What are Librarians and Library Technicians?
This section covers two distinct but complementary roles in information management and public service:
- Librarian: A highly trained information professional responsible for managing library collections, providing complex reference services and research instruction, developing programs, and administering library operations.
- Library Technician: A paraprofessional who supports the librarian by managing circulation, performing routine cataloging, handling interlibrary loans, assisting patrons with basic technology and resources, and managing day-to-day administrative tasks.
Typical Education
- Librarian: Typically requires a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited program.
- Library Technician: Typically requires a postsecondary certificate or an Associate's degree in Library Technology or a related field.
Salary Range in the United States
This section provides median annual salaries for both occupations based on U.S. data:
- Librarians and Library Media Specialists: The typical median annual salary is $64,320 (May 2024 data).
- Library Technicians and Assistants: The typical median annual salary is $39,310 (May 2023 data).
- Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- Librarians
- Technicians
Day in the Life
How to Become a Librarian
- Earn a Bachelor's Degree: Obtain an undergraduate degree in any subject, though degrees in history, English, science, or technology can be helpful for specialization.
- Earn an MLIS Degree: Complete a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or Master of Information Science (MIS) degree from an ALA-accredited institution.
- Gain Library Experience: Work or volunteer in a library setting (page, assistant, student worker) during your undergraduate or graduate studies to gain practical experience and explore different library types (public, academic, school, special).
- Pursue Specialization: Take specialized courses or internships in areas like archives, cataloging, youth services, or systems to prepare for specific roles.
How to Become a Library Technician
- Obtain Required Education: Complete a postsecondary certificate or an Associate's degree in Library Technology, which covers coursework in acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and library systems. A high school diploma with extensive on-the-job training may suffice for some entry-level or assistant roles.
- Develop Technical Skills: Gain proficiency in using integrated library systems (ILS), common office software, and basic troubleshooting for public-access technology.
- Gain Experience: Volunteer or seek entry-level positions like Library Assistant or Page to build foundational customer service and organizational skills.
Essential Skills
Librarian | Library Technician |
|---|
Information Literacy Instruction: Teaching patrons how to find, evaluate, and use information effectively. | Customer Service: Friendly and efficient handling of circulation, reserve materials, and patron inquiries. |
Collection Development: Selecting and ordering new materials (print, electronic, media) based on community needs and budget. | Technical Organization: Processing new materials, repairing books, and organizing shelves (shelving, shelf-reading). |
Reference Interview Skills: Advanced techniques to determine a patron's true information need for complex research questions. | Technology Assistance: Helping patrons with basic computer use, printing, Wi-Fi access, and digital resource navigation. |
Management & Administration: Supervising staff, managing budgets, and developing library policies and programs. | Attention to Detail: Meticulously handling data entry for cataloging and tracking complex interlibrary loan requests. |
Key Responsibilities
- Provide Advanced Reference and Research (L): Assist individuals with complex research needs, guiding them to specialized databases, archival resources, and scholarly materials.
- Manage Circulation and Reserves (LT): Oversee the check-in/check-out of materials, manage patron accounts, process late fees, and handle reserve lists and interlibrary loans.
- Develop and Lead Programs (L): Plan and execute educational, cultural, and community programs such as reading groups, coding classes, workshops, or children's story times.
- Perform Technical Services (LT): Carry out routine tasks like basic cataloging, processing new acquisitions, mending books, and preparing materials for shelving.
- Curate Collections and Budget (L): Strategically manage the library's budget for acquiring new resources, ensuring the collection meets the diverse informational needs of the community.
Five Common Interview Questions
- "How do you ensure equitable access to library resources and services for all members of your community?"
- Purpose: To assess the candidate's commitment to core library values, addressing issues like digital inclusion, cultural diversity, and outreach to underserved populations.
- "Describe a time you used your knowledge of technology to solve a patron's problem."
- Purpose: To evaluate practical technology skills, which are essential for both roles, whether it's troubleshooting a database (L) or helping with a tablet (LT).
- "A patron is challenging a book in the collection, claiming it is inappropriate. How do you handle this situation?"
- Purpose: To test the candidate's knowledge of intellectual freedom policies, professionalism, and ability to follow established procedures for reconsideration.
- "What role does social media or online presence play in modern libraries, and how would you use it to connect with patrons?"
- Purpose: To assess awareness of current trends and the ability to use digital communication for marketing programs and extending library reach beyond the physical building.
- "As a technician, describe your system for ensuring that all materials are shelved correctly and that new items are processed efficiently."
- Purpose: (LT) To evaluate organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain the core functionality of the collection's access system.
Questions?
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