Median annual earnings of library technicians in 2002 were $24,090. The middle 50 percent earned between $18,150 and $31,140. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $14,410, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $38,000. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of library technicians in 2002 were as follows:
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools | $27,280 |
| Local government | 23,310 |
| Elementary and secondary schools | 21,770 |
| Other information services | 20,950 |
Salaries of library technicians in the Federal Government averaged $36,788 in 2003.
Library technicians both help librarians acquire, prepare, and organize material and assist users in finding information. Library technicians usually work under the supervision of a librarian, although they work independently in certain situations. Technicians in small libraries handle a range of duties; those in large libraries usually specialize. As libraries increasingly use new technologies—such as CD-ROM, the Internet, virtual libraries, and automated databases—the duties of library technicians will expand and evolve accordingly. Library technicians are assuming greater responsibilities, in some cases taking on tasks previously performed by librarians. (See the statement on librarians elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Depending on the employer, library technicians can have other titles, such as library technical assistant or media aide. Library technicians direct library users to standard references, organize and maintain periodicals, prepare volumes for binding, handle interlibrary loan requests, prepare invoices, perform routine cataloguing and coding of library materials, retrieve information from computer databases, and supervise support staff.
The widespread use of computerized information storage and retrieval systems has resulted in technicians handling technical services—such as entering catalogue information into the libraryŐs computer—that were once performed by librarians. Technicians assist with customizing databases. In addition, technicians instruct patrons in how to use computer systems to access data. The increased automation of recordkeeping has reduced the amount of clerical work performed by library technicians. Many libraries now offer self-service registration and circulation areas with computers, decreasing the time library technicians spend manually recording and inputting records.
Some library technicians operate and maintain audiovisual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders, and assist users with microfilm or microfiche readers. They also design posters, bulletin boards, or displays.
Library technicians in school libraries encourage and teach students to use the library and media center. They also help teachers obtain instructional materials, and they assist students with special assignments. Some work in special libraries maintained by government agencies, corporations, law firms, advertising agencies, museums, professional societies, medical centers, and research laboratories, where they conduct literature searches, compile bibliographies, and prepare abstracts, usually on subjects of particular interest to the organization.
To extend library services to more patrons, many libraries operate bookmobiles, often run by library technicians. The technicians take trucks stocked with books, or bookmobiles, to designated sites on a regular schedule, frequently stopping at shopping centers, apartment complexes, schools, and nursing homes. Bookmobiles also may be used to extend library service to patrons living in remote areas. Depending on local conditions, the technicians may operate a bookmobile alone or may be accompanied by another library employee.
Library technicians who drive bookmobiles, answer patronsŐ questions, receive and check out books, collect fines, maintain the book collection, shelve materials, and occasionally operate audiovisual equipment to show slides or films. They participate, and may assist, in planning programs sponsored by the library, such as reader advisory programs, used-book sales, or outreach programs. Technicians who drive the bookmobile keep track of their mileage, the materials lent out, and the amount of fines collected. In some areas, they are responsible for maintenance of the vehicle and any photocopiers or other equipment in it. They record statistics on circulation and the number of people visiting the bookmobile. Technicians also may record requests for special items from the main library and arrange for the materials to be mailed or delivered to a patron during the next scheduled visit. Many bookmobiles are equipped with personal computers and CD-ROM systems linked to the main library system, allowing technicians to reserve or locate books immediately.
Employment of library technicians is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2012. In addition to jobs opening up through employment growth, some job openings will result from the need to replace library technicians who transfer to other fields or leave the labor force.
The increasing use of library automation is expected to continue to spur job growth among library technicians. Computerized information systems have simplified certain tasks, such as descriptive cataloguing, which can now be handled by technicians instead of librarians. For example, nowadays technicians can easily retrieve information from a central database and store it in the libraryŐs computer. Although efforts to contain costs could dampen employment growth of library technicians in school, public, and college and university libraries, cost containment efforts could also result in more hiring of library technicians than librarians. Growth in the number of professionals and other workers who use special libraries should result in good job opportunities for library technicians in those settings.
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Training requirements for library technicians vary widely, ranging from a high school diploma to specialized postsecondary training. Some employers hire individuals with work experience or other training; others train inexperienced workers on the job. Still other employers require that technicians have an associateŐs or bachelorŐs degree. Given the rapid spread of automation in libraries, computer skills are needed for many jobs. Knowledge of databases, library automation systems, online library systems, online public access systems, and circulation systems is valuable. Many bookmobile drivers are required to have a commercial driverŐs license.
Some 2-year colleges offer an associate-of-arts degree in library technology. Programs include both liberal arts and library-related study. Students learn about library and media organization and operation, as well as how to order, process, catalogue, locate, and circulate library materials and work with library automation. Libraries and associations offer continuing education courses to keep technicians abreast of new developments in the field.
