Library assistant programs prepare people to work in libraries. Students learn how to file books, magazines, videos, and other library documents. They also learn how to check books in and out and reserve books for library members.

Think back to the last time you went to the public library. Maybe you had to do some research for a school project that was due the next day. You look up a book in the computer catalog, write down the Library of Congress or the Dewey Decimal number the catalog gives you, find the shelf where the number is located, but wait – the book's not there! Imagine how frustrating it would be to try to use a library where none of the books were where they were supposed to be.

As a library assistant, you help keep libraries running smoothly by organizing library resources for users. You also assist librarians. To do this well, you might take courses in cataloging and classification. Because many libraries use computerized systems for organization, you might also take courses in basic computer usage and Internet research. This is why library assistants who do a lot of work on computers are known as library technical assistants.

There are about 20 library technician programs in the United States. Many of these programs are available through community colleges and vocational schools. There are distance education programs as well.

You can enroll in most of these programs with just a high school diploma. You can receive a certificate or associate degree in library assistance or library technical assistance. Certificate programs typically require a year of course work after high school. Associate degree programs generally require two years.