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.
38 alternate job titles:
Salary Information
Library Technicians: $39,970 (median) per year.
Starting salary (10th percentile).
Required expreience: Varies by Company
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
| Task Description | Category |
|---|---|
| Process library materials. | General |
| Train staff members. | General |
| Direct activities of subordinates. | General |
| Search information sources to find specific data. | General |
| Move materials, equipment, or supplies. | General |
| Deliver items. | General |
| Mediate disputes. | General |
| Organize informational materials. | General |
| Respond to customer problems or complaints. | General |
| Collect deposits, payments or fees. | General |
| Distribute instructional or library materials. | General |
| Classify materials according to standard systems. | General |
| Send information, materials or documentation. | General |
| Operate audiovisual equipment. | General |
| Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise. | General |
| Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials. | General |
| Help patrons use library or archival resources. | General |
| Provide information to the general public. | General |
| Order instructional or library materials or equipment. | General |
| Inspect materials or equipment to determine need for repair or replacement. | General |
| Plan community programs or activities for the general public. | General |
| Sort mail. | General |
| Maintain operational records. | Maintenance |
| Maintain computer equipment or software. | Maintenance |
| Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products. | Maintenance |
| Assist other educational professionals with projects or research. | Analysis |
| Develop instructional materials. | Development |
Technology Requirements
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software |
| Adobe Acrobat | Document management software |
| Adobe Illustrator | Graphics or photo imaging software |
| Adobe InDesign | Desktop publishing software |
| Adobe Photoshop | Graphics or photo imaging software |
| Microsoft Outlook | Word processing software |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software |
| Microsoft Windows | Operating system software |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software |
| Adobe Dreamweaver | Web page creation and editing software |
| Dynix Digital Library | Library software |
| Email software | Electronic mail software |
| Ex Libris Group Voyager | Library software |
| HandyFile Find and Replace Text Aid Kit | Word processing software |
| Innovative Interfaces Millennium | Library software |
| Microsoft Publisher | Desktop publishing software |
| National Library of Medicine DOCLINE | Library software |
| Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) databases | Library software |
| SirsiDynix Symphony | Library software |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software |
| WebClarity Software BookWhere | Library software |
| Word processing software | Word processing software |
| WorldCat | Library software |
| Microsoft Access | Data base user interface and query software |
| Database software | Data base user interface and query software |
| Ex Libris Group Aleph | Data base user interface and query software |
| FileMaker Pro | Data base user interface and query software |
| Inmagic TextWorks | Data base user interface and query software |
| National Library of Medicine Medline | Data base user interface and query software |
Relevant Certifications
Industry certifications that may be valuable for this career role:
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Practice Test |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Health Information Specialization - Level II | Medical Library Association | Not Available |