Library Technician: Job Description
Library technicians help patrons find resources and assist librarians by performing various administrative and clerical duties, such as preparing and organizing materials. They sometimes help to plan and facilitate special programs. Library technicians also assist patrons at the circulation desk by using a computer to check items in and out. Re-shelving books and other items may also part of their job duties.
Library Technicians: Career Info
| Degree Level | High school diploma or equivalent; associate's degree or certificate preferred |
| Degree Field | Library Science |
| Licensure/Certification | Voluntary |
| Key Skills | Communication, research, customer service, and computer skills; use of word processing and database software |
| Job Growth* | 0% (2020-2030) |
| Annual Salary* | $31,840 (2020median) |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ONet Online, Pasadena City College, Mesa Community College
Library technicians should have communication, customer service, and basic research skills. It is also important that they be detail-oriented. A library tech should also be comfortable using computers and know how to work with database and word processing software. As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in May 2020, library technicians earned a median annual wage of $31,840. From 2020-2030, library technicians can expect a little or no growth in jobs, also according to the BLS.
How to Become a Library Technician: Steps
Step 1: Earn a Library Technology Certificate or AA/AS
The educational requirements vary for library technicians, from high school diplomas to specialized associate's degrees, available at 2-year colleges and some universities. Most libraries prefer candidates who have earned a certificate or an associate's degree in library technology. Courses cover topics in circulation, automated library systems, cataloging and reference. Library technicians who want to work in public schools will most likely need an associate's degree or two years of college.
When getting an associate's degree or certificate, it is extremely important that your program of choice be accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). When looking into various courses, make sure that this is at the forefront of your priorities. A degree that lacks ALA accreditation is unlikely to garner you the kinds of job opportunities you are looking for as a library technician.
Certificates for library technicians are typically around 30 credits in length, though this will vary by institution. Associate's degrees are usually around 60 credits. Be sure to look into the time commitment, number of credits, ability to transfer credits, and more when you are researching potential programs.
ALA-LSSC
There is another important kind of certification available to those wishing to take a library technician course: the Library Support Staff Certification. The eligibility requirements for this certification include a high school diploma and at least one year of volunteer experience at a library. This online library technician certificate program requires those who are eligible to apply and then to complete six of ten possible competency sets in various library technology disciplines.
Online Programs
One of the great things about certificate and associate's degree programs is that you can get a library technician diploma online. The ALA actually has a list of all of the accredited degree and certificate programs available in library studies across the United States as well as in Puerto Rico and Canada. Many of these are available as online or hybrid programs, though others have more strict on-campus requirements. Consider whether an online library technician program would work for you based on your own educational and scheduling needs.
Success Tip for Library Technicians: Develop Strong Computer Skills
Library technicians use computers to maintain a library's database of collections and to help patrons research topics. That's why it's so important for them to adapt to and stay up to date with current technology.
Step 2: Continue Your Library Education
Professional groups, such as the American Library Association (ALA), and some local libraries offer continuing education classes and workshops. These offerings cover the latest library databases and software as well as other new trends in the field.
Step 3: Earn a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Library Science
Library technicians may have the opportunity to advance into supervisory jobs within a library. After earning a bachelor's degree and then a master's degree in library science, a technician may advance to a position as a librarian.
Library Career Options
There are a number of different types of libraries that you might work at when you become a library technician. These include:
- Public libraries
- Elementary and secondary school libraries
- University libraries, which are often specialized
- Research libraries
- Hospital libraries
- Government libraries
Your work hours and other aspects of your career will vary based on what kind of library you work in.
Let's review. While a high school diploma may qualify you for a job as a library technician at some libraries, most employers look for candidates with a certificate or associate's degree in library technology. As of May 2020, library technicians earned a median wage of $31,840 per year.
