Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Library Technician
What library technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Check in returned materials and process holds. From there, the day usually includes check materials in and out, help patrons find items and use computers, and process and catalog new materials. Shifts may include evenings and weekends in public and academic libraries.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a library technician working full time.
- Check in returned materials and process holds.
- Help patrons at the circulation desk.
- Process new books with labels and barcodes.
- Help a patron print and scan documents.
- Shelve returned books.
- Set up for a teen program.
- Process interlibrary loan requests.
Where library technicians work
Technicians work in public, school and academic libraries, at desks and among shelves.
Hours and schedule
Shifts may include evenings and weekends in public and academic libraries.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- Integrated library systems
- Barcode scanners
- Printers and scanners
- Book carts
- Label makers
- Public computers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Pleasant work environment
- Helping the community
- Certificate path
- Steady routines
What’s hard
- Employment is declining
- Modest pay
- Repetitive tasks
- Evening and weekend shifts
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like organizing things
- I enjoy helping people
- I like libraries
- I’m detail-oriented
- I want a calm work environment
- I might become a librarian
Not sure? Take the free Library Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Lift book boxes properly
- Use step stools safely
- Protect patron privacy
- Know emergency procedures