Library Technical Assistants

Career summary

Library technical assistants issue library cards and check out books, magazines, and electronic materials. They update patron accounts on computers and issue fines when necessary. They also answer visitors' questions about the library and show them how to use library resources. In addition, technical assistants sort returned materials and shelve them.

Assistants handle some of the technical duties in the library. For example, they show visitors how to use the library's computer system. They may assign new books and tapes to topics in the library's classification system. They enter this information in the library's computers.

Technical assistants also arrange to lend books to other libraries and borrow books in return. Some technical assistants use and maintain audio-visual equipment.

Many library technical assistants perform administrative tasks. They supervise library assistants and other clerical staff.

Technical assistants may assist with the development of library procedures. They may maintain special databases and web pages. Assistants also order new materials at the request of librarians and prepare order forms. They may also monitor and maintain library supplies.

Some library technical assistants work for businesses such as law firms. In these offices, assistants search for books and articles about particular topics. Occasionally they write summaries of books and articles.

Technical assistants who work in schools create posters and displays that encourage library use. They also help teachers and students with special projects.

Library technical assistants are also called library technicians, library clerks, or library aides.

Some may be called media technicians.

#moved this from precede to append lh

Related careers

This career is part of the Education and Training cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Archivists
• Counter and Rental Clerks
• Credit Checkers and Authorizers
• Executive Secretaries
• General Office Clerks
• Health Information Technicians
• Human Resources Assistants
• Librarians
• Library Assistants and Bookmobile Drivers
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Teacher Aides

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to library technical assistants.

• Answer questions and provide assistance to library users.
• Issue library cards and check materials in and out. May issue and collect fines.
• Perform inter-library loan services so patrons can borrow books from other libraries.
• Assign books and other materials to topics in library's classification system.
• Use computers to verify and enter catalog information.
• Organize and maintain periodicals and reference items.
• Fill out order forms for new books and materials.
• Compile library statistics, such as the number of books borrowed each month.
• Design and maintain databases, web pages, and networks.
• Assist in development of Internet access policies and explain them to library users.
• Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors and tape recorders.
• Write summaries of books and articles.
• Help students and teachers with special projects.
• Order supplies when stocks are low.
• Supervise and train support staff. May schedule their shifts.

Common work activities

Library technical assistants perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Document and record information
• Handle and move objects
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Perform for or work with the public
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Process information
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Perform administrative tasks
• Think creatively

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, library technical assistants:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium to high level of social contact. They work with library customers and staff, but also work alone part of the time.
• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a daily basis. They use letters and memos, but less frequently.
• May on occasion be placed in conflict situations where library visitors might become discourteous or rude.
• Regularly work in a group or as part of a team.
• May be responsible for the work done by those they supervise.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Work near others. They share the same space as other employees and library patrons.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. Errors could cause library materials to be misplaced or lost.
• Make decisions that affect library patrons on a weekly basis. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first. Many of the day-to-day duties of running a library do not change.
• Abide by strict weekly deadlines. Books must be promptly restacked, for example.
• Repeat the same activities, such as using a computer or restocking books.

Hours/travel

• Usually work full time.
• May work evenings and weekends in public or university libraries.
• Almost always work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Library technical assistants frequently:

• Repeat the same movements.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for library technical assistants to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for library technical assistants to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Library technical assistants need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Library Assistant

Other programs of study to consider

• Educational and Instructional Technology
• Library Science
• Office Support

Training

To work as a library technical assistant, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete a formal training program.

Education after high school

The education required for this occupation ranges from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree, depending on the employer. The most common requirement is that you have a certificate or a two-year degree in library technology. In this type of program, you learn to order, process, catalog, locate, and circulate library materials. You also learn to operate computer systems.

Work experience

Working or volunteering at your school or community library provides good experience for this occupation.

On-the-job training

Most library technical assistants receive informal training on the job from experienced workers. Training includes:

• checking out books;
• checking in and putting away books;
• storing books;
• working with computers; and
• providing customer service.

Training may last up to three months.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Knowledge of literature is good preparation for any library job. Thus you should take as many literature classes as possible.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Office Procedures

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers require library technical assistants to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and training in library technology. Some employers require applicants to have a bachelor's degree.

Employers look for applicants who have previous library experience. They also look for computer experience, good communication skills, and the ability to get along with others.

Tips

Experience or training in filing, and experience with different audiovisual equipment and media are valuable assets. A willingness to perform some tasks beyond those outlined in the job description may be beneficial. Opportunities are best for applicants who can type at least 40 words per minute accurately and who are willing to relocate. Applicants who are able and willing to work part time may also fare better, since there is strong competition for full-time jobs. Public relations skills are very important. Education is the best way to advance in this occupation.

Costs to workers

Library technical assistants may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee. Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

#King County LS is union. 1/21/15 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Library Technicians 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The assistant's level of experience and responsibility also affect wages.

Library technical assistants who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Elementary, middle, and high schools
• Public libraries
• Colleges and universities

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will decrease as people use libraries less and less. Budget cuts may limit the amount of library technical assistants that can be hired.

Many openings will become available to replace workers who leave the field. Turnover is high because the pay can be low and full-time jobs are rare.

Other resources

American Library Association 
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
800.545.2433
312.944.6780

Me, a librarian? 

Washington Library Association 
PO Box 33808
Seattle, WA 98133
206.823.1138

Washington State Library 
PO Box 42460
Olympia, WA 98504-2460
360.704.5200

References

Career cluster

• Education and Training

Career path

• Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net  occupation

• Library Technicians (25-4031.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Bibliographer (100.367-010) 
• Catalog Librarian (100.387-010) 
• Classifier (100.367-014) 
• Library Technical Assistant (100.367-018) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Conventional/Social/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Clerical