How to Be Library Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 27, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increasing demand for library technicians has caused an influx in the number of students enrolling in library technician courses. As a result, more qualified library technicians are entering the workforce and providing a valuable service to libraries across the country. Library technicians play a critical role in the operation of libraries by organizing and cataloguing materials, helping patrons find the materials they need, and providing access to digital resources.

With the advancement of technology, library technicians are also learning how to use new software to help libraries manage their resources. By having an increased number of qualified library technicians, libraries can offer patrons a better service as well as increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Steps How to Become

Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. Library technicians must have a high school diploma or equivalent to find work as a library technician.
Attend a library technician program. Most employers prefer library technicians to have a post-secondary certificate or degree. Technical programs specializing in library technology are available at community colleges, universities, and online. Typically, these programs last 1-2 years and include courses such as library cataloging and classification, library information systems, reference services, and library automation.
Obtain professional certification. The American Library Association (ALA) offers certification as a Library Technician (TLT). To qualify for certification, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete an ALA-accredited library technician program. Additionally, they must have experience working in a library.
Gain experience. After graduating from a library technician program, aspiring library technicians should consider gaining some practical experience. Volunteering or interning in a library can be a great way to gain experience and make connections in the field.
Search for job openings. Once applicants have completed the necessary steps, they can begin their search for a job as a library technician. Several websites, such as Indeed and Monster, allow users to filter their search results by job title and location.

The increasing demand for library technicians has created a greater need for qualified professionals. Those who have the education and experience necessary to succeed in the field are likely to find employment opportunities more readily available. As a result, more libraries are implementing stringent qualifications and selection criteria to ensure only the most competent individuals become library technicians.

To be successful in this profession, one must have a combination of technical skills, knowledge of library processes, and a commitment to customer service. Those who possess these qualifications may be able to find positions that offer competitive wages and excellent benefits.

You may want to check Records Manager, Archivist, and Library Facility Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Process library materials, including books, periodicals, audio-visual materials, and electronic resources
Maintain library records and files
Assist patrons in locating and retrieving library material
Assist patrons in using library equipment and systems
Assist patrons in researching library resources
Circulate library materials to patrons
Prepare and maintain library displays
Provide reference services
Assist in cataloging library materials
Monitor and manage library resources
Keep library shelves and workspaces organized
Monitor and control access to library facilities
Train and supervise library volunteers and student assistants
Participate in library meetings and committees
Prepare and manage library budgets

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of library classification systems and cataloging procedures
Ability to use library databases and online resources
Proficiency in operating computerized library systems
Superior customer service and communication skills
Ability to maintain library records and documents
Knowledge of copyright laws and library policies
Knowledge of library resources and reference materials
Ability to organize and prioritize tasks
Ability to troubleshoot computer and technical issues
Knowledge of basic office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Time management is an important skill for a Library Technician to have. Without it, they can find themselves overwhelmed with the sheer amount of tasks they need to complete. Poor time management can lead to missed deadlines, unmet expectations, and decreased customer satisfaction.

it can lead to a decrease in the accuracy and quality of their work. Therefore, Library Technicians should focus on developing strong time management skills to ensure they are able to perform their job duties efficiently and effectively. This includes being able to prioritize tasks when necessary, create a plan of action to complete tasks on time, and monitor their progress throughout the day.

Furthermore, having excellent organizational skills can help Library Technicians stay focused and on task. With strong time management and organizational skills, Library Technicians can successfully complete all their assigned duties in a timely manner and ensure customer satisfaction.

Library Marketing Manager, Library Aide, and Library Liaison are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What motivated you to pursue a career as a Library Technician?
What experience do you have working in a library setting?
How familiar are you with cataloguing and cataloging systems?
Describe a time when you had to provide excellent customer service to a library patron.
How would you handle difficult or unhappy patrons?
What techniques have you used to organize and maintain library databases?
How do you stay up to date on the latest library technologies?
What do you consider the most important characteristics of a successful Library Technician?
How do you handle competing tasks and prioritize time-sensitive projects?
Describe a situation in which you had to use problem-solving skills to overcome an obstacle.

Common Tools in Industry

Library Management Software. software that allows libraries to manage their collections, cataloging, circulation, and acquisitions. (Eg: KOHA)
Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). a searchable online catalog of a library's holdings. (Eg: Summon)
Automated Circulation System. software used to track items borrowed from a library and to manage patron accounts. (Eg: Symphony)
Electronic Resource Management. software used to manage electronic resources such as e-books and digital collections. (Eg: EBSCO)
Barcode Scanner. a hand-held device used to scan barcodes on library materials. (Eg: CipherLab)
RFID System. an automated system used to track items borrowed from the library using radio frequency identification tags. (Eg: Bibliotheca)
Database Management Software. software used to store, organize, and search information in a library's databases. (Eg: Oracle)
Text Mining Software. software used to analyze large amounts of text data and extract meaningful information. (Eg: GATE)
Digital Asset Management System. a system used to store, organize, and share digital assets such as images, videos, and audio files. (Eg: Adobe Experience Manager)
Electronic Book Reader. a device used to store and read electronic books. (Eg: Kindle)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Library Association (ALA)
Special Libraries Association (SLA)
Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)
Public Library Association (PLA)
Medical Library Association (MLA)
Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE)
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
Canadian Library Association (CLA)
International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres (IAML)
International Association of Technical and Scientific Library (IATSL)

We also have Interlibrary Loan Librarian, Special Collections Librarian, and Instructional Librarian jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cataloguing. The process of organizing, describing and indexing library materials, typically through the use of a standard cataloguing system.
Circulation. The process of managing the borrowing and returning of library materials by patrons.
Reference Service. Providing assistance to patrons in locating and using library materials, such as books, journals, and multimedia.
Interlibrary Loan. The process of borrowing library materials from other libraries to meet the needs of patrons.
Technical Services. The tasks involved in acquiring, organizing, and preserving library materials.
Information Literacy. The ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and properly use the information needed.
Collection Development. The process of selecting and deselecting library materials for the library collection.
Preservation. The practice of protecting library materials from wear and tear, damage, and loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a Library Technician?

Library Technicians typically require a post-secondary diploma or associate's degree in library science or a related field.

What duties will I typically perform as a Library Technician?

As a Library Technician, you may be responsible for maintaining library collections, helping patrons locate materials, cataloging new materials, and providing technical support to library staff.

What is the average salary for a Library Technician?

The median salary for a Library Technician is $35,960 per year.

What skills are necessary for success as a Library Technician?

To be successful as a Library Technician, you will need strong organizational, communication, and computer skills. You should also be familiar with library databases and cataloguing systems.