Employment of library technicians is expected to grow 9 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations.
Employment of library assistants is expected to grow 10 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Electronic information systems have simplified some tasks, allowing them to be performed by technicians and assistants, rather than librarians. Library technicians and assistants earn less than librarians; so as more libraries face budget issues, technicians and assistants will be increasingly used as a lower cost method of providing library services.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition