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Bureau of Labor Statistics > Occupational Requirements Survey > Publications > Factsheets

Library technicians

Woman crouching while returning books to a book shelf 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.

For terms and definitions in this profile, see definitions of major terms.

Cognitive and mental requirements

The qualifications that workers need to use judgment, make decisions, interact with others, and adapt to changes in jobs.

In 2025, more than basic people skills were required for 89.3 percent of library technicians. Basic people skills were required for 10.7 percent.

Table 1. Percentage of library technicians with cognitive and mental requirements, 2025
Requirement	Yes	No
Work schedule varies	21.5	78.5
Ability to pause work (and take brief unscheduled breaks)	68.0	32.0
Working around crowds	<0.5	>99.5
Telework routinely allowed	<0.5	>99.5
Supervising others	31.9	68.1
Supervisor present in immediate work area	86.5	13.5
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-the-job training, and prior work experience necessary for average performance in jobs. The time associated with these requirements is combined to calculate the specific vocational preparation level needed for the job.

In 2025, prior work experience was required for 68.4 percent of library technicians and on-the-job training was required for 67.8 percent.

A high school diploma was required for 55.8 percent of library technicians and a bachelor's degree was required for 35.2 percent.

Environmental conditions

The various hazards or difficulties that are in the area where workers perform their critical tasks.

In 2025, a quiet noise exposure was present for 71.2 percent of library technicians. Another 28.8 percent were exposed to moderate noise, less than 0.5 percent were exposed to loud noise, and less than 0.5 percent to very loud noise. Personal protective equipment (PPE) was used by less than 0.5 percent of workers to mitigate noise exposure and was not used by greater than 99.5 percent.

Physical demands

The physical activities required to perform tasks in jobs. The presence and, in some cases, duration of these activities are published.

In 2025, speaking 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, speaking was seldom required, for 51.2 percent speaking was occasionally required, for 48.8 percent speaking was frequently required, and for less than 0.5 percent speaking was required constantly.

Performing work in low postures was required for 61.4 percent of library technicians and was not required for 38.6 percent.

The choice to sit or stand when performing critical tasks was available to 53.4 percent of library technicians. On average, workers spent 54.2 percent of the workday sitting and 45.8 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of library technicians with physical demands, 2025
Requirement	Yes	No
Ability to choose to sit or stand for tasks	53.4	46.6
Driving	<10	>90
Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs	10.4	89.6
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey