Library Technicians

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
• Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals.
• Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.
• Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
• 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.
• Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer.
• Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.
• Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
• Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.
• Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
• Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.
• Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage.
• Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.
• Process interlibrary loans for patrons.
• Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours.
• Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.
• Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments.
• Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
• Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
• Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
• Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
• Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.
• Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.
• Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.
• Sort and deliver library mail and packages.
• Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.
• Issue identification cards to borrowers.
• Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.
• Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
• Send out notices about lost or overdue books.