Library and Public Archive Technicians
(NOC 5211)
in All Arts, Culture, Recreation and SportLibrary and public archive technicians assist users in accessing library or archive resources, assist in describing new acquisitions, participate in archive processing and storage, and conduct reference searches. They are employed by libraries and public archives.
Job Outlook
Limited
Read more
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “limited”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is below average when compared with other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent and jobseekers may face competition. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Library and Public Archive Technicians most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 37% of Library and Public Archive Technicians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $38,152. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,102
Minimum$33,816
Median$45,992
MaximumCompared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$16.00
Median$31.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Library and public archive technicians assist users in accessing library or archive resources, assist in describing new acquisitions, participate in archive processing and storage, and conduct reference searches. They are employed by libraries and public archives.
Job duties
Library technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Assist library users in accessing books, films, photographs, maps, documents, electronic materials and other library materials.
- Catalogue new library acquisitions under the direction of a librarian.
- Perform manual and on-line reference searches and make interlibrary loans for users.
- Assist librarians in giving tours and providing children's and other specialized library programs.
Public archive technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Assist in developing inventories, forms and finding aids.
- Implement and update classification plans and records scheduling and disposal plans.
- Apply standards and policies for storage of records and archival materials.
- Codify and classify archival materials.
- Put archival materials on microfilm or in databases.
- Transfer materials from current to semi-current status or put into permanent storage.
- Purge, sort, reduce and sample archives.
- Research and retrieve archival materials.
- Participate in instructing and assisting users.
- Ensure that proper procedures are followed in the use of computerized document management systems.
Sample job titles
- archival assistant
- archival management technician
- archive assistant
- archive attendant
- archive technician
- assistant music librarian
- cataloguing technician
- library technician
- technical indexer - library
Skills
For this type of work, you should be patient and organized, and have good research skills. Both oral and written communication skills are essential. You must be able to work unsupervised with library or museum users, and cooperate with co-workers. Good computer skills and knowledge about audiovisual equipment are strongly recommended. Knowledge of literature is also an asset.
Job requirements
- Library technicians usually require completion of a two- to three-year college program in library and information technology.
- Public archive technicians require completion of a college diploma or certificate program in archive and document management technology.
Other considerations
None
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Southern
Northern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Educational Services
Information, Culture & Recreation
Health Care and Social Assistance
Other Industries
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
65+
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$25,892 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$22,451 median annual incomeDoctorate
N/AHigh school
$8,447 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$14,801 median annual incomeCompared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor's degree
$19,705 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,127 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$20,158 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,298 median annual incomeMaster's degree
N/AEducation & training
Library assistant/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to assist professional librarians. These programs include courses in principles, systems, processes, and procedures of library operation; library resources and services; processes of acquisition, cataloguing, storage, and display systems; discovery and retrieval of requested materials; management of books, periodicals, and other documents.
Institutions providing this program
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Unit 37, 115 Chain Lake Drive
Halifax, NS B3S 1B3
(877) 491-6774
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.