Library technician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A library technician is a person who uses their clerical skills to assist librarians acquire, prepare and organize information. They also assist library patrons in finding information although this is not usually part of their required duties. The widespread use of computerized information storage and retrieval systems has resulted in library technicians handling technical services (such as derivative cataloguing) that were once performed by librarians. Because libraries are increasingly using new technologies (such as automated databases, CD-ROM, the Internet and virtual libraries), the role of the library technician is expanding and evolving accordingly.
Library technicians may be graduates of a library diploma program (commonly called "Library and Information Technician") from a community college or institute. Duties can vary with the type and size of the library but can include: cataloguing and classifying of materials, data input to assist in acquiring print and nonprint materials, and circulation procedures. In a larger library, they may be responsible for clerical staff in a certain section or department. In smaller libraries, where the foundations of organization and operation are already established, they may serve as the library manager.
Using the latest information technologies, their goal is to bring together people, information and materials and meet the challenges of a constantly changing information environment. Library technicians work in environments as diverse as business corporations, professional firms, financial institutions, cultural organizations, public libraries and schools.
