Employment Library technicians held about 75,000 jobs in 1994. Most worked in school, academic, or public libraries. Some worked in hospitals and religious organizations. The Federal Government, primarily the Department of Defense and the Library of Congress, and State and local governments also employed library technicians. Training , Other Qualifications, and Advancement Training requirements for library technicians vary widely, ranging from a high school diploma to specialized postsecondary training.
Some libraries require that technicians have a bachelor's degree.
Given the widespread use of automation in libraries, computer skills are needed for many jobs. Some 2-year colleges offer an associate of arts degree in library technology. Programs include both liberal arts and library-related study. Students learn about library and media organization and operation and how to order, process, catalogue, locate, and circulate library materials, and work with library automation. Libraries and associations offer continuing education courses to keep technicians abreast of new developments in the field.