Library Technician Career Guide and Counseling

Question: Library Technician qualification in Australia? I was wondering if you can point me in the direction of what postgraduate courses I can do online or externally (I live in Brisbane) that will grant me a Library Technician qualification. I have an Undergraduate Degree. Thanks for your help

Answer: Here is a list of universities and colleges in Australia that offer library technician courses in Australia: http://www.alia.org.au/education/courses/library.technician.html Good luck!

Question: what is the difference between a librarian and library technician?

Answer: Nice is close: the answer is that the difference is in education, salary and duties. A "library technician" diploma is not required for library technicians. I've worked in libraries for almost 20 years as a clerk, as a library technician, and as a professional librarian; and I have never known anybody who had a "library technician diploma." A library technician will typically have a bachelor's degree, but that can be in any field. A librarian has a master's degree in library science. It's hard to say how the librarians' and technicians' duties differ, because that depends very much on the institution. In some institutions and for some positions, the only difference is in salary and bureaucratic rank while the duties are almost identical. I have heard professional librarians cynically refer to the Master's degree as their "union card." I think it's generally true, though, that technicians are given more routine tasks and librarians more frequently participate in administrative decisions.

Question: Library Technician or Librarian? In terms of long term career prospects (in our currnet climate) would it be better to study to be a library technician or librarian? -For Australia, that is The two are different qualifications.

Answer: It's the same thing. Librarian is the older name for Library Technician.

Question: Masters in Library Science vs. Library Technician Diploma? I've decided that working in a library or archive is somthing that I would like to do. I know that to become a full librarian I would need a graduate degree. However I wasn't the best student during my undergrad and I'd need to go back to school to improve my grades. This is a lot of work, and I'm a little gunshy of academia. So my next option would be to get a Library Technician Diploma from a (community) college. For those of you who work in libraries or archives, what are jobs like for people who lack the graduate degree? Is the pay ok? Should I just man up and go for the Masters? Any information on library technician jobs is appreciated. (FYI I'm in Canada)

Answer: I live in the States but I thought I'd drop you a line anyway. I've worked as a Library Assistant in libraries for the past few years and am finally going to take the plunge and get my Masters. The pay for a Library Assistant can range from 23,000 to 38,000 a year in the U.S. I've yet to find an assistant job go past the 40,000 mark. I never heard of a Library Technician Diploma but that may boost your pay right there. You can also look into a potential employer offering tuition reimbursement . I found a position that will pay for my Library degree. Good luck with everything!

Question: Anybody out there a librarian or a library technician? Any advice? I feel like I'm getting older (26) yet I keep changing my mind about what I want to do or could do or should do... I have a diploma in fabric art I got awhile ago, not much has happened with it. Now I am taking an online course in animal sciences ('cause I have always loved animals), BUT now I feel like I should take actual classes and I'm thinking of taking a Library Technician Program. So are there any librarians out there with some info on it?? Also anyone else have a hard time figuring out what they want to do?? My main question is how do you like being a librarian? How is the job, the politics, the pay? I would go to school to be one just want to know what I'm getting into. Thanks!

Answer: A hard time figuring out what to do is more common then most people think. But it does reflect what you might want to do by the very fact that you have multiple, and possibly, competing interests. Many jobs lie on a scale between generalists and specialists. Likewise, jobs can sit somewhere on a scale between working with computers (or things) and working with people. The beauty of being a librarian or library tech is that you will work with both. As a career, there is a consolidation of librarian functions and an expansion of library technician duties. Library technicians can sometimes even make more then librarians depending on where you work. I have worked as a librarian for 10+ years and I believe that as a generalist and a people-person, I made the right choice. For many years, I was fustrated by the low pay and the lack of respect that the library institution can get. But as time has passed, I realize that not everyone looks forward to their day at work as much as I do. I also make a competitive salary and am the manager of library departments. There are a lot of advancement opportunities for people who take the career seriously. Finally, one has to ask themselves, will libraries survive the Internet. The answer is probably. In bleak financial times, libraries can be serverely defunded. Often, when people need them the most. But contrary to the Internet, libraries are places with multiple purposes: they are places to gather, places to get individualized in-person help, they have programs for children, teens, and adults, they are a sanctuary in a loud frenetic world. To learn if working in the library field is a good fit for you, spend three months volunteering in one. This usually tells you all you need to know. Hope this helps. - Lucesco

Question: how do i become a library technician?

