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Library Technician

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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.

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.

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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.

Library Technician Salary

The average yearly salary of a Library Technician ranges 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.

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.

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Library Technicians Are Employed

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Library Technicians work in the following industries:

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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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