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School library technicians and assistants show students how to find and use library resources, maintain textbook collections, and help teachers develop curriculum materials. Some technicians in public libraries may help plan programs for users, such as story time for children or book clubs for teens or adults. They help patrons find books to read for pleasure, assist patrons with their research, or teach patrons how to access the library’s resources. Public library technicians and assistants work in community libraries to serve members of the public. They may work at service desks for reserve materials, special collections, or computer labs. Some teach students how to access and use library resources. The following are examples of types of library technicians and assistants:Īcademic library technicians and assistants help students, faculties, and staff in colleges and universities access resources and information related to coursework or research projects. Those specializing in technical services research, acquire, catalog, and process materials to be added to the library’s collections. Those specializing in user services assist library patrons with locating resources and information. In large libraries, they tend to specialize in a particular area, such as user services or technical services. Library technicians and assistants in small libraries have a broad range of duties. However, library technicians typically have more responsibilities than library assistants. Both technicians and assistants help patrons find information and organize library materials. Help plan and participate in special programs, such as used-book sales, story times, or outreach programsĪ librarian usually supervises library technicians and assistants.Perform routine clerical tasks such as answering phones and organizing files.Maintain computer databases used to locate library materials.Teach patrons how to use library resources.
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Answer routine reference questions from patrons.Register new patrons and issue library cards.Catalogue and maintain library materials.Sort and reshelve returned books, periodicals, and other materials.Loan library materials to patrons and collect returned materials.Library technicians and assistants typically do the following: They assist patrons, organize library materials and information, and do clerical and administrative tasks. Library technicians and assistants help librarians with all aspects of running a library. Library technicians and assistants help shelve and organize materials. Learn more about library technicians and assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Similar OccupationsĬompare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of library technicians and assistants with similar occupations. Overall employment of library technicians and assistants is projected to decline 4 percent from 2021 to 2031.ĭespite declining employment, about 24,000 openings for library technicians and assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade.Īll of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.Įxplore resources for employment and wages by state and area for library technicians and assistants. The median hourly wage for library technicians was $17.78 in May 2021. The median hourly wage for library assistants, clerical was $14.16 in May 2021. Library assistants typically need a high school diploma or its equivalent, combined with short-term on-the-job training. Library technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate. How to Become a Library Technician or Assistant Library technicians and assistants work in local public libraries, corporate and specialty libraries, and school and university libraries. What Library Technicians and Assistants Do Quick Facts: Library Technicians and Assistants Please enable javascript to play this video.
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