Library Technicians
Library technicians assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogues, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. They compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. They also replace materials in the shelving area (stacks) or files. This includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.
A library technician's job is to help librarians to run a library. They assist patrons, organize library materials and information, and perform clerical and administrative tasks which include loaning library material to patrons and collecting returned material, sorting books and other reading material, maintaining and updating patron records, familiarising patrons with library resources and answering their queries, maintaining computer databases and performing other routine clerical tasks under the supervision of the librarian.
How to become a library technician? A candidate requires either a postsecondary certificate or a high school diploma, with short-term on-the-job training. They can advance by assuming additional responsibilities than what has been assigned. With a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, they can become a librarian. They require good organisation skills, working knowledge of computers, communication skills and people skills.
To earn a library technician's salary, one should be able to communicate clearly with clients, co-workers and supervisors. They are required to follow library rules and be efficient in money handling.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Diploma Library Science
- NSQF Level 5 Librarian
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.
Progression Routes
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