Library techniciansLibrary technicians both help librarians acquire, prepare, and organize material and assist users in finding information. Library technicians usually work under the supervision of a librarian, although they work independently in certain situations. Technicians in small libraries handle a range of duties; those in large libraries usually specialize. As libraries increasingly use new technologies—such as CD-ROM, the Internet, virtual libraries, and automated databases—the duties of library technicians will expand and evolve accordingly. Library technicians are assuming greater responsibilities, in some cases taking on tasks previously performed by librarians. (See the statement on librarians elsewhere in the Handbook.) Depending on the employer, library technicians can have other titles, such as library technical assistant or media aide. Library technicians direct library users to standard references, organize and maintain periodicals, prepare volumes for binding, handle interlibrary loan requests, prepare invoices, perform routine cataloguing and coding of library materials, retrieve information from computer databases, and supervise support staff. The widespread use of computerized information storage and retrieval systems has resulted in technicians handling technical services—such as entering catalogue information into the library�s computer—that were once performed by librarians. Technicians assist with customizing databases. In addition, technicians instruct patrons in how to use computer systems to access data. The increased automation of recordkeeping has reduced the amount of clerical work performed by library technicians. Many libraries now offer self-service registration and circulation areas with computers, decreasing the time library technicians spend manually recording and inputting records. Some library technicians operate and maintain audiovisual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders, and assist users with microfilm or microfiche readers. They also design posters, bulletin boards, or displays. Library technicians in school libraries encourage and teach students to use the library and media center. They also help teachers obtain instructional materials, and they assist students with special assignments. Some work in special libraries maintained by government agencies, corporations, law firms, advertising agencies, museums, professional societies, medical centers, and research laboratories, where they conduct literature searches, compile bibliographies, and prepare abstracts, usually on subjects of particular interest to the organization. To extend library services to more patrons, many libraries operate bookmobiles, often run by library technicians. The technicians take trucks stocked with books, or bookmobiles, to designated sites on a regular schedule, frequently stopping at shopping centers, apartment complexes, schools, and nursing homes. Bookmobiles also may be used to extend library service to patrons living in remote areas. Depending on local conditions, the technicians may operate a bookmobile alone or may be accompanied by another library employee. Library technicians who drive bookmobiles, answer patrons� questions, receive and check out books, collect fines, maintain the book collection, shelve materials, and occasionally operate audiovisual equipment to show slides or films. They participate, and may assist, in planning programs sponsored by the library, such as reader advisory programs, used-book sales, or outreach programs. Technicians who drive the bookmobile keep track of their mileage, the materials lent out, and the amount of fines collected. In some areas, they are responsible for maintenance of the vehicle and any photocopiers or other equipment in it. They record statistics on circulation and the number of people visiting the bookmobile. Technicians also may record requests for special items from the main library and arrange for the materials to be mailed or delivered to a patron during the next scheduled visit. Many bookmobiles are equipped with personal computers and CD-ROM systems linked to the main library system, allowing technicians to reserve or locate books immediately. Some bookmobiles now offer Internet access to users. Related news articles Library Technician - Oct 3, 2006 Arts Hub Australian (subscription),The State Library of Victoria is seeking a library technician to provide information and reference support to users of the Heritage Collections. ... Boundary shifts afoot in Clovis Unified - Oct 13, 2006 Fresno Bee (subscription),Fort Washington Elementary School has not had a library media teacher in several years, Bradley said, and uses a library technician instead. Jon Dresser has worked to map author Washington Irving's path ... - Sep 28, 2006 Tulsa World (subscription),Brian Basore, a library technician at the Oklahoma Historical Society, said accurately pinpointing the trail involves many challenges. ... Family gives its own award to man who helped girl enter world - Sep 19, 2006 ChronicleHerald.ca,Mrs. McCulloch, a library technician, has written to several people in the provincial emergency health-care system, urging them to reinstate the stork pin ... Family ties, pearl of their eyes - Sep 21, 2006 Craig Daily Press,Mary Pressley, a Craig resident, CIS library technician and a friend of the family at Ocean Pearl, said the reunion has produced joy in her heart. ... Library tech awarded three silver medals at National Track meet - Sep 14, 2006 Marines.comWillis, a Depot Library technician, recently brought home three silver medals from the USA National Master's Track and Field Championship, which took place in ... A welcome addition at the library - Sep 14, 2006 Whistler Question,Masters of Library Science degreed. We also have one Library Technician and two Community Librarians on staff. The addition marks the ... More information on Library technicians from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Library technicians occupation Number of Library technicians in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Library technicians Working conditions for Library technicians Significant points for Library technicians Training requirements for Library technicians Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |