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Public Libraries
New York Public Library, Los Angeles Public Library, Chicago Public Library
Library Technicians
Library technicians keep collections moving: they shelve and catalog materials, help patrons find information, update records, and deal with the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a library usable. The job is distinct because it mixes public service with careful recordkeeping and equipment support, but the tradeoff is that the work can be repetitive and the pay ceiling is fairly low for a role that still requires strong attention to detail.
Also known as Library TechnicianLibrary AssistantLibrary AideLibrary ClerkCirculation Assistant
Median Salary
$39,970
Mean $43,050
U.S. Workforce
~74K
13K openings per year
10-Year Growth
+-6.8%
78.6K to 73.2K
Entry Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
+ None experience
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
Library Technicians sits in the Education category. In practical terms, this role combines day-to-day execution, cross-team coordination, and consistent decision-making under real business constraints.
U.S. employment is currently about ~74K workers, with a median annual pay of $39,970 and roughly 13K openings each year. Based on BLS projections, total employment is expected to decline from 78.6 K in 2024 to 73.2K in 2034.
Most hiring paths start with Bachelor's degree, and employers typically expect none of related experience. Many careers in this track begin around Library Aide and can progress toward Library Services Supervisor. High-value skills usually include Library Cataloging Systems & MARC Records, Database Searching & Reference Tools, and Microsoft Excel & Library Usage Reporting, paired with soft skills such as Reading comprehension, Active listening, and Speaking.
Core Responsibilities
- Sort and reshelve books, media, and other materials so they are easy to find again.
- Check books and equipment for damage, then arrange repairs or replacements when needed.
- Collect overdue fines, explain charges, and handle complaints from patrons.
- Pull together library usage numbers and turn them into simple reports.
Keep exploring: more Education careers or browse all job titles.
A Day in the Life
01 Sort and reshelve books, media, and other materials so they are easy to find again.
02 Check books and equipment for damage, then arrange repairs or replacements when needed.
03 Collect overdue fines, explain charges, and handle complaints from patrons.
04 Pull together library usage numbers and turn them into simple reports.
05 Look up information for patrons using library files, databases, and online resources.
06 Update patron accounts and help keep computers, printers, copiers, and audio-visual equipment working.
Industries That Hire
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Universities and Colleges
Harvard University, University of Michigan, Arizona State University
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K-12 Education
New York City Public Schools, Los Angeles Unified School District, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
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Government and Public Institutions
Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and Records Administration
Pros and Cons
Advantages
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Many jobs do not require work experience or on-the-job training, so the field is relatively accessible.
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The work blends people skills with computer-based tasks, so it is more varied than a pure front-desk job.
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There is a clear sense of order to the work: shelves, records, and collections follow defined procedures.
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The role can be a good entry point into schools, universities, museums, or local government without needing a long degree path.
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There are still about 13.0 thousand annual openings, mostly from replacement hiring rather than expansion.
Challenges
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Pay is modest: the median is $39,970 and the mean is only slightly higher at $43,050, so earnings can stay close to entry-level office work.
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Employment is projected to fall from 78.6 thousand in 2024 to 73.2 thousand in 2034, a drop of 6.8%, so the field is shrinking.
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The career ladder can be narrow, with many positions capped at support-level responsibilities unless you move into supervision or another field.
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A lot of the work is repetitive, especially shelving, updating records, and processing materials day after day.
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Some of the easiest tasks to automate or centralize are the same ones that define the job, such as circulation, basic cataloging, and record updates.
Career Progression
Library Aide
0-2 years
$29K-$34K
This entry role focuses on shelving, checkout support, and simple clerical tasks while learning library procedures.
Library Technician
2-5 years
$36K-$44K
At this level, workers handle cataloging, patron records, reference searches, and equipment support with less supervision.
Senior Library Technician THIS ROLE
5-9 years
$45K-$54K
Experienced technicians take on more complex records work, train newer staff, and help manage reports or special collections processes.
Library Services Supervisor
9+ years
$55K-$68K
Supervisors oversee daily operations, solve service problems, and coordinate staffing, workflow, and collection support.
Education Paths
Bachelor's degree
A common path for this occupation, held by 29.62% of workers in the O*NET distribution, especially for people aiming at larger systems or later moving into supervision.
Associate's degree
A common entry route for 27.66% of workers, often in library technology, office administration, or a related field.
Postsecondary certificate in library technology
A common nondegree route for 17.05% of workers, and the closest match to the BLS typical entry requirement of a postsecondary nondegree award.
High school diploma plus library experience
An alternative route for 15.02% of workers, usually paired with strong office skills or prior front-desk experience.
Key Skills
Technical
Library Cataloging Systems & MARC Records 59%
Database Searching & Reference Tools 58%
Microsoft Excel & Library Usage Reporting 56%
Circulation Software & Patron Records 55%
Copier, Printer & AV Equipment Troubleshooting 53%
Soft Skills
Reading comprehensionActive listeningSpeakingService orientationCoordinationCritical thinking Job Outlook and Trends
+-6.8%
Projected growth (2024-2034)
13K
Annual job openings
Employment is projected to rise from 78.6K to 73.2 K over the next decade, representing -6.8% growth. Around 13 K openings per year include both newly created roles and replacement hiring from turnover.
Remote availability is currently Rare. Demand remains strongest where employers need practical domain knowledge plus modern workflow and data skills.