Library technicians usually advance by assuming added responsibilities. For example, technicians often start at the circulation desk, checking books in and out. After gaining experience, they may become responsible for storing and verifying information. As they advance, they may become involved in budget and personnel matters in their departments. Some library technicians advance to supervisory positions and are in charge of the day-to-day operation of their departments.
.Library technicians perform organizational and administrative duties. Workers in other occupations with similar duties include library assistants, clerical; information and record clerks; and medical records and health information technicians.
For information on training programs for library/media technical assistants, write to:
Information on acquiring a job as a library technician with the Federal Government may be obtained from the Office of Personnel Management through a telephone-based system. Consult your telephone directory under "U.S. GovernmentÓ for a local number, or call (703) 724-1850 (Federal Relay Service (800) 877-8339. The first number is not toll free, and charges may result. Information also is available on the Internet at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov.
Information concerning requirements and application procedures for positions in the Library of Congress can be obtained directly from:
State library agencies can furnish information on requirements for technicians and general information about career prospects in the State. Several of these agencies maintain job hot lines reporting openings for library technicians.
State departments of education can furnish information on requirements and job opportunities for school library technicians.
Electronic databases, the Internet and CD-ROMs join published material and audiovisual resources in an increasingly crowded information environment. It is the library and its staff which form the vital link between the vast body of information and the people who need it. Library staff are knowledge managers in a knowledge hungry universe. Many graduates adapt their training to successful careers as webmasters, consultants, sales and marketing coordinators or entrepreneurs. The following descriptions outline the positions normally encountered in the library field.
Summary of: http://www.cla.ca/careers/connect.htm
I'm exhausted from all the excitement. I have learned more about my own connection with libraries through doing this blog. I won't recommend that anyone trains for a library career. Too many library staff can't or won't promote library services. This from the woman who today said we should return all our ILLs by registered post because one cranky lib'n in another library is hassling her about an overdue.
Summary of: http://librarytechnician.blogspirit.com/
Increasing use of computerized circulation and information systems should continue to spur job growth, but many librariesŐ budget constraints should moderate growth. Employment should grow rapidly in special libraries because growing numbers of professionals and other workers use those libraries. Library technicians usually work under the supervision of a librarian, although they work independently in certain situations. Library technicians are assuming greater responsibilities, in some cases taking on tasks previously performed by librarians. To extend library services to more patrons, many libraries operate bookmobiles, often run by library technicians.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos113.htm
Technicians in small libraries handle a wide range of duties; those in large libraries usually specialize. Depending on the employer, library technicians may have other titles, such as library technical assistants. The increased use of automation has cut down on the amount of clerical work performed by library technicians. Some library technicians operate and maintain audiovisual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders, and assist library users with microfilm or microfiche readers. After gaining experience, they may be responsible for storing and verifying information.
Summary of: http://www2.jobtrak.com/help_manuals/outlook/ocos113.html
Increasingly, library technicians use computers to do their work. The library technician helps them find what they need and checks out the materials on a computer. Library technicians help librarians find, prepare, and organize information. Organized and efficient, excited about learning new things, and eager to help others. Make High School Count Volunteer or work at your school or neighborhood library.
Summary of: http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/101041.html
Two other similar surveys have been conducted in British Columbia in the past; this is the first such survey conducted electronically. The excellent response level to this survey provides a welcome look at some aspects of the Canadian library support staff world. Full survey results and analysis will be available on the LTAIG section of the BCLA website in Summer 2005. Hosting the survey electronically allowed us to distribute the link through various discussion lists. Alberta accounted for almost 40% of the respondents, British Columbia accounted for 29%, and Ontario 9%.
Summary of: http://www.bcla.bc.ca/memfiles/10078029
Experienced library technicians can advance by obtaining a Master of Library Science degree. Nature of the Work Library technicians help librarians acquire, prepare, and organize material, and assist users in finding information. Technicians in small libraries handle a range of duties; those in large libraries usually specialize. Library technicians are assuming greater responsibilities, in some cases taking on tasks previously performed by librarians. Those in school libraries encourage and teach students to use the library and media center.
Summary of: http://guide.symplicity.com/resources/profession_article.php?id=100
Participation If you are interested in participating in Boost, please join our main developers mailing list. Follow this link for details. A new, better method of wrapping classes with virtual functions has been implemented. Combiners may safely have state and are accessible from the signal. See Spirit's Site for more details.
Summary of: http://www.boost.org/
Technicians in small libraries handle a wide range of duties; those in large libraries usually specialize. Library technicians are assuming greater responsibilities, in some cases taking on tasks previously performed by librarians. The increased use of automation has cut down on the amount of clerical work performed by library technicians. Others, such as performing computer searches using local and regional library networks and cooperatives, can be interesting and challenging. After gaining experience, they may be responsible for storing and verifying information.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh9899/225.htm
They issue library cards and check out books, magazines and tapes. They also answer visitors' questions about the library and show them how to use library resources. In addition, technical assistants sort returned materials and place them on their proper shelves. Work ActivitiesThe following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive environment.
Summary of: http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=100357