Will AI replace Library Technicians?

AI can do 82% of the work Library Technicians do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 4 of their 31 tasks, while 19 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 4 physical tasks. 4 still need a person.

AI is already doing this4 · 4% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.Mostly automated3% of time
  • Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer.Mostly automated1% of time
  • Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.Mostly automatedunder 1% of time
  • Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.Mostly automatedunder 1% of time

AI could do this next19 · 78% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.16% of time
  • 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.10% of time
  • 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.10% of time
  • Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.7% of time
  • Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.6% of time
  • Enter and update patrons' records on computers.3% of time
  • Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.3% of time
  • Process interlibrary loans for patrons.3% of time
  • Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.3% of time
  • Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.3% of time
  • Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.1% of time
  • Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.1% of time
  • Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.1% of time
  • Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.1% of time
  • Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.1% of time
  • Send out notices about lost or overdue books.1% of time
  • Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.1% of time
  • Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments.1% of time
  • Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage.1% of time

Robots can technically do this4 · 10% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Sort and deliver library mail and packages.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time

Still needs a person4 · 7% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.3% of time
  • Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours.3% of time
  • Issue identification cards to borrowers.1% of time
  • Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals.under 1% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

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What this means

AI can already do almost all of this work at least twice as fast. Real use is still behind at 4 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. Expect the role to shift toward deciding what to do, checking AI's work and owning the result.

What to do next

  • Do the 4 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 19 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 4 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 4 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Archivists81%Curators84%Librarians and Media Collections Specialists84%Museum Technicians and Conservators39%Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary82%Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary82%

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