Skip navigation

Library Technicians - 25-4031.00

O*NET-SOC 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 of Reported Job Titles

  • Circulation Clerk
  • Library Aide
  • Library Assistant
  • Library Associate
  • Library Clerk
  • Library Media Technician
  • Library Specialist
  • Library Technical Assistant (LTA)
  • Library Technician
  • Page Technician

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
  • 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.
  • Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.
  • Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals.
  • Collaborate with archivists to arrange for the safe storage of historical records and documents.
  • Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.
  • Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
  • Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.
  • Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage.
  • Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.
  • Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.
  • Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
  • Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.
  • Design, customize, and maintain databases, web pages, and local area networks.
  • Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
  • File catalog cards according to system used.
  • 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.
  • Issue identification cards to borrowers.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
  • Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.
  • Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments.
  • Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.
  • Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours.
  • Prepare volumes for binding.
  • Process interlibrary loans for patrons.
  • Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
  • Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
  • Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
  • Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer.
  • Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.
  • Send out notices about lost or overdue books.
  • Sort and deliver library mail and packages.
  • Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
  • Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.
  • Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Assist other educational professionals with projects or research.
  • Classify materials according to standard systems.
  • Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.
  • Confer with others to conduct or arrange operational activities.
  • Deliver items.
  • Develop instructional materials.
  • Develop library or archival databases.
  • Direct activities of subordinates.
  • Distribute instructional or library materials.
  • Help patrons use library or archival resources.
  • Inspect materials or equipment to determine need for repair or replacement.
  • Maintain computer equipment or software.
  • Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
  • Maintain operational records.
  • Operate audiovisual equipment.
  • Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
  • Organize informational materials.
  • Plan community programs or activities for the general public.
  • Process library materials.
  • Provide information to the general public.
  • Search information sources to find specific data.
  • Sort mail.
  • Train staff members.
  • Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Education And Training (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Education And Training Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Education And Training Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Education And Training Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Education and Training Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Education And Training Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Historian (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Historian (Marine Corps - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Historian Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Historian Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Historian Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Historian Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Historian Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Historian Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Bibliographer
  • Bookmobile Driver
  • Catalog Librarian
  • Classifier
  • Library Technical Assistant