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Library Technicians

Typical education: Associate degreeLower pressure

What they do

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.

Kinds of work

  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Social: Helping, teaching, caring for and supporting other people.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $44,580 Median per year · $21.43/hr Most earn $29,300–$63,080

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
  • Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.
  • Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.
  • Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.
  • Issue identification cards to borrowers.

Job outlook

United States
6% fewer jobs by 2035, declining · about 10,800 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Local government, excluding education and hospitals56.6%
  • Colleges, universities, and professional schools16.6%
  • Elementary and secondary schools14.5%
  • Web search portals, libraries, archives, and other information services5.4%
  • Junior colleges3.3%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 6 months to 1 year

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Associate degreeExperience before this job: 6 months to 1 year

Library Technician is usually not a straight-out-of-school job. Most people earn an associate degree and then spend about 6 months to 1 year in related library work before taking this role.

  1. Associate degree (library technology or a related field)

    2 years

    You learn how libraries organize materials, use catalogs and databases, and serve patrons, which is the core of this job.

  2. Library Assistant, Clerical

    6 months to 1 year

    You handle checkouts, shelving, and patron questions under supervision, building the hands-on experience employers expect before you take on more research and catalog work.

  3. Library Technician

    Ongoing

    You help librarians with reader questions, catalogs, and databases, and manage circulation, records, and materials.

Where it can lead

  1. Librarian

    3-5 years of experience first

    Librarians usually need a master's degree in library science, plus more independent work on research, collections, and programs. Experience as a library technician is a strong head start.

  2. Library Supervisor

    3-5 years of experience first

    Supervisors manage other library staff, schedules, and daily operations. It takes strong organization, training, and people skills, along with solid experience in the library.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take English and computer classesStrong reading and writing help you answer patron questions, and computer skills help you use catalogs and databases.
  • Volunteer at your school or public libraryShelving books, helping at events, or running a reading program gives you real library experience and a reference for later jobs.
  • Join a book club or reading or writing clubThese build your knowledge of books and authors, which helps when recommending materials to readers.
  • Get a part-time or summer job in customer serviceRetail or front-desk work teaches you to help people find things, which is a core skill for library technicians.
  • Ask your school librarian about the workA school librarian can explain the daily tasks, the training involved, and what an associate degree program looks like.

In college

  • Enroll in a library technology or library science programIf your school offers an associate degree or certificate in library technology, it teaches cataloging, circulation, and reference skills directly used in this job.
  • Work at your campus libraryStudent library jobs let you practice checkouts, shelving, and helping patrons while you study.
  • Take courses in information literacy or research methodsThese help you search databases and indexes well and teach you how to guide others to reliable sources.
  • Build customer service and tech skillsTake a basic database, spreadsheet, or office software class, and practice explaining things clearly to others.
  • Join a student library or reading organizationClubs and volunteer groups show you more of the field and help you meet people who work in libraries.

Tips for getting started

  • Look up the library technician requirements in your area, since some employers ask for a specific associate degree or certificate. Your local library or community college can show you what they want.
  • Get comfortable with computers, spreadsheets, and customer service now, because catalog systems and patron help desks are a big part of the job.
  • Volunteer or get a part-time job at a library, school library, or bookstore. The hands-on experience is what employers look for and it shows whether you enjoy the work.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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