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.

The occupation "Library Technicians" has a relatively high automation risk of 62.3%, slightly below the base risk of 62.9%. This elevated risk is largely due to the routine and procedural nature of many core duties performed by library technicians. Advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and self-service technologies have made it possible for many repetitive and rule-based library tasks to be automated efficiently. As libraries implement more self-checkout systems, digital catalogues, and automated retrieval systems, the need for human intervention in handling everyday transactions is diminishing. Furthermore, budget constraints in many library systems accelerate the shift towards automation to reduce overhead costs. Among the most automatable tasks for library technicians are those that are highly standardized and involve low levels of discretion or creativity. For instance, tasks such as reserving, circulating, renewing, and discharging books and other materials can be seamlessly handled by self-checkout kiosks and integrated library systems. Answering routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries can also be automated using AI chatbots, which are increasingly capable of handling standard questions and guiding patrons through basic information retrieval. Additionally, helping patrons locate and use library resources, including providing technical assistance with computers and audiovisual equipment, is becoming more automated through interactive digital tools and sophisticated tutorials. These developments contribute significantly to the overall automation risk in this field. Despite these vulnerabilities, certain tasks remain resistant to automation owing to their requirements for nuanced human judgment and adaptability. Compiling bibliographies or preparing abstracts on specialized subjects involves a depth of understanding, synthesis, and customization that current AI systems struggle to replicate. Operating and maintaining varied and sometimes outdated audio-visual equipment requires hands-on troubleshooting and practical knowledge. Sorting and delivering library mail and packages present logistical challenges that are not easily solved by automation, especially in environments where resources vary. The occupation also relies on bottleneck skills such as originality, which, even at low utilization levels (2.0% and 2.1%), present critical hurdles for automation technologies—indicating that while much of the work can be mechanized, unique and inventive tasks are likely to remain the province of human workers for the foreseeable future.