Life As a Library Technician
Example of Library Technician Job 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
- Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
- Catalogue and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
- Design, customize, and maintain databases, web pages, and local area networks.
- Send out notices about lost or overdue books.
- Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.
- Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.
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Library Technician Required Skills
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.
Related Job Titles
- Library Technician
- Library Circulation Technician
- Library Technical Assistant (LTA)
- Accessioner
- Library Information Technician
Job Demand for Library Technicians
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.
What is the Average Salary of a Library Technician
Library Technicians make between $21,350 and $54,910 a year.

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
How to Become a Library Technician
Are there Library Technicians education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Library Technician?

Library Technicians Sector

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

References:
Image Credit: collin via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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