Library Technicians
Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.
Library Technicians earn a median of $21.43/hr — about $44,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $14.09/hr; the top 10% earn $30.33/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
- Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
- Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
- Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
- Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
- Catalogue and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Post-secondary certificate. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
The feel of the work
Much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 0% of library technicians are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are organized and detail-focused, people-focused and hands-on.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Quick questions
- How much does a library technician make?
- The median pay is $21.43 per hour — roughly $44,500 a year, with the real range running from about $14.09/hr (10th percentile) to $30.33/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a library technician?
- The typical entry-level education is: Post-secondary certificate. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
- What does a library technician actually do all day?
- Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials. Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary. Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
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