Library and Information Science | University of South Carolina-Columbia

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 25-4031.00

Skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingService OrientationLearning StrategiesSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationCritical Thinking

Knowledge

Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageAdministrativeComputers and ElectronicsEducation and Training

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionNear VisionSpeech RecognitionSpeech ClarityCategory FlexibilityWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInformation Ordering

Tasks

Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for furth
Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, co
Open and close the library.

Technology

Document management softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwareData base user interface and query software

Tools

Barcode scannersBookmobilesCash registersDesktop computersDigital video disk DVD playersFilm projectorsLaptop computersMicrofiche readersMicrofilm printersMicrofilm readersMulti-line telephone systemsPersonal computersPhotocopying equipmentScannersVideo cassette recorders VCR

Work Values

RelationshipsSupportWorking ConditionsIndependenceAchievementRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium25-4031.00	Library Technicians	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: advanced (Level 4)(based on Master's Degree)

Operational strategy — lead the planning and continuous improvement of circulation, cataloging, and reference service workflows across an entire library system, setting performance standards for technical services staff.
Staff development — design onboarding programs and ongoing training curricula for library technicians and support staff, mentoring emerging practitioners in service skills and technology use.
Technology roadmap — evaluate, select, and implement new library management software, electronic resource platforms, and digital tools, aligning technology investments with institutional service goals.
Collection development oversight — direct large-scale processing, weeding, and reclassification projects, establishing cataloging standards and quality benchmarks that shape the library's long-term collection profile.
Policy formulation — develop and revise library service policies covering circulation, patron privacy, interlibrary lending, and acceptable use, ensuring compliance with professional ethics and applicable regulations.
Community and institutional partnerships — build collaborative programs with schools, academic departments, and community organizations to expand library outreach and embed information-literacy support into broader learning initiatives.
Budget and resource stewardship — prepare budget justifications and manage expenditures for library supplies, materials processing, and technology, applying data-driven analysis to optimize resource allocation.
Data-driven service improvement — design and analyze system-wide circulation, reference, and patron-satisfaction metrics using database and reporting tools, translating findings into actionable service enhancements.
Digital and web presence leadership — oversee the development and maintenance of the library's web and digital publication assets, setting content standards and coordinating contributions from technical services and public services teams.
Organizational culture and values — model and champion cooperation, integrity, and patron-centered service across the library organization, fostering a workplace culture that supports staff well-being and equitable community access.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.