Explore This Path

Library Technician

💰 Earn $46K-$62K

📚 Vocational Training

⏱️ 12–24 Month Training

📈 -6.4% Job Growth

Ideal for those passionate about helping others access knowledge and resources.
Support library operations and enhance community learning experiences.
Engage with diverse media and assist in mobile library services.

What Library Technicians DoAssist 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.

Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
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.
Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.

Library Technicians Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationVocational Training

Career ProspectsRisky (Decreasing by 5% or more)

Training Time1 to 2 years

Job Openings10,800 Annually

Median earnings

California Median

$53,260

Most earn within this range

median ▾

$46K25th percentile

$62K75th percentile

National Median

$44,580

Most earn within this range

median ▾

$36K25th percentile

$52K75th percentile

Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@cjpubliclibrary

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Influencing or leading others
Relating with or serving others
Using data or completing tasks

you value

Having support
Job security
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Active Learning
Writing

Go Deeper: Library Technicians Explained

Library TechnicianExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

find training near you

Find local programs, apprenticeships, or degrees to start your path.

Location

Enter your location to see training near you

What Is the Education & Counseling Industry?