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Library Technicians in California

Library Technicians in California

Considering working as a Library Technicians in California? Below are the key facts. 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.

What do Library Technicians Make in California?

The library technicians working in California, wages run about $51,290 per year (or roughly $24.66/hour).Earnings range from $38,150 at the 10th percentile to $73,440 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic Annual Hourly
10th percentile $38,150 $18.34
25th percentile $45,160 $21.71
Median (50th) $51,290 $24.66
75th percentile $61,140 $29.40
90th percentile $73,440 $35.31
Salary ranges for Library Technicians in California

Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in California relative to the national average — is 0.90.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, library technicians earn a median of $37,590 per year ($18.07/hour), above the California median.

Library Technicians earnings in California vs. the national average

Employment Outlook

Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 681,752 library technicians in the U.S.. In California alone, approximately 7,760 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 860 library technicians.

Library Technicians in California vs. the average state Forecasted number of jobs for Library Technicians

Top California Metros for Library Technicians

The metro areas below employ the most library technicians in California.

Metro Area Number Employed Annual Median Salary
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 2,040 $48,850
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA 1,120 $55,230
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA 820 $50,020
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA 820 $64,110
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA 420 $50,440
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 310 $61,420
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA 220 $43,610
Bakersfield-Delano, CA 180 $40,450
Fresno, CA 180 $47,320
Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA 180 $59,190
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA 150 $56,020
Modesto, CA 140 $55,540
Visalia, CA 140 $49,560
Stockton-Lodi, CA 130 $45,430
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA 110 $57,700
Salinas, CA 90 $57,190
Merced, CA 80 $46,750
Vallejo, CA 70 $57,990
El Centro, CA 50 $47,490
Redding, CA 50 $45,300
Chico, CA 40 $48,670
Hanford-Corcoran, CA 40 $56,010
Yuba City, CA 40 $48,830

Top States for Library Technicians Employment

The table below shows the states where the most library technicians work.

State Number Employed
California 7,760
Texas 5,160
Ohio 5,090
New York 4,070
Florida 3,610
Wisconsin 2,780
Virginia 2,690
Colorado 2,560
Illinois 2,540
North Carolina 2,450
Michigan 2,230
Massachusetts 1,910
Oregon 1,900
Georgia 1,880
Pennsylvania 1,820
Indiana 1,750
Washington 1,630
Louisiana 1,530
Iowa 1,500
Maryland 1,470

Highest-Paying States for Library Technicians

These states pay the most for library technicians.

State Annual Median Salary
District of Columbia $58,780
Washington $57,550
Connecticut $54,550
California $51,290
Massachusetts $49,650
Maryland $49,340
New Hampshire $47,640
Minnesota $47,330
Oregon $46,950
Rhode Island $46,910

Skills

The most important library technicians skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Reading Comprehension  3.4 / 5
0
5
Active Listening  3.2 / 5
0
5
Speaking  3.2 / 5
0
5
Service Orientation  3.1 / 5
0
5
Critical Thinking  3.0 / 5
0
5
Learning Strategies  3.0 / 5
0
5

Knowledge Areas

Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Customer and Personal Service  4.1 / 5
0
5
English Language  3.8 / 5
0
5
Administrative  3.4 / 5
0
5
Computers and Electronics  3.3 / 5
0
5
Education and Training  3.2 / 5
0
5
Communications and Media  2.8 / 5
0
5

Abilities

Top abilities for library technicians, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Oral Expression  3.4 / 5
0
5
Oral Comprehension  3.4 / 5
0
5
Speech Recognition  3.2 / 5
0
5
Near Vision  3.2 / 5
0
5
Written Comprehension  3.2 / 5
0
5
Speech Clarity  3.2 / 5
0
5

Daily Tasks

Common tasks include:

  • Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
  • Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
  • Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
  • Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
  • Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
  • 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.
  • Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
  • Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
  • Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
  • Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
  • Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.

Work Activities

  • Working with Computers
  • Getting Information
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  • Documenting/Recording Information
  • Handling and Moving Objects
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  • Processing Information
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Tools & Technology

Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Illustrator In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel

What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?

Several college majors map to this occupation:

  • Library & Archives Assisting

Other careers like library technicians include:

Also Known As

Accessioner, Audio-Visual Aide, Bibliographer, Bindery Library Technical Assistant, Book Shelver, Book Sorter, Bookmobile Driver, Cataloging Library Technical Assistant (Cataloging LTA), Circulation Clerk, Classifier, Elementary Library Media Specialist, Librarian Helper, Library Acquisitions Technician, Library Aide, Library Assistant.

References

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