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Senior library assistant vs library technician

The differences between senior library assistants and library technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a library technician has an average salary of $37,757, which is higher than the $34,518 average annual salary of a senior library assistant.

The top three skills for a senior library assistant include library materials, library patrons and library policies. The most important skills for a library technician are library services, data entry, and circulation desk.

Senior library assistant vs library technician overview

Senior Library AssistantLibrary Technician
Yearly salary$34,518$37,757
Hourly rate$16.60$18.15
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs1,09924,941
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4750
Years of experience-12

What does a senior library assistant do?

As a senior library assistant, you have to look after the day-to-day operations of the library. You are in charge of the entire library. So, you have to answer the desk questions of the readers who come to the library. You have to issue the library cards to readers as well. In addition to this, you also need to collect the money given by the readers and maintain the library record. Moreover, you also have to respond to the reader's request for books as well as locate and reserve the books at the right place. To be a senior library assistant, a bachelor's degree is a must.

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.

Senior library assistant vs library technician salary

Senior library assistants and library technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Senior Library AssistantLibrary Technician
Average salary$34,518$37,757
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $44,000Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Syracuse University
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between senior library assistant and library technician education

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

Senior Library AssistantLibrary Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorEnglishBusiness
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Senior library assistant vs library technician demographics

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

Senior Library AssistantLibrary Technician
Average age4750
Gender ratioMale, 31.6% Female, 68.4%Male, 34.1% Female, 65.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 6.3% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%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 Percentage11%11%

Differences between senior library assistant and library technician duties and responsibilities

Senior library assistant example responsibilities.

  • Collect data, compile bibliographies, manage current contents and perform copy cataloging functions.
  • Train patrons on Westlaw, Lexis and general reference computer system.
  • Direct and train library staff in receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.
  • Collect data, compile bibliographies, manage current contents and perform copy cataloging functions.
  • Assess and discard non-fiction collections as assigned.

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

Senior library assistant vs library technician skills

Common senior library assistant skills
  • Library Materials, 12%
  • Library Patrons, 11%
  • Library Policies, 9%
  • Library Operations, 6%
  • Student Assistants, 6%
  • Library System, 6%
Common library technician skills
  • Library Services, 6%
  • Data Entry, 6%
  • Circulation Desk, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Library System, 4%
  • Library Patrons, 4%

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