Library Technicians

• 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. Library technicians assist in the use of public catalogues, direct library users to standard references, organize and maintain periodicals, prepare volumes for binding, handle interlibrary loan requests, prepare invoices, perform routine cataloguing and coding of library materials, retrieve information from computer databases, and supervise other support staff.

  The widespread use of computerized information storage and retrieval systems has resulted in technicians handling more technical and user services, such as entering catalogue information into the library's computer, that were once performed by librarians. (See the statement on librarians elsewhere in the Handbook.) Technicians may assist with customizing databases. In addition, technicians may instruct patrons how to use computer systems to access data. The increased use of automation has cut down on the amount of clerical work performed by library technicians. Many libraries now offer self-service registration and circulation with computers, decreasing the time that library technicians spend manually recording and inputting records.

  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. They may also design posters, bulletin boards, or displays.

  Those in school libraries teach students to use the library and media center and encourage them to do so. They also help teachers obtain instructional materials and assist 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.

• Working Conditions

  Technicians who work with users answer questions and provide assistance. Those 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 performing 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, evenings and some holidays. Library technicians in special libraries usually work normal business hours, although they are often called upon to work overtime.

  Library technicians usually work under the supervision of a professional librarian, although they may work independently in certain situations.

• Employment

  Library technicians held about 75,000 jobs in 1994. 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 specialized postsecondary training. Some libraries require that technicians have a bachelor's degree. Some employers hire individuals with work experience or other training; others train inexperienced workers on the job. Given the widespread use of automation in libraries, computer skills are needed for many jobs. Knowledge of databases, library automation systems, on-line library systems, on-line public access systems, and circulation systems is valuable.

  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, catalogue, locate, and circulate library materials, and work with library automation. Libraries and associations offer continuing education courses to keep technicians abreast of new developments in the field.

  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 the day-to-day operation of their department.

• Job Outlook

  Employment of library technicians is expected to grow about as faster than the average all occupations through the year 2005. Additional job openings will result from the need to replace library technicians who transfer to other fields or leave the labor force. Willingness to relocate enhances an aspiring library technician's job prospects.

  The increasing use of library automation may spur job growth among library technicians. Computerized information systems have simplified certain tasks, such as descriptive cataloguing, which can now be handled by technicians instead of librarians. For instance, technicians can now easily retrieve information from a central database and store it in the library's own computer. Although budgetary constraints may dampen employment growth of library technicians in school, public, and college and university libraries, libraries may use technicians to perform some librarian duties in order to stretch shrinking budgets. 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.

• 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 $25,100 in 1995.

• 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 Technology, 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.

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