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
Median pay
$44,580
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$29,300 – $63,080
People employed
68,690
Holland code
CSR
Conventional · Social · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 2.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
Library Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What library technicians do
- 01Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
- 02Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
- 03Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
- 04Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
- 05Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
- 06Catalogue and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Learning Strategies
- Writing
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from library technicians
- Library Assistants, Clerical87% · −17%
- Office Clerks, General86% · +1%
- File Clerks84% · −2%
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive84% · +7%
- Receptionists and Information Clerks77% · −15%
Change into library technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Library Assistants, Clerical90% · $36,910
- Medical Assistants74% · $45,690
- Pharmacy Technicians74% · $45,750
- Medical Transcriptionists73% · $40,410
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistants72% · $48,430
Majors that lead here
- Library and Archives Assisting
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.