| Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
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| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 97 (%) | Description: Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed. |
| Importance: 92 (%) | Description: Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart. |
| Importance: 90 (%) | Description: Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials. |
| Importance: 89 (%) | Description: Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment. |
| Importance: 83 (%) | Description: Enter and update patrons' records on computers. |
| Importance: 81 (%) | Description: Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs. |
| Importance: 79 (%) | Description: Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary. |
| Importance: 78 (%) | Description: Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons. |
| Importance: 78 (%) | Description: Catalogue and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections. |
| Importance: 74 (%) | Description: Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage. |
| Importance: 71 (%) | Description: Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries. |
Associate Degree Entry Level Careers and Jobs
Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less, having 1 year or less of work experience - All On One Page
Sorted by median annual U.S. salary, including % with Associate's Degree (or less), and % with 1 year experience (or less).
These entry-level roles are open to associate's degree graduates and offer a practical starting point for building experience and advancing. For recent graduates or career changers seeking their first role with a two-year degree. Compare starting salaries and degree-holder percentages, then access preparation resources built for new graduates.
Here is a short Helper Video
.
This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select an entry-level career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.
Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree entry-level careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover entry-level careers that might be of interest.
Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.
Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.
Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).
Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.
Step 1 of 4: Select a Career
Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs ![]()
What entry level jobs can you get with just an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are entry level careers (1 year or less work experience) related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 426 specific careers are listed. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those occupations that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of occupations. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:
Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (% having less than 1 year experience) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)
Step 2 of 4: Find a Job
Job Listings for: Library Technicians.
Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career
Prepare for the "Library Technicians" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.
Description: 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.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Library Technicians":
U.S. Total Employment (2023):
93,100U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
93,200
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
100 (0.2%) Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
13,400
| Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Send out notices about lost or overdue books. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Issue identification cards to borrowers. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Sort and deliver library mail and packages. |
| Importance: 58 (%) | Description: Process interlibrary loans for patrons. |
| Importance: 57 (%) | Description: Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials. |
| Importance: 51 (%) | Description: Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders. |
| Importance: 49 (%) | Description: Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer. |
| Importance: 46 (%) | Description: Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems. |
| Importance: 44 (%) | Description: Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition. |
| Importance: 41 (%) | Description: Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals. |
| Importance: 40 (%) | Description: Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments. |
| Importance: 39 (%) | Description: Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups. |
| Importance: 36 (%) | Description: Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours. |
| Importance: 32 (%) | Description: Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials. |
| Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 86 (%) | Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| Importance: 70 (%) | Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
| Importance: 70 (%) | Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| Importance: 70 (%) | Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
| Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below: |
|
| Assist other educational professionals with projects or research. | |
| Classify materials according to standard systems. | |
| Collect deposits, payments or fees. | |
| Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials. | |
| Deliver items. | |
| Develop instructional materials. | |
| Direct activities of subordinates. | |
| Distribute instructional or library materials. | |
| Help patrons use library or archival resources. | |
| Inspect materials or equipment to determine need for repair or replacement. | |
| Maintain computer equipment or software. | |
| Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products. | |
| Maintain operational records. | |
| Mediate disputes. | |
| Move materials, equipment, or supplies. | |
| Operate audiovisual equipment. | |
| Order instructional or library materials or equipment. | |
| Organize informational materials. | |
| Plan community programs or activities for the general public. | |
| Process library materials. | |
| Provide information to the general public. | |
| Respond to customer problems or complaints. | |
| Search information sources to find specific data. | |
| Send information, materials or documentation. | |
| Sort mail. | |
| Train staff members. | |
| Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise. | |
| Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
| Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 56 (%) | Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
| Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people. |
| Day-in-the-Life Summaries These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you? |
| Activity: Assist scientists, scholars, or technical specialists with projects or research. |
| Activity: Collect fares or payments. |
| Activity: Compile records, documentation, or other data. |
| Activity: Distribute materials, supplies, or resources. |
| Activity: Gather information from physical or electronic sources. |
| Activity: Inspect characteristics or conditions of materials or products. |
| Activity: Maintain electronic, computer, or other technical equipment. |
| Activity: Maintain operational records. |
| Activity: Mediate disputes. |
| Activity: Move materials, equipment, or supplies. |
| Activity: Operate audiovisual or related equipment. |
| Activity: Perform administrative or clerical activities. |
| Activity: Plan events or programs. |
| Activity: Prepare informational or instructional materials. |
| Activity: Process shipments or mail. |
| Activity: Provide general assistance to others, such as customers, patrons, or motorists. |
| Activity: Provide information or assistance to the public. |
| Activity: Purchase goods or services. |
| Activity: Replenish inventories of materials, equipment, or products. |
| Activity: Respond to customer problems or inquiries. |
| Activity: Sort materials or products. |
| Activity: Supervise personnel activities. |
| Activity: Train others on operational or work procedures. |
| Activity: Write material for artistic or commercial purposes. |
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Software Skills These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job? |
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| High-Priority Tech Skills | ||||||||
| Office suite software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft Office software | ||||||||
| Spreadsheet software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft Excel | ||||||||
| Emerging Tech Skills | ||||||||
| Data base user interface and query software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft Access | ||||||||
| Desktop publishing software: | ||||||||
| Adobe InDesign | ||||||||
| Document management software: | ||||||||
| Adobe Acrobat | ||||||||
| Graphics or photo imaging software: | ||||||||
| Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop | ||||||||
| Operating system software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft Windows | ||||||||
| Presentation software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft PowerPoint | ||||||||
| Word processing software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word | ||||||||
| General Software Tools | ||||||||
| Data base user interface and query software (scroll table below): | ||||||||
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| Desktop publishing software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft Publisher | ||||||||
| Electronic mail software: | ||||||||
| Email software | ||||||||
| Internet browser software: | ||||||||
| Web browser software | ||||||||
| Library software (scroll table below): | ||||||||
| ||||||||
| Web page creation and editing software: | ||||||||
| Adobe Dreamweaver | ||||||||
| Word processing software: | ||||||||
| HandyFile Find and Replace Text Aid Kit |
| Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job? |
| Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed |
| Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. |
| Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. |
| Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. |
| These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants. |
| Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Education |
| Frequency of Attainment: 29.6 (%) | Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 27.7 (%) | Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) |
| Frequency of Attainment: 17.1 (%) | Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) |
| Frequency of Attainment: 15.0 (%) | Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) |
| Frequency of Attainment: 8.9 (%) | Level of Education: Some College Courses |
| Frequency of Attainment: 1.8 (%) | Level of Education: Master's Degree |
| Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience |
| Frequency of Attainment: 34.9 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year |
| Frequency of Attainment: 28.8 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: None |
| Frequency of Attainment: 14.8 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 11.0 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 7.7 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 2.8 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months |
| Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them? |
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Consumer Health Information Specialization - Level II | |
| Professional Associations These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities? |
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Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) | |
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Association for Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS) | |
Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)
This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Library Technicians". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.
Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.
Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.
There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.
Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Library Technicians
Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.
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