Library Services and Technology

Libraries are an essential resource in our communities; connecting people with ideas and information, strengthening skills and relationships, and fostering freedom for all to read and pursue lifelong learning.

Working in libraries is an opportunity to do work that is interesting, fulfilling and valuable to the community.

Students in our program gain the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to obtain and excel in technician level positions in all types of libraries.

The Library Services and Technology Certificate of Achievement program and Associate of Applied Science degree are offered in both the traditional and 100% online format. Faculty teaching in the online program have completed a mandatory faculty distance learning training and development program to ensure you have an engaging, valuable, and consistent learning experience.

Did you know Most library technicians need a postsecondary certificate or an associate’s degree. Library assistants typically need a high school degree and usually learn through short-term on-the-job training.

Overall employment of library technicians and assistants is projected to show little or no change from 2020 to 2030.

Despite limited employment growth, about 26,800 openings for library technicians and assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

This program is offered both at the Auburn Hills campus as well as fully online.

Prospective students must meet standard OCC eligibility requirements – there is an open admissions policy and placement tests and new student orientation are required in most cases. Students should meet with a counselor before attempting this plan of study.

CAREER INFORMATION

The median salary for library technicians was $37,010 annually, or $17.70 per hour in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For more information about Library Technicians including job outlook, work environment, and job duties, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What Library Technicians Do

Library Technicians perform a wide variety of jobs in the library setting. Some duties could include:

Helping patrons engage with library resources and services
Providing assistance with library technology
Obtaining materials through inter-library loan and document delivery
Assisting librarians with acquiring new materials and maintaining the library catalog
Maintaining shelves and displays
Repairing books and other materials

CREDENTIALS AVAILABLE

Oakland Community College offers a Certificate of Achievement and an Associate Degree program in Library Services and Technology.

Each program offers a comprehensive curriculum to help prepare you to work in a library setting. Visit our course descriptions to see what is offered.