Library Technicians: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

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Library Technicians

Library Technicians assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.

Salary
$39630
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality



Job description

Library Technicians assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.

  • Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
  • Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
  • Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
  • Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
Read more about what does a Library Technician really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$36080 per year

Average hourly wage
$17 per hour


Library Technicians with little to no experience tend to make between $21350 and $25550 while the more experienced ones can earn over $44670 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
DC $24 $50,330
CT $23 $47,980
MA $23 $46,980
AK $22 $46,520
CA $22 $45,750

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Library Technician is to move to a higher paying state like DC. Right now, the highest paying states for Library Technicians are DC, CT, MA, AK and CA.

However, a higher pay at DC doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at DC might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Library Technician is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
Bachelor’s degree

We asked other Library Technicians what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Bachelor’s Degree followed by an Associate’s Degree.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Library and Archives Assisting
Read more about how to become a Library Technician and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Library Technician.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes to follow routines
Suitable for people who values relationships between co-workers and customers and wants to work in a friendly non-competitive environment
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
Demand for this career is growing fast
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to solve problems mentally
One of the lowest paying jobs
It is hard to get into this career. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
68%

Is this job meaningful
54%


68% of Library Technicians said they were satisfied with their job and 54% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Organizers and The Helpers

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas..

They also like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. They like helping or providing service to others.



Learn more about Library Technicians

Summary (You are here)
Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

Library Technicians job description, Library Technicians salary, Library Technicians information, what is the job of a Library Technician like, pros and cons about Library Technicians, colleges and universities for Library Technicians, is Library Technicians the right career for me, careers in Education

Similar careers

Accessioner, Acquisitions Technician, Assistant Librarian, Audio-Visual Aide, Bibliographer, Book Shelver, Book Sorter, Bookmobile Driver, Catalog Librarian, Cataloging Library Technical Assistant

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