How To Become A Technical Services Librarian: What It Is and Career Path

What is a technical services librarian and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted Expert

Kerol Harrod

A technical services librarian is someone who is responsible for acquiring, preserving, archiving and organizing various types of library materials that are data-driven. For example, these individuals manage all technical services in a library, including AV equipment, copy machines, computers and video projectors. These individuals also supervise circulation services, supervise library staff, coordinate with other libraries and agencies, and are involved in the purchase of electronic books, videos, video games and other data-driven content.

Most technical services librarians have a bachelor's degree in library science of or a related degree, as well as at least two years of experience working in a public library. These individuals should be comfortable working with library databases and online systems. Also, applicants for positions in public schools are required to obtain either a certification or licensing in most states.

For those individuals who love everything about books and are technologically savvy, a career as a technical services librarian can be a rewarding one. Technical services librarians can make up to $53,000 per year, and the career field is expected to grow 6% by 2028.

What general advice would you give to a Technical Services Librarian?

Kerol Harrod

Lecturer, School of Library and Information Studies, Texas Woman’s University, Texas Woman's University

Much of what I would advise involves just sticking to the basics. Show up to work on time. Have a good attitude and a growth mindset. Don't complain about menial tasks, and always be looking to learn the skills of the next position above you. I started out as the transit driver in my library system, loading and unloading boxes of books that circulated among the different library branches. I worked my way up, and now I am teaching graduate students how to become librarians. Put in the time and do the work. Networking is a huge part of success, so it's important to maintain good connections with co-workers, former professors, and fellow librarians. Finally, consider establishing a mentorship with a successful, trusted colleague who has experience in the position you want to attain. Personal connections go a long way.

ScoreTechnical Services LibrarianUS Average

Salary

4.0

Avg. Salary $50,657

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

5.6

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.33%

Asian 4.97%

Black or African American 6.57%

Hispanic or Latino 7.92%

Unknown 3.60%

White 76.60%

Gender

female 67.67%

male 32.33%

Age - 48

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48

Stress Level

5.6

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

5.6

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

9.5

Work Life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

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Key steps to become a technical services librarian

Explore technical services librarian education requirements

Most common technical services librarian degrees

Bachelor's

52.7 %

Master's

27.5 %

Associate

11.3 %

Start to develop specific technical services librarian skills

Skills	Percentages
Library Services	9.01%
Collection Development	6.60%
Library Resources	5.34%
Technical Service	4.79%
Library Materials	4.42%

Complete relevant technical services librarian training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New technical services librarians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a technical services librarian based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real technical services librarian resumes.

Research technical services librarian duties and responsibilities

Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
Proofread and edit MARC records, perform database clean-up, and maintain records in online catalog.
Coordinate cataloging, classification and processing of books and audiovisual materials.
Identify and refer items that need attention of the cataloging or conservation department

Prepare your technical services librarian resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your technical services librarian resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a technical services librarian resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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Apply for technical services librarian jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a technical services librarian job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

Average technical services librarian salary

The average Technical Services Librarian salary in the United States is $50,657 per year or $24 per hour. Technical services librarian salaries range between $36,000 and $69,000 per year.

Average Technical Services Librarian Salary

$50,657 Yearly

$24.35 hourly

How do technical services librarians rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

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1 Star

Technical Services Librarian reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020

Pros

I'm an academic librarian, so helping students learn about information and research, teaching classes about same, and the intellectual aspect of working with information access around colleagues who are smart and kind. I've also been a teacher and a sales and marketing executive, but librarianship is by far my most rewarding career.

Cons

The pay. The stereotypes. The people who ask, "do they even still have libraries"?

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019