Details for Library Technicians
Description
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.
Tasks
- Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
- Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
- Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
- Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.
- Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.
- Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
- Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
- Process interlibrary loans for patrons.
- Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
- Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer.
- Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.
- Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
- Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.
- Issue identification cards to borrowers.
- Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.
- 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.
- Design, customize, and maintain databases, web pages, and local area networks.
- Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.
- File catalog cards according to system used.
- Prepare volumes for binding.
- Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.
- Collaborate with archivists to arrange for the safe storage of historical records and documents.
- Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.
- Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.
- Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
- Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
- Catalogue and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
- Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
- Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments.
- Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.
- Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals.
- Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours.
- Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage.
- Sort and deliver library mail and packages.
Interests
- Social - Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
- Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
- Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Education, training, experience
- Education - Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Training - Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Experience - Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Knowledge
- Education and Training -Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- English Language -Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Computers and Electronics -Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Customer and Personal Service -Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Skills
None found.
Related careers
