Library Technician Career

Job Description: 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.


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Library Technician Career

What Library Technicians do:

  • 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.
  • Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
  • Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
  • Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.
  • Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
  • Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
  • 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.
  • Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.
  • Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
  • Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
  • Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.
  • Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
  • Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage.
  • Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.
  • Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.
  • Send out notices about lost or overdue books.
  • Issue identification cards to borrowers.
  • Sort and deliver library mail and packages.
  • Process interlibrary loans for patrons.
  • Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.
  • Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.
  • Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer.
  • Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.
  • Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.
  • Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals.
  • Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments.
  • Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.
  • Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours.
  • Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.
  • Design, customize, and maintain databases, web pages, and local area networks.
  • Prepare volumes for binding.
  • Collaborate with archivists to arrange for the safe storage of historical records and documents.
  • File catalog cards according to system used.

What work activities are most important?

Importance Activities

Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Holland Code Chart for a Library Technician