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Library technician vs technician

The differences between library technicians and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a library technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a technician has an average salary of $38,045, which is higher than the $37,757 average annual salary of a library technician.

The top three skills for a library technician include library services, data entry and circulation desk. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Library technician vs technician overview

Library TechnicianTechnician
Yearly salary$37,757$38,045
Hourly rate$18.15$18.29
Growth rate-4%1%
Number of jobs24,941596,842
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age5040
Years of experience122

What does a library technician do?

A library technician is responsible for sorting books and other catalogs to their appropriate shelf for easy and accurate searching. Library technicians manage and monitor the materials borrowed from the facility, keeping a record of the borrower's information and updating details on the library's database. They also assist the visitors with their inquiries and concerns, leading them to the appropriate area of their needs, and remind everyone of the policies and regulations inside the library.

What does a technician do?

Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.

Library technician vs technician salary

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

Library TechnicianTechnician
Average salary$37,757$38,045
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $48,000Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCSan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaHawaii
Best paying companySyracuse UniversityMicrosoft
Best paying industryGovernmentTelecommunication

Differences between library technician and technician education

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

Library TechnicianTechnician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNew York University-

Library technician vs technician demographics

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

Library TechnicianTechnician
Average age5040
Gender ratioMale, 34.1% Female, 65.9%Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage11%2%

Differences between library technician and technician duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Technician example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Implement and manage UHF radio base stations, repeaters, and command network, effectively linking all regional headquarters.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
  • Manage, troubleshot and repair multiple wireless technologies including fiber optic transmission switches.
  • Install peripherals including printers, fax machines, scanners, and smartphones.
  • Show more

Library technician vs technician skills

Common library technician skills
  • Library Services, 6%
  • Data Entry, 6%
  • Circulation Desk, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Library System, 4%
  • Library Patrons, 4%
Common technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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