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 or other media; 

remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in 

and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. 

Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.

Cognitive and mental requirements

The qualifications that workers need to use judgment, make decisions, interact with others, 

and adapt to changes in jobs.

In 2023, more than basic people skills were required for 85.8 percent of library technicians, 

and basic people skills were required for 14.2 percent.

Table 1. Percentage of library technicians with cognitive and mental requirements, 

2023

Requirement Yes No

Pace: Pause control 74.9 25.1

Interaction with general public 96.3 3.7

Working around crowds 2.6 97.4

Telework <0.5 >99.5

Work review: Supervising others 12.1 87.9

Work review: Presence of supervisor 72.9 27.1

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey

Education, training, and experience requirements

The minimum level of formal 

education required, 

credentials necessary, on-thejob training, and prior work 

experience necessary for 

average performance in jobs.

In 2023, credentials were 

required for 11.2 percent of 

library technicians. Prior work 

experience was required for 

78.5 percent and on-the-job 

training was required for 81.9 

percent.

A high school diploma was 

required for 66.7 percent of 

library technicians.
Occupational Requirements Survey ●www.bls.gov/ors ●orsinfo@bls.gov ●202.691.6199

Environmental conditions

The various tangible or concrete hazards or 

difficulties that are in the vicinity of where jobs’ 

critical tasks are performed.

In 2023, greater than 99.5 percent of library 

technicians were not exposed to extreme cold, 

and greater than 99.5 percent were not exposed 

to extreme heat. Wetness was not present for 

greater than 99.5 percent, greater than 99.5 

percent were not exposed to heavy vibrations, 

and 77.5 percent were not exposed to the 

outdoors.

Physical demands

Refer to the physical activities required to 

perform tasks in jobs. The presence and, in 

some cases, duration of these activities are 

published.

In 2023, keyboarding was required for 

greater than 99.5 percent of library 

technicians and was not required for less 

than 0.5 percent. For less than 0.5 percent 

of workers, keyboarding was seldom 

performed, for 64.7 percent keyboarding 

occurred occasionally, 35.3 percent 

frequently, and for less than 0.5 percent 

keyboarding occurred constantly.

Performing work in low postures was 

required for 68.4 percent of library 

technicians and was not required for 31.6 percent.

The choice to sit or stand when performing critical tasks was available to 63.6 percent of library technicians. On average, 

workers spent 55.8 percent of the workday sitting and 44.2 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of library technicians with physical demands, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Choice of sitting or standing 63.6 36.4

Driving 5.6 94.4

Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs 10.9 89.1

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey