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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.
Other titles employers use
Circulation Clerk · Library Aide · Library Assistant · Library Associate · Library Clerk · Library Media Technician · Library Specialist · Library Technical Assistant (LTA)
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
- Catalog and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to organizing, helping and practical work.
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Service Orientation
- Critical Thinking
- Learning Strategies
Subjects to know
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Useful strengths
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Speech Recognition
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.5 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 2.6 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.8 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 3.3 | Some of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a postsecondary certificate. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A four-year degree 29%
- A two-year degree 28%
- A certificate or some college 26%
- High school or less 15%
- A master's degree 2%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Word processing software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Desktop publishing software
- Document management software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 8,100
- Job openings each year
- 1,340
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- −5.8%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 8,100 | 1,340 | −5.8% |
| New York | 4,850 | 30 | 7.8% |
| Texas | 4,180 | 690 | — |
| Illinois | 3,970 | 660 | −6.8% |
| Florida | 3,360 | 560 | — |
| Ohio | 3,190 | 520 | −7.8% |
| Colorado | 2,780 | 460 | 4.9% |
| Wisconsin | 2,650 | 440 | −7.7% |
| North Carolina | 2,330 | 390 | 2.6% |
| Louisiana | 2,080 | 340 | −5.0% |
| Pennsylvania | 2,080 | 350 | 5.6% |
| New Jersey | 1,860 | 310 | −6.5% |
| Oregon | 1,760 | 290 | −1.1% |
| Maryland | 1,690 | 280 | 1.2% |
| Michigan | 1,670 | 270 | −9.2% |
| Virginia | 1,560 | 260 | −6.0% |
| Georgia | 1,470 | 240 | — |
| Indiana | 1,440 | 240 | −6.5% |
| Missouri | 1,380 | 230 | −5.5% |
| Iowa | 1,290 | 210 | −2.3% |
| Oklahoma | 1,060 | 180 | −2.8% |
| South Carolina | 1,060 | 180 | 5.0% |
| Connecticut | 1,010 | 170 | 5.2% |
| Minnesota | 890 | 150 | −5.3% |
| Kentucky | 870 | 140 | −5.4% |
| Arizona | 860 | 140 | −6.5% |
| Massachusetts | 840 | 140 | −4.5% |
| Utah | 810 | 140 | 8.0% |
| Kansas | 680 | 110 | −5.6% |
| Alabama | 560 | 90 | −5.1% |
| Maine | 560 | 90 | −9.7% |
| District of Columbia | 540 | 90 | 3.8% |
| New Mexico | 530 | 90 | −1.9% |
| Tennessee | 530 | 90 | 3.9% |
| Arkansas | 520 | 90 | −5.5% |
| South Dakota | 510 | 90 | −1.9% |
| Nebraska | 480 | 80 | −2.0% |
| Montana | 440 | 70 | — |
| Mississippi | 420 | 70 | −4.5% |
| Nevada | 420 | 70 | −2.3% |
| Idaho | 410 | 70 | −4.7% |
| Puerto Rico | 410 | 70 | 2.5% |
| New Hampshire | 390 | 60 | −2.5% |
| North Dakota | 350 | 60 | −2.8% |
| Wyoming | 260 | 50 | −3.7% |
| Delaware | 200 | 30 | −9.1% |
| Vermont | 160 | 30 | — |
| West Virginia | 160 | 30 | −5.9% |
| Alaska | 130 | 20 | — |
| Rhode Island | 80 | 10 | −11.1% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.