Library Technicians
Human Advantage 69%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.9 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
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.
Also Known As: Accessioner, Audio-Visual Aide, Bibliographer, Bindery Library Technical Assistant, Book Shelver, Book Sorter, Bookmobile Driver, Cataloging Library Technical Assistant (Cataloging LTA) +30 more
Core Tasks
- 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.
- Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
- Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
- Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
- Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
- Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
- Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.
- Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.
- Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.
- Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.
- Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage.
- Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.
Supplemental Tasks (14)
- Issue identification cards to borrowers.
- Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.
- Process interlibrary loans for patrons.
- Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments.
- Send out notices about lost or overdue books.
- Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer.
- Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.
- Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours.
- Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.
- Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals.
- Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.
- Sort and deliver library mail and packages.
- Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.
- Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.
Emerging Tasks
New and evolving responsibilities for this role:
- Open and close the library.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (30)
Tools & Equipment (15)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Learner Support & Community Engagement Education
Zone 3
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Zone 4
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