Library Technicians

25-4031.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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.
• 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.
• Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
• Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
• Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
• Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
• Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
• Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.
• Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.
• Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.
• Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.
• Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage.
• Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.
• Issue identification cards to borrowers.
• Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.
• Process interlibrary loans for patrons.
• Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments.
• Send out notices about lost or overdue books.
• Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer.
• Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.
• Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours.
• Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.
• Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals.
• Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.
• Design, customize, and maintain databases, web pages, and local area networks.
• Sort and deliver library mail and packages.
• Collaborate with archivists to arrange for the safe storage of historical records and documents.
• Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.
• Prepare volumes for binding.
• File catalog cards according to system used.
• Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.

Technology Skills

• Data base user interface and query software - Database software; Ex Libris Group Aleph; FileMaker Pro; Inmagic TextWorks; Microsoft Access 🔥; National Library of Medicine Medline
• Desktop publishing software - Adobe InDesign 🔥; Microsoft Publisher
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Email software
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Illustrator 🔥; Adobe Photoshop 🔥
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Library software - Dynix Digital Library; Ex Libris Group Voyager; Innovative Interfaces Millennium; National Library of Medicine DOCLINE; Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) databases; SirsiDynix Symphony; WebClarity Software BookWhere; WorldCat
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Microsoft Windows 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Web page creation and editing software - Adobe Dreamweaver
• Word processing software - HandyFile Find and Replace Text Aid Kit; Microsoft Outlook 🔥; Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Process library materials.
• Provide information to the general public.
• Help patrons use library or archival resources.
• Classify materials according to standard systems.
• Maintain operational records.
• Assist other educational professionals with projects or research.
• Maintain computer equipment or software.
• Inspect materials or equipment to determine need for repair or replacement.
• Train staff members.
• Direct activities of subordinates.
• Search information sources to find specific data.
• Develop instructional materials.
• Distribute instructional or library materials.
• Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
• Plan community programs or activities for the general public.
• Organize informational materials.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
• Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.
• Develop library or archival databases.
• Sort mail.
• Deliver items.
• Confer with others to conduct or arrange operational activities.
• Operate audiovisual equipment.
• Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.