What does a technical services librarian do?
A technical services librarian is responsible for overseeing the technical and circulation services at a library. Typical duties for this role include supervising the technical and circulation staff, working closely with other library services, and directing the activities on library automation. In addition, you will make technical decisions involving the use and management of bibliographic records based on accepted standards. As a technical services librarian, it is also your responsibility to assist in the preparation of the library's annual budget and contribute to collection and acquisition development initiatives.
Technical services librarian responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real technical services librarian resumes:
- Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
- Proofread and edit MARC records, perform database clean-up, and maintain records in online catalog.
- Coordinate cataloging, classification and processing of books and audiovisual materials.
- Identify and refer items that need attention of the cataloging or conservation department
- Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.
Technical services librarian skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Technical Services Librarians are proficient in Library Services, Collection Development, and Library Resources. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Initiative, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Technical Services Librarians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Library Services, 9%
Provided nationwide access to library services and publications via a specialized integrated library system.
- Collection Development, 7%
Interacted with firm libraries nationwide to effectively accomplish cataloging and collection development functions in all firm offices.
- Library Resources, 5%
Cataloged information, programmed and maintained a rudimentary search engine for querying library resources.
- Technical Service, 5%
Collaborated with the Technical Services Manager on special projects including the continuing implementation of new integrated library system modules in EOS.
- Library Materials, 4%
Maintained library collection, located information, processed library materials and assisted patrons with routine inquiries.
- Emerging Technologies, 4%
Attended conferences and workshops to stay abreast with the emerging technologies.
"library services," "collection development," and "library resources" are among the most common skills that technical services librarians use at work. You can find even more technical services librarian responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a technical services librarian to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "librarians need to be able to explain ideas and information in ways that patrons understand." Technical services librarians often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "developed twitter and facebook postings for library office of communications & public liaison to market library products and services. "
Initiative. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling technical services librarian duties is initiative. The role rewards competence in this skill because "new information, technology, and resources constantly change the details of what librarians do." According to a technical services librarian resume, here's how technical services librarians can utilize initiative in their job responsibilities: "conduct research to support legal business development and marketing initiatives. "
Interpersonal skills. This is an important skill for technical services librarians to perform their duties. For an example of how technical services librarian responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "librarians must be able to work both as part of a team and with the public or with researchers." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a technical services librarian: "leveraged superior interpersonal skill to provide reference services to up to 50 clients each day. ".
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what technical services librarians do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to technical services librarian responsibilities because "librarians conduct and assist with research." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical technical services librarian tasks: "investigated and resolved customer complaints in regards to customer service, billing, damage and other service related issues. "
Reading skills. Another crucial skill for a technical services librarian to carry out their responsibilities is "reading skills." A big part of what technical services librarians relies on this skill, since "librarians must be excellent readers." How this skill relates to technical services librarian duties can be seen in an example from a technical services librarian resume snippet: "overhauled the teen summer reading program which increased participation by 15%. "
Technology skills. Another skill commonly found on technical services librarian job descriptions is "technology skills." It can come up quite often in technical services librarian duties, since "librarians use technology to help patrons research topics." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day technical services librarian responsibilities: "launched monthly technology tuesdays class for instruction on technology trends and library services. "
The three companies that hire the most technical services librarians are:
- Alutiiq3 technical services librarians jobs
- Synectic Solutions2 technical services librarians jobs
- Johns Hopkins University2 technical services librarians jobs
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Compare different technical services librarians
Technical services librarian vs. Circulation director
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between technical services librarians and circulation director. For instance, technical services librarian responsibilities require skills such as "library services," "collection development," "library resources," and "technical service." Whereas a circulation director is skilled in "audience development," "newspapers," "independent contractors," and "expense budget." This is part of what separates the two careers.
On average, circulation directors reach lower levels of education than technical services librarians. Circulation directors are 20.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Technical services librarian vs. Cataloger
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, technical services librarian responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "library services," "library resources," "technical service," and "emerging technologies." Meanwhile, a cataloger has duties that require skills in areas such as "online database," "lcsh," "subject headings," and "rare books." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, catalogers earn a lower salary than technical services librarians. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, catalogers earn the most pay in the education industry with an average salary of $40,571. Whereas technical services librarians have higher pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $58,457.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Catalogers tend to reach lower levels of education than technical services librarians. In fact, they're 7.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Technical services librarian vs. Library supervisor
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from technical services librarian resumes include skills like "technical service," "emerging technologies," "serials," and "technical manuals," whereas a library supervisor is more likely to list skills in "library operations," "customer service," "library facilities," and "work-study. "
When it comes to education, library supervisors tend to earn lower degree levels compared to technical services librarians. In fact, they're 15.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Technical services librarian vs. Library director
Types of technical services librarian
Updated January 8, 2025
