Library Technicians

Library technicians help librarians acquire, prepare, and organize materials and help users to find those materials. Library technicians usually work under the supervision of a librarian, although they often work independently. Technicians in small libraries handle a range of duties. Those in large libraries usually specialize.

The work of library technicians include (but is not limited to) directing library users to standard references, organizing and maintaining periodicals, preparing volumes for binding, handling interlibrary loan requests, preparing invoices, performing routine cataloguing and coding of library materials, and retrieving information from computer databases.

Training requirements for library technicians vary widely, ranging from a high school diploma to specialized postsecondary training. Some employers only hire individuals who have library work experience or college training related to libraries; others train inexperienced workers on the job.

For information about education for Library Technicians, as well as other positions within the library, please visit:

If you have questions or want to discuss education possibilities, contact Beatrice Calvin, Manager, Professional Development, ALA Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment at 800/545-2433 ext. 4280 or email her at bcalvin@ala.org .