Also known as a library assistant, as a technician you will be required to possess working knowledge of the systems and procedures used in libraries. You will work under the supervisions of the librarian and will be expected to maintain the book collection of the library, prepare materials, check the incoming and outgoing materials, keep the librarian abreast of the resources required and help patrons locate the books required by them.
The duties of jobs in library can be diverse depending on the establishment that you are employed with. Generally the functions of the library jobs include clerical duties that will entail the registration of new members, cataloging of the various resources in the library and if you are working for a small library you may even be responsible for supervising the support staff while in larger establishments library technicians will specialize in specific disciplines or functions.
You may also be required to answer general questions about the services offered by the library, issue membership cards and collect fines for late submission of books.
Additional duties
In many establishments library technicians are also responsible for the HVAC system, the security system including the alarms, closing the library and the elevators.
The Education Required for Library Jobs
To be eligible for employment prospects in a library, you will need to at least have a high school diploma or equivalent certification while larger libraries may even require their employees to have the relevant college coursework or an associate's degree.
The Qualifications for Jobs in Library
Most libraries prefer candidates who have experience working in book stores and/ or libraries, you will also need to possess working knowledge of computers, library automation systems, the usage of databases and the use of online resources.
Places of Employment
Schools and colleges are among the most common avenues for employment prospects in libraries, in several colleges library technicians are expected to assist professors and provide students with relevant course material. Other organizations that may need the services of library technicians include: museums, government agencies, research labs etc; these establishments usually have special libraries that stock publications relevant to the scope of the work done by the organization; in such places the library technician will also be responsible for keeping the material up to date.
Mobile libraries present another venue of employment for library technicians; these are libraries on wheels and here the technician is also responsible for the maintenance of the book mobile.
Scope for Advancement
If you join an establishment as a library technician, you can advance by getting additional educational qualification and/ or training or you could also gain relevant experience by taking on additional duties.
Most libraries are opting for computerized cataloging systems; this simply means that there will be increased job opportunities for people who can work with automated systems, data bases and online libraries.
Employment Prospects
In 2006, according to BLS estimates, there were approximately 120,000 library technician positions across the country, and this figure is expected to grow by an astounding 8% inn the next ten years; there will be more employment prospects in libraries that require specialized training.
How Much can you Make?
In 2008, the average annual salary of library technicians in the United States stood at $30,130, according to the Bureau of Labor statistics.
