What Does a Library Technician Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a library technician do?

Library technicians help librarians organize materials, check items in and out, assist patrons, process new materials and support programs. The median pay is $44,580 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6 months–2 years, and employment is projected to grow -6.4% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$44,580
$21.43/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-6.4%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
10,800
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award
BLS classification
Time to train
6 months–2 years
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
72,800
Employment, 2025

What library technicians do

Library technicians keep libraries running. They check materials in and out, help patrons find items and use computers, process and catalog new materials, shelve books, manage holds and interlibrary loans, and help with programs.

Many technicians have a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in library technology, and some learn on the job. It is a good fit for people who like organization and helping the public.

Typical duties

Check materials in and out
Help patrons find items and use computers
Process and catalog new materials
Shelve and organize collections
Manage holds and interlibrary loans
Support library programs
Answer basic questions

Work environment and schedule

Technicians work in public, school and academic libraries, at desks and among shelves.

Schedule: Shifts may include evenings and weekends in public and academic libraries.

A day in the life

9:00 AMCheck in returned materials and process holds.
10:00 AMHelp patrons at the circulation desk.
11:30 AMProcess new books with labels and barcodes.
1:00 PMHelp a patron print and scan documents.

See a full day in the life of a library technician →

Library Technician salary

Half of library technicians earned more than $44,580 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $29,300 for the lowest 10% to $63,080 for the top 10%.

$29,30010th$44,580Median$63,08090th

Full library technician pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a library technician

Gain experience
Take library courses
Get hired
Earn the LSSC
Advance

A postsecondary certificate or associate degree in library technology is common; some technicians learn on the job.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a library technician →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Circulation systems
Cataloging basics
Shelving systems
Technology help
Material processing

People skills

Organization
Attention to detail
Customer service
Patience

All library technician skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Pleasant work environment
Helping the community
Certificate path
Steady routines

Cons

Employment is declining
Modest pay
Repetitive tasks
Evening and weekend shifts

Certifications and licenses

ALA Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC): Credential for library support staff.
Library technology certificate: Community college programs.
Digital literacy training: Helping patrons with technology.
Customer service training: Public service skills.

Career path

Library Page: Shelve materials.
Library Technician: Support library services.
Lead Technician or Supervisor: Lead circulation or processing.
Librarian: Earn an MLS and lead services.

Learn the job before day one

Our Library Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as shelve books by call number and process a new book, safety and how to land your first job.

View Library Technician training Is this career right for me?

Librarian

Help people find information, discover books and build skills.

$68,270
Bachelor’s plus 1–2 year master’s

Receptionist

Greet visitors, answer phones and keep the front desk running smoothly.

$38,010
1–2 weeks on the job

Administrative Assistant

Keep offices organized: calendars, communication, documents and logistics.

$47,540
Weeks to months

Teacher Assistant

Support teachers and help students learn in classrooms.

$36,780
Weeks to 2 years depending on the district

Compare: Library Technician vs. Librarian · Library Technician vs. Receptionist · Library Technician vs. Administrative Assistant · Library Technician vs. Teacher Assistant

Library Technician FAQ

Do library technicians need a degree?

Often a certificate or associate degree.

Is the job declining?

Employment is projected to decline, but openings still occur.

Can technicians become librarians?

Yes, with a master’s degree.

How much does a library technician make?

The median annual wage for library technicians was $44,580 ($21.43 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $29,300 and the highest 10% earned more than $63,080.

How long does it take to become a library technician?

Most people need about 6 months–2 years of training. A postsecondary certificate or associate degree in library technology is common; some technicians learn on the job.

Do you need a degree to be a library technician?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-4031 (Library technicians).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Library technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Library Technician