Career Summary

Depending on the employer, library technicians can also be known as media aides or research librarians. They assist users sought after references, organize and maintain publications, handle loan requests, prepare invoices, perform routine cataloging and coding of materials. They also retrieve information from computer databases, and may supervise support staff.

Most library technicians are employed on college campuses and city libraries. However library technicians can also find a career in large corporations, and government agencies. Many library technicians transition into this career from an existing career or are employed as a library technician while pursuing a higher / additional degree. Some employers participate in employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement program for library technicians related careers.

Some of the responsibilities of a library technician include:

• Operate and maintain audiovisual equipment such as projectors, CD players, DVD and computers including internet services.
• Assist users with microfilm or microfiche readers.
  
• Order, check and sort new library materials
  
• Maintain library records and circulation systems by entering data.
• Assist librarians to answer loan and reference questions at the counter or via telephone or email
  
• Operate audiovisual and photocopying equipment
  
• Create library displays and publicity materials
• Arrange loans to and from other libraries
  
• Conduct library tours
  

School library technicians encourage and teach students to use the library and media materials. They help teachers obtain or gather instructional materials, and they assist students with school assignments.

Bookmobiles

Bookmobiles go to local residents who do not otherwise have access to library services. Bookmobiles visit children daycare centers, challenged individuals, nursing homes and retirement communities. Library technicians cover all facets of library functions including circulation, attainment of new print publications and audiovisual.

Government library technicians maintain government documentation, media related materials and reference materials. Library technicians that are employed for industries such as law firms, advertising agencies, museums, medical centers, and research laboratories have a combination of responsibilities that include library functions with literature searches, bibliographies research, and prepare theoretical reports, usually on subjects of particular interest to the organization.