Library Technology

Library Technology can be regarded as the technology used for maintaining books and other resources of library, with the intent of providing ease to the readers or patrons to accomplish their respective purposes. It may also entail the use of technology for managing libraries and their resources.

Roles and duties of Library Technicians and Assistants

Library Technicians play significant roles in managing and maintaining library resources. Following duties are likely to be undertaken by these individuals.

• Issuing library materials and colleting returned books or other materials
• Organizing library materials
• Registering new patrons and issuing library cards to them
• Answering the queries of patrons and assisting them in locating required resources.
• Maintaining computer databases

Educational perspectives

Postsecondary certificates and associate degrees focusing on Library Technology may be given consideration by the students. However, some libraries may hire candidates with high school diplomas. These educational courses presumably focus on cataloguing, acquisitions, circulation and automated library systems.

This area of study can be deemed as interest-enticing for the students having enthusiasm for managing library functions. However, it is important for the students to complement education with training programs, so that practical exposures of education could be nurtured.

Career perspectives

According to the employment statistics provided by U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Library Technicians and Assistants secured around 231,500 job placements in 2010—with a job outlook percentage (growth in career opportunities from 2010-2020) of 10%.

According to Pay Scale the earning range and median earning of Library Technicians is $21,426 - $42,156 per annum and $29,595 per annum respectively.

Online Learning

Online educational programs are likely to be viable for the students, as online study provides flexibility to the students in earning education. The study costs implications may also be less cumbersome in case of online programs as compared to campus based learning.

AskForEducation provides assistance pertinent to the access of online Library Technology learning programs. In case of any queries, students are required to apply for ‘Quick Info’ requests, so that relevant information could be provided to them.