What You Need to Know About Library Technician
Occupation 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.
Life As a Library Technician
- Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.
- Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.
- Send out notices about lost or overdue books.
- Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.
- Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.
- Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.
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Things a Library Technician Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Library Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
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
- Audio-Visual Aide
- Library Clerk
- Media Specialist
- Bindery Library Technical Assistant
- Library Cataloging Technician
What Kind of Library Technician Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 99,200 jobs for Library Technician in 2016. 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. There will be an estimated 14,400 positions for Library Technician per 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.
Library Technician Salary
The average yearly salary of a Library Technician ranges 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 |
What Tools & Technology do Library Technicians Use?
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
Becoming a Library Technician
Learn what Library Technician education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Library Technicians Are Employed
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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