Library Technician

Helps librarians by processing books, assisting patrons, and running library systems.

A day in the life

Checks in new books, fixes catalog records, helps patrons use computers, and runs the self-checkout machines.

Pay over a career

Starting
$28k
Typical
$40k
High
$58k

BLS May 2024 library technicians (approx).

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate or certificate in library technology.

Ways in: 2-year college, Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.

Majors to look at: Library Technology (associate).

Outlook

Shrinking (about -1% over 10 years). Estimate.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Self-checkout, RFID and automated catalog updates cut routine processing; fewer technician jobs will remain.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Computer applications, AP English Language, Business CTE class.

Official data: O*NET occupation 25-4031.

More Library & Information Science careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.