Library Technicians and Assistants help librarians in providing information and services to library patrons and perform many support activities needed to operate a library.  

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Library Technical Assistants may:

Verify bibliographic data on computer terminals  

Prepare order slips for materials and follow up on orders  

Compile lists of materials acquired or withdrawn  

Process added copies, new editions, and recataloged or reclassified materials  

Explain proper use of reference tools to patrons  

Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons who need professional assistance to the librarian  

Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment  

Help patrons with microfilm or microfiche readers  

Compile circulation statistics  

Keep records on library equipment  

Design posters and displays  

Direct activities of library clerks and aides  

Help patrons find and use catalogs and indexes  

Issue identification cards to borrowers  

Check library materials in and out  

File catalog cards according to the system used  

Keep current files of special materials  

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Library Technicians and Assistants may specialize in these areas:

249.367-046 LIBRARY ASSISTANTS help librarians in providing information and services to library patrons. Assistants also check out materials and place returned items on their designated shelves. They perform some typing and filing tasks also.  

100.367-018 LIBRARY TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS are more highly trained assistants who perform descriptive cataloging duties, keep circulation, inventory, and other records, and perform more complex clerical tasks. Those in special libraries might have job titles such as health sciences library technicians or library media technicians.  

209.387-026 TALKING BOOKS LIBRARY CLERKS provide information and service to blind patrons and other people unable to read conventional print.  

249.365-010 REGISTRATION CLERKS record or register the application from library patrons requesting permission to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials.  

249.687-014 PAGES, also called stock and shelving clerks, locate library materials, such as books, periodicals, and pictures for loan to library patrons and to replace materials in shelving areas or files.  

249.363-010 BOOKMOBILE DRIVERS operate a bookmobile or light truck that pulls a book trailer and assist in providing library services in the mobile library.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Library Technicians and Assistants work under the supervision of librarians. Experienced Technicians may direct Library Assistants and student aides. They may be in direct contact with the public or work in the technical services area of the library.  

Libraries are generally bright, attractive, quiet, and comfortable.  

Library Technicians and Assistants normally work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Evening or weekend work is required in many libraries. In schools, Library Technicians and Assistants work during regular school hours.  

You Should Prefer:

• Activities concerned with communication of ideas/information to others  

• Activities of a routine, definite, organized nature  

You Should Be Able To:

• See detail/recognize errors in numbers, spelling, grammar, punctuation  

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often  

• Have agreeable working relations with others  

• Make decisions based on verifiable information  

• File materials accurately  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If you have a budget of $3,000.00 for new books and 35% of the budget is supposed to go for children's books, how much money is available to buy childrens' books?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Should be able to read and comprehend words from many different areas of academia. Read the following and determine in what area of the reference file it should be placed.  

A theme running through all of the interest perspective is the trait factor approach, with its long history of extensive use focused on personal characteristics that tend to link the individual to different nvironments.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare an overdue notice to be mailed to an individual.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Excellent analytical skills and be detail oriented in assisting in the management of a library.  

 The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here for Michigan Licensed Occupations, see Library Staff Member, Public for specific licensing information.  

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOISCRIPT:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0200 ART , 0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1300 ENGLISH , 1600 FOREIGN LANGUAGE , 2100 LITERATURE , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

183 LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY & ASSIST.

Programs in Library Technology and Assistance provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills used in paraprofessional support positions in libraries and media centers. Skills developed range from typical supportive library skills such as circulation and patron assistance to use of office machines, computer terminals, and audiovisual equipment.  

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript    

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

You may gain experience by working as a student aide in your school library, or through summer or part-time work at public libraries. Postsecondary programs in library technology and assisting may offer co-op or internship experience.  

            School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Library Technician and Assistant employer  

internships  

volunteer work with a Library Technician and Assistant employer  

community service work with an agency  

To enter this occupation, apply directly to public libraries, schools, hospitals, or private businesses with library facilities, and federal, state, and local civil service offices. Assistance may be available through school placement offices or local offices of Michigan Works!. Openings may be listed in newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

Library JobSearch ( http://carousel.lis.uiuc.edu/~jobs )  

Library/Information Specialist's Job Page ( http://www.palinet.org/ )  

Michigan Library Association Jobline ( http://mla.lib.mi.us/jobline.html )  

Michigan Talent Bank ( http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage ) 

America's Job bank ( http://www.ajb.dni.us )  

Classifieds Employment ( http://www.classifieds2000.com )  

Yahoo! Careers ( http://careers.yahoo.com/ )  

JobOptions ( http://ww1.joboptions.com/jo_main/index.jsp )  

Michigan Department of Career Development ( http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd )

Michigan Works! ( http://www.michiganworks.org )  

            You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Earnings in this occupation vary with geographic location, size of community or library, and the worker's skill and level of education.  

According to a nationwide survey, the average of the highest annual salaries (2001-02) paid Library Clerks public schools was $20,770; the average of the lowest, $15,621; and the average of the mean, $18,104. Library Technical Assistants employed by the federal government earned starting salaries ranging from $20,322 to $28,164 per year in 2002. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.  

In Michigan, Library Clerks employed by public schools earned (2001-02):  

Library Technicians and Assistants employed by the State of Michigan earned between $29,190 and $41,864 per year (late 2002).  

Most libraries provide life and health insurance, retirement plans, and paid sick leave and holidays. Additional benefits from employers in private businesses often include educational assistance programs. Library technicians and Assistants employed by federal, state, or local governmental agencies receive the same benefits other government workers receive.  

Library Assistants can advance to the position of Technician with 1 to 3 years of library clerical experience or completion of a 1- or 2-year library technology program. A bachelor's or master's degree in library science is required for a professional librarian's position.  

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 207,300 Library Technicians and Assistants were employed in 2000. The employment of Library Technicians and Assistants is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2010.  

Expansion of library services and the size of school and college enrollments will be factors affecting the demand for Library Technicians and Assistants. However, the continuing trend toward automating the circulation, cataloging, and acquisition departments of libraries will likely have a negative impact on employment. The industry distribution for Library Technicians and Assistants looked like this:  

There are approximately 7,975 persons employed as Library Technicians and Assistants in Michigan. Most worked in urban areas. They worked in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary school libraries and city public libraries. Others worked in the libraries of hospitals, manufacturing firms, nonprofit organizations, and federal and state agencies.  

Employment of Library Technicians and Assistants in Michigan is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2008. An average of 390 openings is expected annually, with 60 openings due to growth and 330 due to the need to replace workers who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.    

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008  

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.  

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Library Technician/Assistant can be summarized by the following:

Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development