Library technicians
SOC Code: 25-4031Also known as:
Accessioner, Audio-Visual Aide, Bibliographer, Bindery Library Technical Assistant, Book Shelver
Median Annual Salary
$39,970
-6.8% growth (2024-2034)
13K
Openings/Year
79K
Current Jobs
What Library technicians 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.
💰 Salary
$39,970
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-6.8%
Decline
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
13K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
78,600
Projected Employment (2034)
73,200
Related Careers
Computer occupations, all other
$108,970 •
+8.2% growth
File clerks
$41,270 •
-15.9% growth
Library assistants, clerical
$36,010 •
-6.7% growth
Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive
$46,290 •
-1.6% growth
Office clerks, general
$43,630 •
-6.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Service Orientation
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
- Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
- Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Library technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a library technicians:
Library and Archives Assisting
465 degrees awarded •
27 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Library technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become library technicians.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pasadena City College | Pasadena, CA | 62 | C+ |
| 2 | Central Carolina Community College | Sanford, NC | 28 | C+ |
| 3 | Santa Ana College | Santa Ana, CA | 18 | C+ |
| 4 | Tarrant County College District | Fort Worth, TX | 11 | C+ |
| 5 | Pueblo Community College | Pueblo, CO | 10 | C+ |
| 6 | University of Maine at Augusta | Augusta, ME | 9 | C+ |
| 7 | Central Community College | Grand Island, NE | 1 | C+ |
| 8 | Western Dakota Technical College | Rapid City, SD | 1 | C+ |
| 9 | Cuesta College | San Luis Obispo, CA | 59 | C |
| 10 | Long Beach City College | Long Beach, CA | 39 | C |
| 11 | College of DuPage | Glen Ellyn, IL | 35 | C |
| 12 | City College of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 34 | C |
| 13 | San Bernardino Valley College | San Bernardino, CA | 22 | C |
| 14 | Sacramento City College | Sacramento, CA | 21 | C |
| 15 | Fresno City College | Fresno, CA | 19 | C |
| 16 | Spokane Falls Community College | Spokane, WA | 19 | C |
| 17 | Connecticut State Community College | Hartford, CT | 18 | C |
| 18 | Palomar College | San Marcos, CA | 18 | C |
| 19 | Illinois Central College | East Peoria, IL | 9 | C |
| 20 | Diablo Valley College | Pleasant Hill, CA | 6 | C |
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do library technicians make?
The median annual salary for library technicians is $39,970.
What education do library technicians need?
Most library technicians positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Library and Archives Assisting.
Is becoming library technicians a good career choice?
Library technicians is projected to see -6.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 13,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for library technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring library technicians include
Pasadena City College, Central Carolina Community College, Santa Ana College, Tarrant County College District, Pueblo Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to library technicians?
Library technicians may also be known as: 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, Library Associate, Library Cataloging Technician, Library Circulation Assistant, Library Circulation Clerk, Library Circulation Technician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.