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.
Library technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real library technician resumes:
- 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.
- Evaluate and select database for serials management.
- Copy catalog utilizing OCLC and ExLibris library management system.
- Perform original and copy cataloging of adult books, government documents and audio/visual materials using the Marion database.
- Provide cataloging services, including indexing, assigning metadata, classification and subject heading application using the standard thesaurus of terms.
- Assist patrons with PC and desktop application issues as needed.
- Stay up to date with new technologies, including Macintosh, PC and assort handheld devices.
- Show how to use establish procedures, prepare materials for disposal via excess lists or DRMO and prepare appropriate paperwork.
- Assist patrons with questions & concerns & searches with fiction circulation.
- Search for items that need weeding, relabeling or OPAC record updates.
Library technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 6% of Library Technicians are proficient in Library Services, Data Entry, and Circulation Desk. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Communication skills, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Library Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Library Services, 6%
Responded to customer inquiries and referred customers to appropriate library services while maintaining a professional manner.
- Data Entry, 6%
Specialized data entry into Library Catalog using MARC format, including editing, record retrieval and consolidation.
- Circulation Desk, 5%
Performed circulation desk duties to include assistance in finding reference materials, answered reference questions and registered new patrons.
- Customer Service, 5%
Deliver exceptional customer service to both external and internal library patrons through use of technical and functional expertise in critical areas.
- Library System, 4%
Maintained bibliographic records using OCLC and Horizon Integrated Library System.
- Library Patrons, 4%
Delivered professional yet personal guidance and assistance to library patrons via library resources including use of computers and electronic devices.
"library services," "data entry," and "circulation desk" are among the most common skills that library technicians use at work. You can find even more library technician responsibilities below, including:
Detail oriented. One of the key soft skills for a library technician to have is detail oriented. You can see how this relates to what library technicians do because "library technicians and assistants must pay close attention to ensure that library materials and information are organized correctly and according to the library’s organizational system." Additionally, a library technician resume shows how library technicians use detail oriented: "maintain statistical reports requiring organization and great attention to detail. "
Communication skills. Many library technician duties rely on communication skills. "library technicians and assistants must be able to answer patrons’ questions clearly and explain use of library resources.," so a library technician will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways library technician responsibilities rely on communication skills: "work with colleagues on the one library committee to facilitate effective communication and collaboration within the library system. "
Interpersonal skills. library technicians are also known for interpersonal skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to library technician responsibilities, because "library technicians and assistants need to work with library patrons, librarians, teachers, or researchers." A library technician resume example shows how interpersonal skills is used in the workplace: "used knowledge base and interpersonal skills to assist students with finding research materials. "
The three companies that hire the most library technicians are:
- Library Systems & Services5 library technicians jobs
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center2 library technicians jobs
- City of Carlsbad2 library technicians jobs
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Compare different library technicians
Library technician vs. Book shelver
A technician's helper primarily performs support tasks to assist technicians in carrying out various installations and repairs, learning technical skills along the way. They usually prepare and arrange tools and equipment, set-up and clean work areas, understand blueprints and schematics, troubleshoot issues, assemble materials, and fix and replace components under the technician's supervision. There are also times when they must coordinate with clients to identify their needs and preferences. Moreover, depending on their organization of employment, a technician's helper may also perform minimal clerical tasks such as handling calls, answering inquiries, or purchasing the necessary materials.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a library technician are more likely to require skills like "library services," "data entry," "circulation desk," and "customer service." On the other hand, a job as a book shelver requires skills like "delivery carts," "computer system," "lc," and "database." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
The education levels that book shelvers earn slightly differ from library technicians. In particular, book shelvers are 7.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a library technician. Additionally, they're 1.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Library technician vs. Technician's helper
A library aide is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of libraries. Typical duties include assisting customers in finding books, shelving books according to categories, and updating and maintaining customer profiles. In addition, you will assist customers in accessing the internet, keeping a record of books that have been borrowed and returned, and coordinating the repair of books that have been damaged. You will also be responsible for handling inquiries from customers via telephone or email and assisting with reading sessions and library events.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, library technician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "library services," "data entry," "circulation desk," and "library system." Meanwhile, a technician's helper has duties that require skills in areas such as "hvac," "safety regulations," "facilitate repair," and "routine maintenance." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, technician's helpers earn a lower salary than library technicians. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, technician's helpers earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $47,535. Whereas library technicians have higher pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $38,691.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Technician's helpers tend to reach lower levels of education than library technicians. In fact, they're 9.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Library technician vs. Library aide
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from library technician resumes include skills like "data entry," "cataloging," "library operations," and "oclc," whereas a library aide is more likely to list skills in "decimal system," "computer system," "routine inquiries," and "office equipment. "
Library aides make a very good living in the education industry with an average annual salary of $27,335. On the other hand, library technicians are paid the highest salary in the government industry, with average annual pay of $38,691.Most library aides achieve a similar degree level compared to library technicians. For example, they're 5.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Library technician vs. Cataloging technician
Types of library technician
Updated January 8, 2025
