While the term “technical services technician” is frequently used to refer to someone who installs and repairs various types of machinery, it can also refer to someone who prepares, catalogs, and repairs library materials. A technical services technician is responsible for the upkeep of machinery or materials in both cases. However, there is a significant difference between a machine maintenance technician and a library technician in that the former frequently interacts with the general public and may require strong customer service skills. A technical services librarian, on the other hand, usually works behind the scenes.
Companies that sell appliances or machines frequently also install and service them. Typically, a company will have several technicians on staff to perform these tasks. Typically, a technical services technician will be dispatched to install an appliance or other machinery, as well as to assist the customer in learning how to use her new purchase. If there is a problem with the product, the technician will usually come to the customer to investigate the situation and run diagnostic tests. The technical services technician can also perform repairs if necessary.
A technical services technician in a library works in the technical services department under the supervision of librarians. He could be involved in the cataloging process, checking in periodicals, or preparing books and magazines for the bindery, depending on his skills and experience. Almost always, a library technical services technician works in a separate area of the library dedicated to material processing. In a very small library, a library technician may be expected to work in multiple areas, such as shelving books, checking out materials, and even providing basic reference services to library patrons.
The requirements for becoming a technical services technician differ depending on the industry. Electricians and heating and cooling technicians are two types of technicians who work with machines and appliances. In addition, depending on the complexity of the work that he does, the technician may have a vocational diploma or even a college degree. The education required to become a library technician varies, but many people in this field complete a vocational program at a community college or trade school. Some library employees receive training on the job as well.