Library Technician Job Description:
A library technician, usually working under the supervision of a librarian, acquires and organizes material and helps library patrons locate information. Sometimes library technicians work independently. Some library technicians operate book mobiles, which go out into communities to provide services to those who can't get to the public library.
Employment Facts for Library Technicians:
Library technicians held about 121,000 jobs in 2008.
Educational Requirements for Library Technicians:
Educational requirements for library technicians range from a high school diploma paired with on-the-job training to a specialized associates degree designed for those entering this field. As libraries have rapidly moved toward automation, computer skills have become a necessity. Associations and libraries offer continuing education workshops to help library technicians keep up with new developments in the field.
Other Requirements for Library Technicians:
Library technicians who work as bookmobile drivers are sometimes required to have commercial drivers' licenses.
Advancement Opportunities for Library Technicians:
Library technicians often start out working at circulation desks, but as they become more experienced, their responsibilities increase. Some eventually take on supervisory positions.
Job Outlook for Library Technicians:
Employment of library technicians is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2018.
How Much Do Library Technicians Earn?:
Library technicians earned a median annual salary of $29,570 and median hourly wages of $14.22 in 2009.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much library technicians currently earn in your city.
A Day in a Library Technician's Life:
On a typical day a library technician may:
- direct library patrons to standard reference resources;
- organize and maintain periodicals;
- handle interlibrary loan requests;
- catalogue library materials;
- supervise support staff;
- customize databases;
- enter catalogue information into library computers;
- retrieve information from databases;
- operate audiovisual equipment;
- instruct users, including students in the case of school media centers, in the use of library materials
- operate bookmobiles;
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Library Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos113.htm (visited November 29, 2010)
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Library Technicians, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/25-4031.00 (visited November 29, 2010).
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