhere between $21,350 and $54,910.

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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 do I Become a Library Technician?

What kind of Library Technician requirements are there?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Library Technician?

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Where do Library Technicians Work?

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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References:

Image Credit: collin via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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