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Boston Career Explorer

Educational Instruction and Library

Library Technicians

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.

Also called: Circulation Clerk, Library Aide, Library Assistant, Library Associate, Library Clerk, Library Media Technician

Median pay in Greater Boston
$57,330
$27.56/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
1,290
Massachusetts 2024–2034
−6.2%
320 openings a year
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Postsecondary nondegree award

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$39,430$47,330$57,330$63,010$71,650

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
  • Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
  • 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.
  • Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
  • Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
  • 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.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Moderate exposure61 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 47
  • Language-model AIOE 51
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 85

Observed AI use today: Some (Anthropic Economic Index)

Library technicians have moderate AI exposure, and observed AI use is at the "some" level. Checking items in and out and answering routine questions are tasks that tools can help with or change. Helping patrons in person, shelving, and moving materials still need people. Massachusetts projects this job to shrink about 6.2% from 2024 to 2034, so exploring options may be wise.

Likely to change

  • Checking materials in and out
  • Answering routine reference questions

Still relies on people

  • Helping patrons find and use resources
  • Shelving, delivering, and repairing materials

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

Next steps from here

Related jobs that build on what you already do.

  • Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

    Helping people and keeping accurate records carry over, and the entry level is similar. This move offers a Boston median pay of $82,190.

    Pay difference
    +$24,860 median
    AI exposure
    Moderate
    MA growth
    +2.9%
    To get started
    Postsecondary nondegree award

  • Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

    Checking paperwork for accuracy and moving items carry over. This move has much lower AI exposure and 8.5% projected growth in Massachusetts.

    Pay difference
    +$6,680 median
    AI exposure
    Lower
    MA growth
    +8.5%
    To get started
    Postsecondary nondegree award

  • Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

    Repairing damaged items and careful handling carry over. This move has much lower AI exposure and similar pay, with 5.2% projected growth.

    Pay difference
    +$2,340 median
    AI exposure
    Lower
    MA growth
    +5.2%
    To get started
    High school diploma or equivalent

Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

No college programs near Boston map to this job. Many people enter through on-the-job training or apprenticeship.

Talk to a career coach at the Office of Workforce Development about apprenticeships and City partner programs.

Related occupations

Talk to a career coach

A coach at the Office of Workforce Development can help you plan your next step, and connect you with training, apprenticeships and City partner programs that are not listed here.

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