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Career overview · SOC 25-4031

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.

Also called: Circulation Clerk · Library Aide · Library Assistant · Library Associate · Library Clerk · Library Media Technician

Median pay (national)
$39,970
$27,890–$60,960 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
73,770
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-6.8%
~13,000 openings/yr
Typical entry
Postsecondary nondegree award

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for library technicians shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $60,960 versus $27,890 at the bottom 10% — 2.2x. The median of $39,970 leaves roughly 53% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -6.8% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 13,000 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 52 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $58,780, +47% vs the national median), while Mississippi sits lowest at $26,080 — a 125% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Learning Strategies
  • Writing
  • Active Learning
  • Monitoring
  • Mathematics
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
  • 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.
  • Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
  • Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.
  • Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.
  • Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.

Tools & technology

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Database software
  • Dynix Digital Library
  • Ex Libris Group Aleph
  • Ex Libris Group Voyager
  • FileMaker Pro
  • HandyFile Find and Replace Text Aid Kit
  • Inmagic TextWorks
  • Innovative Interfaces Millennium
  • Microsoft Publisher

Knowledge areas

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Administrative
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Education and Training
  • Communications and Media
  • Psychology
  • Mathematics