Library Technicians

Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books; remove or repair damaged books; register patrons; check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who operate bookmobiles or light trucks that pull trailers to specific locations on a predetermined schedule and assist with providing services in mobile libraries.

Job Task

• Prepare order slips for materials to be acquired, checking prices and figuring costs.
• Prepare volumes for binding.
• Process interlibrary loans for patrons.
• Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
• Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
• Repair damaged books.
• Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
• Review subject matter of materials to be classified, and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.
• Send out notices about lost or overdue books.
• Sort books, publications, and other items according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
• Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.
• File catalog cards according to system used.
• Guide patrons in finding and using library resources, including reference materials, audiovisual equipment, computers, and electronic resources.
• Issue identification cards to borrowers.
• Operate and maintain audiovisual equipment such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.
• Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.
• Collaborate with archivists to arrange for the safe storage of historical records and documents.
• Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.
• Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.
• Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.
• Design, customize, and maintain databases, web pages, and local area networks.
• Drive bookmobiles or light trucks with book trailers to specific locations at predetermined times in order to provide library service to patrons.
• Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer.
• Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
• Train other staff, volunteers and/or student assistants, and schedule and supervise their work.
• Answer routine reference inquiries, and refer patrons needing further assistance to librarians.
• Collect fines, and respond to complaints about fines.
• Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
• Conduct children's programs and other specialized programs such as library tours.
• Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.
• Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
• Enter and update patrons' records on computers.

Looking for a job in Library Technicians? Check out these great job search websites. Thousands of job opportunities and reseach for a new career! Includes job search websites from Australia and internationally