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Library Technicians

(D.O.T.  100.367-018)

Nature of the Work

Library technicians help librarians acquire, prepare, and organize
material, and assist users in finding materials and information.
Technicians in small libraries handle a wide range of duties; those
in large libraries usually specialize.

   Depending on the employer, library technicians may have other
titles, such as library technical assistants.  Technicians assist in
the use of public catalogs, direct library users to standard
references, organize and maintain periodicals, handle interlibrary
loan requests, perform routine cataloging and coding of library
materials, verify information on order requests, retrieve
information from computer data bases, and supervise other support
staff, such as circulation desk workers.  The widespread use of
computerized information storage and retrieval systems has resulted
in technicians handling more technical and user services, such as
entering catalog information into the library's computer, that were
once performed by librarians.  Technicians also may assist with
customizing data bases.  (See the statement on librarians elsewhere
in the Handbook.)

   Some library technicians operate and maintain audiovisual equipment,
such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders, and
assist library users with microfilm or microfiche readers.
Technicians may also design posters, bulletin boards, or displays.

   Those in school libraries teach students to use the school
library/media center and encourage them to do so.  They also help
teachers get instructional materials and help students with special
assignments.  Some work in special libraries maintained by
government agencies, corporations, law firms, advertising agencies,
museums, professional societies, medical centers, and research
laboratories, where they conduct literature searches, compile
bibliographies, and prepare abstracts, usually on subjects of
particular interest to the organization.

   Library technicians may retrieve information from computer data
bases.

Working Conditions

Technicians who work with users answer questions and provide
assistance.  Technicians who prepare library materials sit at desks
or computer terminals for long periods and may develop headaches or
eyestrain from working with video display terminals.  Some duties
like calculating circulation statistics can be repetitive and
boring.  Others, such as computer searches using local and regional
library networks and cooperatives, can be interesting and
challenging.

   Library technicians in school libraries work regular school hours.
Those in public libraries and college and university (academic)
libraries may work weekends and evenings.  Library technicians in
special libraries usually work normal business hours, although they
are often called upon to work overtime.

Employment

Library technicians held about 71,000 jobs in 1992.  Most worked in
school, academic, or public libraries.  Some worked in hospitals and
religious organizations.  The Federal Government, primarily the
Department of Defense and the Library of Congress, and State and
local governments also employed library technicians.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Training requirements for library technicians vary widely, ranging
from a high school diploma to postsecondary training as a library
technician.  Some libraries may require that tecnicians have a
bachelor's degree.  Employers may hire individuals with work
experience or other training, or may train inexperienced workers on
the job.  Given the widespread use of automation in libraries,
computer skills are needed for many jobs.

   Some 2-year colleges offer an associate of arts degree in library
technology.  Programs include both liberal arts and library-related
study.  Students learn about library and media organization and
operation and how to order, process, catalog, locate, and circulate
library materials, and work with library automation.

   Library technicians usually advance by assuming added
responsibilities.  For example, technicians may start at the
circulation desk, checking books in and out.  After gaining
experience, they may be responsible for storing and verifying
information.  As they advance, they may become involved in budget
and personnel matters in their department.  Some library technicians
advance to supervisory positions and are in charge of overseeing the
day-to-day operation of their department.

Job Outlook

Employment of library technicians is expected to grow about as fast
as the average for all occupations through the year 2005.  The
increasing use of library automation may spur job growth among
library technicians.  Computerized information systems have
simplified certain tasks, such as descriptive cataloging, which can
now be handled by technicians instead of librarians.  For instance,
the technician can now easily retrieve information from a central
data base and store it in the library's own computer.  However,
budgetary constraints may dampen employment growth of library
technicians in school, public, and college and university libraries.
Additional job openings will result from the need to replace library
technicians who transfer to other fields or leave the labor force.

   Growth in the number of professional and other workers who use
special libraries should result in relatively fast employment growth
among library technicians in special libraries.  Willingness to
relocate enhances an aspiring library technician's job prospects.

Earnings

Salaries for library technicians vary widely, depending on the type
of library and geographic location.  Salaries of library technicians
in the Federal Government averaged $23,900 in 1993.

Related Occupations

Library technicians perform organizational and administrative
duties.  Workers in other occupations with similar duties include
library clerks, information clerks, record clerks, medical record
technicians, and title searchers.  Library technicians also assist
librarians.  Other workers who assist professional workers include
museum technicians, teacher aides, legal assistants, and engineering
and science technicians.

Sources of Additional Information

   Information about a career as a library technician and a directory
of schools offering training programs in this field can be obtained
from:

   Council on Library/Media Technicians, P.O.  Box 951, Oxon Hill, MD
20750.

   For information on training programs for library/media technical
assistants, write to:

   American Library Association, Office for Library Personnel
Resources, 50 East Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611.

   Information on schools receiving Federal financial assistance for
library training is available from:

   Office of Educational Research and Improvement, Library Programs,
Library Development Staff, U.S.  Department of Education, 555 New
Jersey Ave.  NW., Washington, DC 20208-5571.

   Those interested in a position as a library technician in the
Federal service should write to:

   Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E St.  NW., Washington, DC
20415.

   Information concerning requirements and application procedures for
positions in the Library of Congress may be obtained directly from:

   Personnel Office, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20540.

   State library agencies can furnish information on requirements for
technicians, and general information about career prospects in the
State.  Several of these agencies maintain job hotlines which report
openings for library technicians.

   State departments of education can furnish information on
requirements and job opportunities for school library technicians.