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

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.

Salary

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.

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

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.

Pros and Cons

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

What is the job like

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

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.

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