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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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Reprinted with Permission of U. S. Department of Labor