Library manager vs library technician

The differences between library managers and library technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a library manager, becoming a library technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a library manager has an average salary of $58,586, which is higher than the $37,757 average annual salary of a library technician.

The top three skills for a library manager include library services, library policies and collection development. The most important skills for a library technician are library services, data entry, and circulation desk.

Library manager vs library technician overview

	Library Manager	Library Technician
Yearly salary	$58,586	$37,757
Hourly rate	$28.17	$18.15
Growth rate	6%	-4%
Number of jobs	1,739	24,941
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age	48	50
Years of experience	2	12

Library manager vs library technician salary

Library managers and library technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Library Manager	Library Technician
Average salary	$58,586	$37,757
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $82,000	Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	California	Alaska
Best paying company	Amd	Syracuse University
Best paying industry	Health Care	Government

Differences between library manager and library technician education

There are a few differences between a library manager and a library technician in terms of educational background:

	Library Manager	Library Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	New York University	New York University

Library manager vs library technician demographics

Here are the differences between library managers' and library technicians' demographics:

	Library Manager	Library Technician
Average age	48	50
Gender ratio	Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9%	Male, 34.1% Female, 65.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.8% White, 77.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 5.3% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	16%	11%

Differences between library manager and library technician duties and responsibilities

Library manager example responsibilities.

Provide continuous cataloging training for library staff.
Operate library cataloging system efficiently by providing unique identification code to the newly purchase books.
Provide safety and security oversight of the library, training and updating evacuation/plot plans and extinguishment methods.
Research using LEXIS-NEXIS and WestLaw databases for legal, business, and newspaper research.
Utilize Lexis and Westlaw extensively to locate articles and case law relate to the topic.
Record retention.SecurityDuties include enforcing the rules and regulations of TDCJ.

Library technician example responsibilities.

Cataloge library materials using OCLC to be add to collection, and repair damaged materials.
Process books and serials in Sydney (ILS).
Enter new patron records into the ILS.
Process incoming serials and maintain serial records and archives.
Work with supervisors, coworkers, and patrons to resolve questions and troubleshoot both electronic and physical item requests.
Install, configure, troubleshoot laser scanners, RFID readers and antennas, sensors, detectors, actuators, payment systems.

Library manager vs library technician skills

Common library manager skills

Library Services, 18%
Library Policies, 11%
Collection Development, 9%
Local Community, 8%
Electronic Resources, 7%
Library Materials, 4%

Common library technician skills

Library Services, 6%
Data Entry, 6%
Circulation Desk, 5%
Customer Service, 5%
Library System, 4%
Library Patrons, 4%

Library Manager vs. similar jobs

Library Manager related careers

Library Manager related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Education, Training, and Library Industry
Library Manager
Library Manager vs Library Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse education, training, and library jobs