Library Technicians

Library Technicians score 57 out of 100, which is elevated exposure to AI. That ranks #122 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 35 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 14 on its own and 12 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 7 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

57/ 100

Elevated

Rank: #122of 923 jobs
US workers: 68,690BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $44,580a year
In real AI use: 7 of 35tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 14 (40%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 12 (34%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 9 (26%)

Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Enter and update patrons' records on computers.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
Send out notices about lost or overdue books.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
Design, customize, and maintain databases, web pages, and local area networks.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
File catalog cards according to system used.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
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.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
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.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Process interlibrary loans for patrons.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Collaborate with archivists to arrange for the safe storage of historical records and documents.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Issue identification cards to borrowers.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Sort and deliver library mail and packages.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Prepare volumes for binding.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

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Questions about library technicians and AI

Will AI replace library technicians?

Not entirely. Parts of the job are likely to change as AI takes over routine tasks. Library Technicians score 57 out of 100 (elevated exposure), #122 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 26 of the job's 35 tasks, 14 of them on its own, while 9 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which library technicians tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary"; "Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections"; "Enter and update patrons' records on computers".

Which library technicians tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart"; "Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons"; "Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 7 of the 35 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as library technicians, and what do they earn?

About 68,690 people in the US, with median pay of $44,580 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.