SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Library Technicians

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Circulation Clerk
  • Library Aide
  • Library Assistant
  • Library Associate
  • Library Clerk
  • Library Media Technician
  • Library Specialist
  • Library Technical Assistant (LTA)
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What do Library Technicians do?

Library Technicians are skilled professionals who support librarians in the management and organization of library resources. They perform a variety of tasks that include cataloging and classifying library materials, assisting patrons with inquiries, maintaining library databases, and ensuring the proper organization of physical and digital collections. Typically working in public, academic, or special libraries, Library Technicians help in the implementation of library programs and technology, often focusing on enhancing user access to information. They may also handle administrative duties, such as managing budgets, overseeing safety protocols, and conducting outreach initiatives to promote library services to the community. Their role is crucial in maintaining efficient library operations and providing essential support to both librarians and library users.

What the work actually is

  • 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.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Service Orientation Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Abilities

  • Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Speech Clarity The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  • Speech Recognition The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Administrative Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
  • Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Education and Training Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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How people get into it

Education of new hires

Bachelor's degree
Associate's degree
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

A normal week

  • Working with Computers
  • Getting Information
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  • Documenting/Recording Information

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Data base user interface and query software Ex Libris Group Aleph · FileMaker Pro · Microsoft Access · National Library of Medicine Medline
  • Presentation software Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Library software Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) databases · SirsiDynix Symphony · WebClarity Software BookWhere · WorldCat
  • Word processing software HandyFile Find and Replace Text Aid Kit · Microsoft Outlook · Microsoft Word
  • Graphics or photo imaging software Adobe Illustrator · Adobe Photoshop

Tools

  • Microfiche or microfilm viewers Microfiche readers · Microfilm readers
  • Photocopiers Photocopying equipment
  • Bar code reader equipment Barcode scanners
  • Film projectors
  • Scanners

Who it suits

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

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Questions people ask

How much do Library Technicians earn in South Africa?

Library Technicians salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Library Technicians 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 and 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.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.