Library Technicians :: Job Description

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Library Technicians

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Summary Description


	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.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Accessioner

2.	Acquisitions Technician

3.	Assistant Librarian

4.	Audio-Visual Aide

5.	Bibliographer

6.	Book Shelver

7.	Book Sorter

8.	Bookmobile Driver

9.	Catalog Librarian

10.	Cataloging Library Technical Assistant

11.	Cataloging Technician

12.	Circulation Technician

13.	Classifier

14.	Director of Audio Visual Aids

15.	Information Services Assistant

16.	Interlibrary Loan Assistant (ILL)

17.	Learning Resources Assistant

18.	Librarian Assistant

19.	Librarian Helper

20.	Library Acquisitions Technician

21.	Library Aide

22.	Library Assistant

23.	Library Associate

24.	Library Cataloging Technician

25.	Library Circulation Technician

26.	Library Clerk

27.	Library Information Technian

28.	Library Media Specialist

29.	Library Monitor

30.	Library Page

31.	Library Services Assistant

32.	Library Specialist

33.	Library Technical Assistant (LTA)

34.	Library Technical Assistant, Cataloging (LTA, Cataloging)

35.	Library Technical Assistant, Serials/Bindery (LTA, Serials/Bindery)

36.	Library Technician

37.	Media Center Assistant

38.	Media Center Specialist

39.	Mobile Library Assistant

40.	Page Technician

41.	Patron Services Specialist

42.	Reference Assistant

43.	Serials Assistant

44.	Serials or Bindery Library Technical Assistant

45.	Stack Attendant

46.	Stacker

47.	Textbook Associate

Job Tasks

	Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments. Order instructional or library materials or equipment.

	Process interlibrary loans for patrons. Process library materials.

	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. Help patrons use library or archival resources.

	Enter and update patrons' records on computers. Maintain operational records.

	Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary. Provide information to the general public.

	Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer. Process library materials.

	Prepare volumes for binding.

	Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections. Process library materials.

	Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition. Process library materials.

	Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials. Process library materials.

	Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems. Classify materials according to standard systems.

	Issue identification cards to borrowers. Distribute instructional or library materials.

	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. Classify materials according to standard systems. Process library materials.

	Send out notices about lost or overdue books.

	Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects. Assist other educational professionals with projects or research.

	Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials. Organize informational materials.

	Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.

	Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment. Maintain operational records.

	Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs. Inspect materials or equipment to determine need for repair or replacement.

	Collaborate with archivists to arrange for the safe storage of historical records and documents. Confer with others to conduct or arrange operational activities.

	Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals. Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.

	Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases. Search information sources to find specific data.

	Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.

	Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.

	Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment. Maintain computer equipment or software.

	Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours. Plan community programs or activities for the general public.

	File catalog cards according to system used. Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.

	Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work. Train staff members. Direct activities of subordinates.

	Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage. Maintain operational records.

	Design, customize, and maintain databases, web pages, and local area networks. Develop library or archival databases.

	Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders. Operate audiovisual equipment.

	Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials. Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.

	Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups. Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.

	Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries. Develop instructional materials.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Library Technicians and Assistants
	Library technicians and assistants help librarians with all aspects of running a library. They assist patrons, organize library materials and information, and perform clerical and administrative tasks.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Library Technicians and Assistants
	Library technicians and assistants work in public, school, company, and university libraries. Many work part time.

	Read More >>

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