What Does a Library Technician Do - Job Description

What Does a Library Technician Do - Job DescriptionWhat Does a Library Technician Do - Job DescriptionA library technician is one member of a librarys staff. He or she may work in public, academic, school, medical, law, or government agency libraries. Working under the supervision of alibrarian, this paraprofessional acquires and organizes materies, lends resources to patrons, and organizes and reshelves items after patrons or users return them. The scope of a library technicians duties varies according to the size of the facility. In some libraries, he or she may answer erfahrung questions, teach patrons or users how to use resources, and plan programs. Many also have clerical duties including answering telephones and filing. Quick Facts Library technicians earn a median salary $32,890 annually or $15.81 per hour (2016).This occupation employs approximately99,000 people (2016).Employers include public, school, university, law, medical, and corporate libraries.About two out of th ree jobs are part-time positions.Library technicians can expect a good job outlook according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This government agency expects employment to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. Roles and Responsibilities We looked at job announcements listed onIndeed.comto learn about the job duties of a library technician. Here are some of them Provide information service, such as answering questions regarding card catalogs, and assist in the use of bibliographic tools, such as Library of Congress catalogCheck books and materials in and out at the circulation deskMaintain student discipline in the libraryCommunicate with a wide variety of patrons by telephone, letter, or electronic means regarding routine and non-routine questions on services to publishers and other specialized library servicesProcess print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections Maintain and update databa ses/inventories of documentsRemove or repair damaged books or other media How to Become a Library Technician According to the American Library Association (ALA), training requirements for library technicians range from a high school diploma to a specialized postsecondary training in library technology (Becoming a Library Assistant or Technician. American Library Association). Depending on the postsecondary training you receive, you can earn a certificate or an associate degree. Expect to learn about acquisitions, cataloging, information literacy and research, and public services.The ALA maintains a list of Library Certificate and Degree Programs. Library technicians need excellent computer skills and must keep up with the continuously changing technology used in libraries. Professional associations offer continuing education workshops to help library technicians keep up with new developments in the field. WhatSoft Skills Do You Need to Succeed in This Career? You will acquir e the hard skills that will allow you to perform your job in the classroom or through on-the-job training. There aresoft skillsthat are essential to your success in this occupation. You were either born with these personal qualities or can get them through life experiences. They are Reading Comprehension The ability to understand documents in order to organize them properly.Active Listening This skill will allow you to understand patrons needs and coworkers instructions.Verbal Communication To answer patrons questions and instruct them, you will need excellent speaking skillsInterpersonal Skills Strong interpersonal skills will allow you to provide excellent service to patrons and work well with colleagues. What Will Employers Expect From You? We again turned to Indeed.com to find out what employers require from job candidates applying for positions in this field. This is what we found Skill in attending to detailAbility to follow instructions with exactness and work unsupervise dFamiliarity with Microsoft Office softwareAble to shelve items on top shelves (which could be up to 80 off ground). Step stools are availableAbility to lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds on a regular basis and up to 50 pounds occasionallyAble to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environmentCommunicate effectively with clients of varied educational levels and backgrounds sufficient to determine and respond to their informational needs Is This Occupation a Good Fit for You? Before you decide to become a library technician, especially if you are going to invest money in a degree or certificate, make sureit is a good match for yourinterests,personality type, andwork-related values. If you have the following traits, you may enjoy working in this occupation Interests(Holland Code) CSE (Conventional, Social, Enterprising)Personality Type(MBTI PersonalityTypes) ISTJ, ESTP, ESFP, INFJWork-Related Values Relationships, Support, Working Conditions Occupations With Related Activi ties and Tasks OccupationDescriptionMedian Annual Wage (2016)Minimum Required Education/TrainingLibrary AssistantPerforms clerical duties in a library$25,220HS DiplomaLibrarianSelects and organizes materials in a library and teaches people how to use them$57,680Masters Degree in Library ScienceCuratorAcquires, exhibits and stores collections in a museum$53,360Masters DegreeTeacher AssistantProvides extra instruction and attention to students under a teachers supervision$25,410Associate Degree or 2 Years of College CourseworkInstructional CoordinatorDevelops and coordinates implementation of instructional material in a school$62,460Masters Degree Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook Handbook Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,O*NETOnline(visited March 9, 2018).