Answer: Library Technician - Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement: "Training requirements for library technicians vary widely, ranging from a high school diploma to specialized postsecondary training. Some employers hire individuals with work experience or other training; others train inexperienced workers on the job. Many employers prefer to hire technicians who have an associate degree or some other postsecondary training. Given the rapid spread of automation in libraries, computer skills are a necessity, with knowledge of databases, library automation systems, online library systems, online public access systems, and circulation systems particularly valuable. Many bookmobile drivers are required to have a commercial driver’s license. Some community colleges offer an associate degree or certificate programs designed for library technicians. Programs include both liberal arts and library-related study. Students learn about library and media organization and operation, as well as 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. Library technicians usually advance by assuming added responsibilities. For example, technicians often start at the circulation desk, checking books in and out. After gaining experience, they may become responsible for storing and verifying information. As they advance, they may become involved in budget and personnel matters in their departments. Some library technicians advance to supervisory positions and are in charge of the day-to-day operation of their departments." http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos113.htm Click on the link for more info on it.

Question: I am looking for a training organisation that delivers flexible learning for Library Services courses? the training organisation would preferably be in victoria and have distance education/flex delivery courses for Library Services eg. diploma of Lirary Services Cert III in library services as I wish to become a Library technician

Answer: Well, I don't know about programs in Victoria, but there are many distance learning and online programs for Library Science. You might want to start with this list: http://listings.gradschools.com/tango/distance.taf?_function=list&%3C@USERREFERENCEARGUMENT%3E&_start=1&pagenum=1&school_type=217 I hope it helps. Good luck!

Question: Any Library Technicians from NYC Area? I am looking into becoming a Library Technician and have actually become interested in the career and was wondering what dipolma is needed and what College should I look into so I may recieve it. Thank you.

Answer: NYU

Question: Library Science degree? So im gonna get out of high school next year and i'd like to major in library science. I'm planning on being a library technician or librarian. i was wondering if anyone knew any schools in California, preferably in Los Angeles or around there that offered library science. Thank you so much!!!! =)

Answer: That's not a major, it's a masters degree program (MLS). You can major in anything and get into an MLS program - English, history, art, even science. Here are all the accredited MLS programs in the country. http://www.ala.org/ala/educationcareers/education/accreditedprograms/directory/index.cfm

Question: I'm a recent college grad looking for a position as library support staff. Any websites worth checking out? Can you please suggest some sites besides careerbuilder, monster, etc., I can use to look for jobs as a library services assistant or similar position. Working in a library is my dream job, but these jobs seem so hard to get (especially since I live in South Jersey)--I'm getting discouraged and depressed. Please help. Thanks! (PS--are there other library-related jobs out there besides assistant or technician? What are they? Thanks again!)

Answer: Do a web search; Also, does your college offer placement services?

Question: Library Jobs? I'd love to work in a library, but I'm not sure how realistic it would be for me to get a masters degree in information and library sciences at this point in my life. Other than Library Technician, what other jobs are there in libraries? What specific education/training do librarians' assistants need? Is there anything in the library for someone with a 3-year BA? (If it's relevant, I live in Ontario.) Thanks so much!

Answer: The Canadian Library Association provides a good overview of library career options here: http://www.cla.ca/careers/connect.htm You can get a good idea of salaries and expectations from Library specific job boards such as: http://www.libraryjobs.ca/page/home.aspx http://www.fis.utoronto.ca/component/option,com_jobline/ http://www.lisjobs.com/nonus.htm However, if you want a good job you will need to get your MLIS because there is a lot of competition and very few really good opportunities. It also depends on which sector you want to work for: academic, public, corporate... Try asking for a few hours of volunteer work at your local public library. It will give you the opportunity to see more of what goes on behind the scenes and whether the career change will be worth it for you. Libraries are full of people with a passion for information and learning, which can make them very social and rewarding places to work. Just don't do it for the money, because you will be disappointed. ...and it's never too late to go back to University, if it's the only way to get what you really want. I got my MLIS in '99 and now I'm back again, doing my MBA.

