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Career Exploration

Library Technicians

Also called: Library Assistant, Library Associate, Library Technical Assistant (LTA), Library Technician

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Business

  • customer service
  • administrative services

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Basic Skills

  • reading work related information
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Social

  • looking for ways to help people
  • changing what is done based on other people's actions

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Ideas and Logic

  • group things in different ways
  • order or arrange things

Conventional

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.

  • Cooperation
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Self Control
  • Attention to Detail
  • Concern for Others

Data base user interface and query software

  • FileMaker Pro
  • Microsoft Access

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Library software

  • Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) databases
  • WebClarity Software BookWhere

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $37,600

Education

Bachelor's degree or associate's degree is usually needed.