What does a Library Technician do?
Published 3 min read
A library technician is a professional who works in a library and helps patrons find the materials they need. Library technicians also help to keep the library organized and clean.
Library Technician job duties include:
- Assist patrons with locating materials and information.
- Check materials in and out.
- Process new materials.
- Maintain the appearance of the library.
- Shelf materials.
- Help train new employees.
- Develop and maintain Library databases.
- Supervise Library pages.
- Prepare reports.
Library Technician Job Requirements
A Library Technician typically requires an Associate's degree in library science or a related field. Some employers may require certification from the American Library Association. Library technicians typically have 1-3 years of experience working in a library. They must have knowledge of library classification systems, as well as excellent customer service skills.
Library Technician Skills
- Library
- Cataloging
- Classification
- Research
- Reference
- Readers' Advisory
- Collection Development
- Technical Services
- Circulation
- Interlibrary Loan
- Serials
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How to become a Library Technician
A library technician is a professional who works in a library and provides support to the librarians. They are responsible for tasks such as shelving books, cataloguing new arrivals, and helping patrons find the materials they need. Library technicians typically have an associate's degree in library science or a related field.
If you're interested in becoming a library technician, the first step is to complete an accredited associate's degree program. Once you have your degree, you'll need to obtain a job in a library. Many library technicians start their careers as entry-level employees, such as clerks or assistants. With experience, you can move up to positions with more responsibility, such as lead technician or head of circulation.
In addition to completing an accredited degree program, there are several other things you can do to prepare for a career as a library technician. First, it's helpful to become familiar with the types of tasks that library technicians typically perform. You can do this by volunteering in a library or shadowing a professional librarian or technician. Additionally, it's beneficial to join professional organizations such as the American Library Association or the Special Libraries Association. These organizations offer networking opportunities, job postings, and professional development resources that can help you launch and advance your career.
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