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Education

Library Technicians

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Library Technicians
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Median pay

$39,970
Median annual pay for Library Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-6.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

13,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

78,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Library Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-5,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical education needed to enter Library Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Reading Comprehension
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Learning Strategies
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Administrative
  4. 4Computers and Electronics
  5. 5Education and Training
  6. 6Communications and Media

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Oral Expression
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Speech Clarity
  5. 5Speech Recognition
  6. 6Written Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Conventional
  2. 2Social
  3. 3Realistic
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Cooperation
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Social Orientation
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Empathy

Work activities

  1. 1Working with Computers
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  4. 4Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  5. 5Documenting/Recording Information
  6. 6Handling and Moving Objects

Work context

  1. 1Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3E-Mail
  4. 4Telephone Conversations
  5. 5Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
  6. 6Freedom to Make Decisions

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandAdobe Acrobat · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyAdobe InDesign · hot technologyAdobe Illustrator · hot technologyAdobe Photoshop · hot technologyWeb browser software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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