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Library Assistant
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $22.57 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $26.06 |
| Top | $29.09 |
Interest in assisting library users in gaining access to books, films, photographs, maps, documents, electronic materials and other library materials, and in assisting librarians in giving tours and providing children's and other specialized library programs
Interest in operating on-line reference searches, performing manual searches and making interlibrary loans for users; and in receiving library books
Interest in compiling information to assemble and arrange displays of books and other materials for publicity purposes
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Library technicians may work in large libraries or smaller ones. In large libraries, they provide services to the public. In smaller libraries, they often provide specialized resources and reference information to a particular client group. Therefore, their duties and responsibilities may vary considerably from one position to another. However, in general, library technicians:
Under the supervision of a librarian, library technicians may be responsible for sections or departments in a larger library. In smaller libraries, technicians may assume full responsibility for library operations, including ordering materials and managing the library's budget.
Academic and public libraries often require library technicians to work evening and weekend shifts. Some lifting up to 10 kilograms may be required.
Library technicians need to possess:
They should enjoy helping people find information, taking a methodical approach to their work and being creative as well as paying careful attention to details.
Library technicians must be knowledgeable about library operations including computer applications. Most library technicians are graduates of related 2-year diploma programs or have at least 2 years of post-secondary education. Employers generally prefer to hire applicants who have related work or volunteer experience.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Library technicians are employed by:
Experienced library technicians may advance to supervisory positions or assume responsibility for the operations of established libraries. However, other advancement opportunities are limited. Canadian universities do not recognize library technician programs and courses for transfer credit to master's programs in library science.
Library technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5211: Library and archive technicians and assistants. In Alberta, 92% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook (PDF) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 1,700 Albertans are employed in the Library and archive technicians and assistants occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.3% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 39 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As library technicians form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for library technicians.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $14.00 | $31.19 | $22.57 | $22.44 |
| Overall | $19.50 | $35.57 | $26.06 | $25.18 |
| Top | $22.07 | $37.38 | $29.09 | $28.10 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $77,461 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $51,667 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $41,876 |
| Educational Services | $39,845 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $34,656 |
Alberta Association of Library Technicians (AALT) website: www.aalt.org
Special Libraries Association (SLA) website: www.sla.org
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 29, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.