Library technicians perform various tasks such as cataloging, managing circulation desks, and providing reference assistance. The job description varies based on the library’s needs and budget. They may also supervise volunteers and require completion of a professional program or on-the-job training.
Different types of library technician jobs include preparing books, cataloging and managing circulation desks. In addition, a library technician may be involved in other aspects of managing a library, including providing basic reference assistance or assistance with library programs. The library technician job description varies according to the hiring library’s needs, role, and budget. Some library technician jobs may also include limited management duties, particularly in relation to library volunteers or outreach services such as bookmobiles.
A library technician, sometimes known as a library aide, is someone who works under the supervision of a librarian or librarian in a library. The available library technician jobs often depend on the nature of a library. Public and academic libraries often add and curate their collections, providing a lot of work for library technicians. Technicians may be involved in preparing newly acquired books for inclusion in the library’s collection, as well as assessing the condition of older books and determining whether they should be repaired or retired. A library technician will usually also be responsible for entering information about books, magazines, and other items into a library’s computer systems.
After books and other materials are returned to the library, a library technician usually enters the return into the library’s computers. Technicians are usually responsible for reworking books and ensuring that library materials are where they are supposed to be. In some cases, a library technician may also be responsible for supervising library volunteers, who may perform some of the library’s more routine tasks, such as remodeling and processing library card applications.
In addition to processing and repairing books, other jobs for library technicians include those that require a significant amount of work with the public. A library technician may be assigned to the circulation desk, where he is expected to check out books to patrons, collect fines and fees, and help new patrons apply for library cards. The technical librarian may also be responsible for providing limited reference assistance to patrons who need to find common reference materials, although in most cases librarians are tasked with assisting patrons with more involved reference or research needs.
The education and training required for most library technician jobs usually involves completing a professional library technician program. Some employers, however, do not require completion of a formal program but may train new employees on the job. In academic, legal, or corporate libraries, library technician jobs may be reserved for those who have a college degree in addition to specific training in library jobs.
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