Question: literature for an army combat medical technician? Whats some good reading material i can order online to help in my career as a CMT in the Army? A good paramedic textbook or something alike? Theres nothing in the library on camp, and we dont have half as much extra clinical training as we should do! So i want to do my own studying... Any help appreciated!

Answer: The medical profession is a truly admirable career road, but if you discover that you are not suited for this type of work, consider the possiblity of making your іn�οмө by using YOU TUBE, there is a risk fгөө trial here http://niletr.suzukiral.com

Question: What are some good career options for me? I have a bachelor's degree in social work, but I have been at home with my children for the past 5 years. I don't know if I want to go back for a master's degree in social work or do something totally different. I've considered pharmacy technician work, library work, and work in the school system as an aide or something. I like working with computers also, but I'm not even sure what jobs there are in that field. Any thoughts or suggestions for me?

Answer: I don't know, except perhaps you can take an aptitude test here http://gsx1.com/freeaptitest.htm and hope they suggest something interesting at the end, they often offer jobs according to the results so it might be useful, a couple more tests here too http://www.job--listings.info/ hope it helped, have fun.

Question: What do you think dyscalculia is? It affects 4 - 6% of the World population is recognised by the DSM and the World Health Organisation. I have it, It is inherited and neurological, I have also written a book about it, I am the first Mature Aged Australian Female to be tested for it at QUT by Dr. Robert Peard, I was a Library Technician, (retired after 23 years) I am a Teacher Aid, I own a business and I am slowly educating our educational systems. Why is it not recognised in Australia so that we can help our children?

Answer: Probably because such a small amount of people have it, so maybe they say "oh! 4 - 6%? it probably won't happen here, so we won't recognize it"

Question: Library and Information Technicians from Mohawk College? Has anyone ever taken this program through Mohawk via part-time distance ed? I have some questions. Most of the courses only take around 3 hours a week of "in-class" time, but you're supposed to give yourself 10-15 hours per week to accomplish each of them. Did you really find they took this much time, or if not, how much time did you actually put into them? I have no prior experience in a library. Do you think this diploma (which includes a co-op of course) could actually get me a job in the field? Also, did you have a hard time finding a place to do your co-op at if you didn't live in Hamilton? I'm concerned no one will take me here b/c Mohawk is in Hamilton and I'm elsewhere. (I don't know if this is a legitimate concern or not, but it can't hurt to ask!) Thanks a bunch! :o)

Answer: I am in the process of taking this course by distance ed. If you have no library experience, and if you do all the exercises in the modules, you will need 10 hours per week. You could certainly get a job in a library or in a related field but your chances are better if you live in a larger town or city. Haven't done my co-op, (although I already work in a public library) but if there is a library near you, they will likely be glad to have an extra pair of hands so you can probably do your practicum there. Maybe ask them before you sign up. Bear in mind that if you have some university or college background you may be able to get out of doing some courses.

Question: Do you work in a library as support staff? Is this a nice job? Are you a library services assistant or technician, someone without an MLIS degree? I will be graduating soon with a BA in Writing/English and can't imagine working anywhere else but in a library! It's my dream job! I would go get an MLIS degree but I'm burned out from school and the ALA accredited programs are so far away. So now I'm looking into other jobs at libraries and might like support staff. I know the pay stinks, though. But if this is what you do for a living, can you give me any info about it, like why you do it, what you like and don't like about it, how long you've been working at the library, and average salary. Also, did you have to get special training or certification--is this what employers are looking for in support staff at libraries? I'm sooooo curious and want first-hand knowlege of the field. Thanks!

Answer: Right now I'm a library assistant. I do have an MLIS, but I'm still looking for a full-time librarian job. My job right now is great...I love being around books all the time; everything I could ever want to read or watch is pretty much at my fingertips. The work itself is pretty easy in my case...it's mostly helping patrons with reference and assisting the clerks...but that depends on the library. The pay doesn't stink...right now I'm at $15/hour, part time. There isn't really any certification you need, but a good library will always have training sessions for staff members. I would still urge you to get your MLIS, though...even if you put it off a few years. It'll be worth it, you'll have more opportunities, and then you will get paid more too. Good luck!