Occupation · SOC 25-4031
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.
Median wage
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Projected growth
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Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
32 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingService OrientationLearning StrategiesSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationCritical Thinking
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageAdministrativeComputers and ElectronicsEducation and Training
Technology & tools
Document management softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwareData base user interface and query software
Representative tasks
Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for furthHelp patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, coOpen and close the library.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Circulation transactions — perform check-out, check-in, renewal, and hold processing under direct supervision using library management software in a public or academic library.Routine reference inquiries — respond to basic in-person and telephone questions by following established reference protocols and directing patrons to librarians when queries exceed scope.Library materials — deliver and retrieve books, periodicals, and media throughout the library by hand or pushcart following assigned routes under supervisor guidance.Patron records — enter and update basic borrower information in the library database under direction, verifying data accuracy before saving entries.Print materials processing — apply labels, stamps, security strips, and catalog numbers to new items following step-by-step procedures to prepare them for the collection.Shelving and sorting — arrange returned books and non-print materials in correct call-number or classification order on shelves and in files according to established procedure.Electronic resources — assist patrons in locating computers, audio-visual equipment, and online catalogs under staff supervision in a branch or campus library setting.Word processing and email software — draft basic patron correspondence and internal memos using office suite tools under clerical guidelines in a library administrative environment.Active listening skills — attend carefully to patron requests and repeat back needs to confirm understanding during routine service desk interactions.Customer service standards — apply library courtesy and conduct norms when greeting and assisting patrons at a public-facing service point during supervised shifts.
developing
Circulation workflow — manage daily reserve, circulation, renewal, and discharge operations with minimal oversight, troubleshooting common system errors in library management software.Reference assistance — answer a broad range of routine reference and reader-advisory questions independently, applying knowledge of print and electronic resources to direct patrons effectively.Patron technology support — guide users through database searches, e-resource access, and audio-visual equipment use, providing step-by-step technical assistance at a library service desk.Collection processing — catalog and prepare both print and non-print materials using established classification schedules, ensuring accurate metadata entry in the library's integrated system.Patron account maintenance — update, correct, and audit borrower records in the library database, applying data-quality standards to maintain accurate circulation files.Classroom and teacher support — locate curriculum-aligned materials and assist students with research projects in coordination with instructional staff in a school or academic library.Spreadsheet and database tools — compile circulation statistics and overdue reports using spreadsheet and database query software to support routine collection and service reporting.Interlibrary coordination — process incoming and outgoing interlibrary loan requests according to network protocols, tracking item status and communicating updates to patrons.Shelving accuracy — conduct shelf-reading assignments and identify misshelved or damaged items, flagging issues for cataloging or repair staff in a mid-sized library collection.Social perceptiveness — recognize patron discomfort or confusion during service interactions and adjust communication approach to provide clear, accessible assistance in a diverse library community.
proficient
Full circulation management — oversee all aspects of reserve, circulation, renewal, and discharge operations autonomously, resolving non-routine exceptions and policy disputes in a busy library environment.Advanced reference service — handle complex in-person and remote reference inquiries across subject areas using specialized databases, electronic resources, and professional judgment without supervisory input.Technology resource training — design and deliver one-on-one and small-group instruction on library databases, electronic resources, and hardware to patrons of varying skill levels in a public or academic setting.Cataloging and classification — apply Library of Congress or Dewey Decimal schedules and authority files to original and copy-cataloging of diverse print and non-print materials, ensuring collection integrity.Collection processing quality control — review processed materials for labeling, classification, and metadata accuracy, identifying systematic errors and recommending procedural corrections to improve workflow.Curriculum partnership — collaborate with teachers and faculty to curate resource lists, prepare instructional materials, and support research assignments aligned with academic standards in a school or college library.Library software administration — configure patron account parameters, run complex database queries, and generate analytical reports using integrated library system and database user interface tools.Web and digital content — create and update library web pages and online resource guides using web page editing and desktop publishing software to support patron self-service in a digital environment.Policy application and patron education — interpret and communicate library borrowing, copyright, and acceptable-use policies to patrons and community groups, resolving ambiguous situations through informed judgment.Cross-functional coordination — coordinate workflows among circulation, cataloging, and reference units to ensure seamless service delivery across multiple library service points during high-demand periods.
advanced
Operational strategy — lead the planning and continuous improvement of circulation, cataloging, and reference service workflows across an entire library system, setting performance standards for technical services staff.Staff development — design onboarding programs and ongoing training curricula for library technicians and support staff, mentoring emerging practitioners in service skills and technology use.Technology roadmap — evaluate, select, and implement new library management software, electronic resource platforms, and digital tools, aligning technology investments with institutional service goals.Collection development oversight — direct large-scale processing, weeding, and reclassification projects, establishing cataloging standards and quality benchmarks that shape the library's long-term collection profile.Policy formulation — develop and revise library service policies covering circulation, patron privacy, interlibrary lending, and acceptable use, ensuring compliance with professional ethics and applicable regulations.Community and institutional partnerships — build collaborative programs with schools, academic departments, and community organizations to expand library outreach and embed information-literacy support into broader learning initiatives.Budget and resource stewardship — prepare budget justifications and manage expenditures for library supplies, materials processing, and technology, applying data-driven analysis to optimize resource allocation.Data-driven service improvement — design and analyze system-wide circulation, reference, and patron-satisfaction metrics using database and reporting tools, translating findings into actionable service enhancements.Digital and web presence leadership — oversee the development and maintenance of the library's web and digital publication assets, setting content standards and coordinating contributions from technical services and public services teams.Organizational culture and values — model and champion cooperation, integrity, and patron-centered service across the library organization, fostering a workplace culture that supports staff well-being and equitable community access.
Also known as
40 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Bindery Library Technical AssistantLibrary AssociateSerials Library Technical AssistantShelverLibrary PageLibrary Technical AssistantBibliographerLibrary Circulation TechnicianLibrary Media TechnicianMedia Center SpecialistSchool Library Media SpecialistClassifierBook SorterStack AttendantElementary Library Media SpecialistTextbook AssociateLibrary Information TechnicianLoan TechnicianLibrarian HelperPage TechnicianLibrary Technical Assistant (LTA)Library SpecialistAudio-Visual AideLibrary Circulation AssistantLibrary MonitorCatalog LibrarianStackerLibrary ClerkLibrary AideCirculation ClerkLibrary AssistantLibrary Acquisitions TechnicianBookmobile DriverBook ShelverLibrary Cataloging TechnicianCataloging Library Technical Assistant (Cataloging LTA)Library Circulation ClerkLibrary TechnicianMedia SpecialistAccessioner