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Occupation AtlasLibrary Technicians

O*NET · 25-4031.00

Library Technicians

Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.

Also called Accessioner · Audio-Visual Aide · Bibliographer · Bindery Library Technical Assistant · Book Shelver · Book Sorter · Bookmobile Driver · Cataloging Library Technical Assistant (Cataloging LTA)
32 more

Cataloging LTA · Circulation Clerk · Classifier · Elementary Library Media Specialist · Librarian Helper · Library Acquisitions Technician · Library Aide · Library Assistant · Library Associate · Library Cataloging Technician · Library Circulation Assistant · Library Circulation Clerk · Library Circulation Technician · Library Clerk · Library Information Technician · Library Media Technician · Library Monitor · Library Page · Library Specialist · Library Technical Assistant (LTA) · Library Technician · Loan Technician · LTA · Media Center Specialist · Media Specialist · Page Technician · School Library Media Specialist · Serials Library Technical Assistant · Shelver · Stack Attendant · Stacker · Textbook Associate

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code CSR35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Pharmacy Aides

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CSRConventional · Social · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional6.52
  • S Social4.07
  • R Realistic3.08
  • I Investigative2.70
  • E Enterprising1.88
  • A Artistic1.59

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent15%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate17%
  • Some College Courses9%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree28%
  • Bachelor's Degree30%
  • Master's Degree2%
Related work experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (35%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (28%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (36%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Listeningbasic3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Service Orientation3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Social Perceptiveness3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Writingbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Active Learningbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Monitoringbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
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Tasks

17 core · 14 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.4.3
  2. Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.4.3
  3. Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.4.2
  4. Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.4.2
  5. Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.4.1
  6. Catalogue and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.4.1
  7. Enter and update patrons' records on computers.4.0
  8. Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.3.9
  9. Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.3.8
  10. Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.3.8
  11. Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.3.7
  12. Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.3.7
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  1. Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.3.7
  2. Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.3.6
  3. Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.3.6
  4. Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage.3.5
  5. Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.3.4
  6. Issue identification cards to borrowers.4.0
  7. Process interlibrary loans for patrons.3.7
  8. Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.3.7
  9. Send out notices about lost or overdue books.3.7
  10. Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments.3.7
  11. Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer.3.6
  12. Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.3.6
  13. Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.3.5
  14. Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours.3.5
  15. Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals.3.4
  16. Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.3.1
  17. Sort and deliver library mail and packages.3.1
  18. Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.2.8
  19. Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.2.5

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.14.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Administrative3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Computers and Electronics3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Education and Training3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Communications and Media2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Mathematics2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Psychology2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
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  • Public Safety and Security2.62.0Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Geography2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Administration and Management2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Telecommunications2.00.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Economics and Accounting1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • History and Archeology1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Production and Processing1.91.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Fine Arts1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Sales and Marketing1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Law and Government1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Philosophy and Theology1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Design1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Engineering and Technology1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Therapy and Counseling1.5—
  • Chemistry1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Foreign Language1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Mechanical1.30.5Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Physics1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Transportation1.3—
  • Biology1.2—
  • Building and Construction1.2—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Near Vision3.33.6
  • Speech Clarity3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Written Comprehension3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Category Flexibility3.13.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
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  • Far Vision3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Information Ordering3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Written Expression3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Finger Dexterity2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Flexibility of Closure2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Inductive Reasoning2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Problem Sensitivity2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Selective Attention2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Perceptual Speed2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Manual Dexterity2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Extent Flexibility2.42.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Memorization2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Trunk Strength2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Static Strength2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Dynamic Strength2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Fluency of Ideas2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Auditory Attention2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Control Precision2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Multilimb Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Number Facility2.02.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Originality2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Closure2.02.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Stamina2.01.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Time Sharing2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Visualization2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Spatial Orientation1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.40.4
  • Depth Perception1.3—
  • Explosive Strength1.3—
  • Reaction Time1.1—
  • Response Orientation1.1—
  • Sound Localization1.1—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.1—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.33.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.03.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Getting Information4.03.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.62.4Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.53.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
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  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.53.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.43.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Processing Information3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.32.8
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.22.9
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.12.5Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Thinking Creatively3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.02.3Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.02.2Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.02.8
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.92.2Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.82.6
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.82.7
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.82.6
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.72.7
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.51.6Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Training and Teaching Others2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Developing and Building Teams2.21.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.60.7Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.4—
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.3—
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.1—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • E-Mail4.7
  • Telephone Conversations4.4
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.3
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.2
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.2
  • Contact With Others4.1
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.1
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate3.9

Technology

29 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (2)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot

Hot (9; 2 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (18)
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Database software
  • Dynix Digital Library
  • Email software
  • Ex Libris Group Aleph
  • Ex Libris Group Voyager
  • FileMaker Pro
  • HandyFile Find and Replace Text Aid Kit
  • Inmagic TextWorks
  • Innovative Interfaces Millennium
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • National Library of Medicine DOCLINE
  • National Library of Medicine Medline
  • Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) databases
  • SirsiDynix Symphony
  • Web browser software
  • WebClarity Software BookWhere
  • WorldCat

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Library Assistants, Clerical
  2. File Clerks
  3. Office Clerks, General
  4. Document Management Specialists
  5. Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
  6. Stockers and Order Fillers
  7. Receptionists and Information Clerks
  8. Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
  9. Database Administrators
  10. Computer User Support Specialists

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.