Library Technicians

How AI is changing library technicians work

4 of 17 measurable main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Green (little AI use yet) — 24%.

This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.

Tasks in this job and recorded AI use

• Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
• Help patrons find and use library resources (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections (main task) — no recorded AI use
• 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 (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Enter and update patrons' records on computers (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Check for damaged library materials (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials — a lot of recorded AI use
• Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups — some recorded AI use
• Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer — some recorded AI use
• Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials — some recorded AI use
• Verify bibliographical data for materials — some recorded AI use
• Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems — some recorded AI use
• Issue identification cards to borrowers — no recorded AI use
• Process interlibrary loans for patrons — no recorded AI use
• Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments — no recorded AI use
• Send out notices about lost or overdue books — no recorded AI use
• Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs — no recorded AI use
• Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals — no recorded AI use
• Sort and deliver library mail and packages — no recorded AI use
• Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment — no recorded AI use

Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).

Your first steps (guidance)

1. Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
2. Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases”. Try the prompt for: “Help patrons find and use library resources”.

Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. The first 2 weeks are free; Premium (coming soon) adds weeks 3–12. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.

Questions about AI and library technicians

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