What Do Library Technicians Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

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. They also reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.

Other tasks include:

• 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.
• Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
• Catalogue and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
• Enter and update patrons’ records on computers.

We asked Library Technicians how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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68% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 54% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Library Technicians reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials. They file catalog cards according to system used.

A typical day for a Library Technician will also include:

• Catalogue and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
• Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
• Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
• Sort and deliver library mail and packages.
• Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.

We asked some Library Technicians a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	86% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	44% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	91% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	76% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	6% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	33% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Library Technicians also design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries. They may also file catalog cards according to system used.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Library Technicians Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups. They might also Sort and deliver library mail and packages.

In addition, they Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.

To some Library Technicians, it is also their responsibility to Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage.

Working life

Less than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Library Technician, you can expect to work less than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

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.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/education-training-and-library/library-technicians-and-assistants.htm

http://www.ala.org/

http://librarycareers.drupalgardens.com/

http://www.sla.org/