Career Overview
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 Known As
- Library Assistant
- Library Associate
- Library Technical Assistant (LTA)
- Library Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- Accessioner
- Audio-Visual Aide
- Bibliographer
- Bindery Library Technical Assistant
- Book Shelver
- Book Sorter
- Bookmobile Driver
- Cataloging Library Technical Assistant (Cataloging LTA)
- Circulation Clerk
- Classifier
- Elementary Library Media Specialist
- Librarian Helper
- Library Acquisitions Technician
- Library Aide
- Library Assistant
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Open and close the library.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Speech Recognition
- Near Vision
- Speech Clarity
- Category Flexibility
- Far Vision
- Information Ordering
- Deductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Cooperation
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Social Orientation
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
Tools & Equipment
- Barcode scanners
- Bookmobiles
- Cash registers
- Desktop computers
- Digital video disk DVD players
- Film projectors
- Laptop computers
- Microfiche readers
- Microfilm printers
- Microfilm readers
- Multi-line telephone systems
- Personal computers
- Photocopying equipment
- Scanners
- Video cassette recorders VCR
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Telephone Conversations
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $27,890 |
| Median | $39,970 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $60,960 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 73,770
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Library Assistants, Clerical
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $36,010
File Clerks
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $41,270
Office Clerks, General
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $43,630
Document Management Specialists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $108,970
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $46,290
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.