Education and libraries
Library technician
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.
Median pay
$44,580
Growth to 2035
−6%
declining
Openings a year
10,800
Time to qualify*
12 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Library technician
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Exposure to disease
Library technician: 14% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- 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.
- Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
Also called: Circulation Clerk · Library Aide · Library Assistant · Library Associate · Library Clerk · Library Media Technician · Library Specialist · Library Technical Assistant (LTA)
Outlook and AI
Library technicians held 72,800 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 68,100 by 2035 (−6%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Library technician vs. Library assistants, clerical
- Library technician vs. File clerk
- Library technician vs. Office clerks, general
- Library technician vs. Computer occupations, all other
- Library technician vs. Administrative assistant
- Library technician vs. Stockers and order fillers
- Library technician vs. Receptionists and information clerks
- Library technician vs. Database administrator
- Library technician vs. Computer user support specialist