Library technicians
SOC Code: 25-4031
Library technicians carries a 63% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $39,970 and -6.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 78,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 63% AI exposure, Library technicians sits 26 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 95% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Library technicians sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Library technicians has ai exposure of 63%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Library technicians vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Library technicians is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Library technicians (SOC 25-4031) carries an AI exposure score of 63%, placing it in the Very High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 78,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -6.8% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $39,970, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Library technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
- 2. Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
- 3. 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.
- 4. Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
- 5. Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
- 6. 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.
- 7. Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
- 8. Issue identification cards to borrowers.
- 9. Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
- 10. Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Service Orientation
- Critical Thinking
- Learning Strategies
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Communications and Media
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Geography
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Library technicians?
Library technicians has an AI exposure score of 63%, indicating a very high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Library technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Library technicians is projected to decline by 6.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 78,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Library technicians?
Key skills for Library technicians include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Library technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Library technicians is $39,970, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Library technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Library technicians is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Library technicians?
Library technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).