Library Technicians
Educational Instruction and Library
Most of the day is spent at circulation and in the stacks: reserving, renewing, and discharging items, then sorting and returning them to shelves or files. Patrons get help with catalogs, databases, computers, and audio-visual equipment; patron records are updated on computers; routine questions are answered on the spot, and more involved ones go to a librarian. The work is physical as well as clerical—materials are processed for the collection, damaged items are repaired or removed, and items are moved by hand or pushcart. Bookmobiles are part of some assignments. The mix of shelving, circulation, and short questions suits people who like orderly, hands-on work and set procedures.
Typical education: Bachelor’s Degree (4-year)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$44'580
Median Wage Market Position
$44'580
What you might do
- Handle checkouts, returns, and renewals at the desk
- Show readers how to use catalogs and databases
- Answer everyday questions, then refer harder ones
- Cart items back to shelves around the building
- Process new materials before they go on shelves
- Register patrons and update their computer records
Skills that matter
- Reserves, renewals, and discharges
- Brief answers to in-person reference questions
- Hands-on help with catalogs and computers
- Cataloging and reshelving by procedure
- Computer updates to patron records
- Material help for teachers and students
AI & the future of this role
Catalog lookups, circulation processing, and basic reference replies are especially open to automation. Shelving and desk routines may shrink fastest, while only limited patron-facing help and system upkeep are likely to hold residual value.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details