"As Marx said of Capital, this book assumes a reader who is willing to learn something new, and therefore to think for herself" (Sam Stark. "Let Us Dispute." The Nation, Aug. 15, 2011, p. 44).
The job title for the person directly under the librarian (and school librarian in some cases) has begun to change within the American Library Association (ALA), the national professional association for libraries. Until recently the title was LTA, standing for either Library Technical Assistant or Library Technology Assistant. More recently the ALA has begun referring to the position as Library Assistant.
The LTA's job description varies according to the type of library and work he or she does. In a larger library, the LTA may be the head cataloger, or in charge of library services or the circulation desk and its staff. In a school district, typically, there is only one librarian (with a Master's degree in Library Science--usually a minimum requirement for the job) and then LTAs in charge of each school's individual library. Sometimes LTAs may be in charge of several school libraries.
In special libraries and smaller public libraries, due to cost cutting, the LTA may serve in the position of general librarian or researcher.
The possibilities are so varied that it is impossible to make a generalization. The ALA's page on LTAs will give you some indications of possible positions.
Please read the following sites:
Resources for Library Support Staff from ALA
Library Support Staff Positions in the Library from ALA
Library Assistant Work Conditions US Dept. of Labor
Library Technician Work Conditions US Dept. of Labor
Videos on Library Assistants and Library Technicians scroll down to the two titles
Directory of LTA Programs by State
Council on Library/Media Technicians (COLT) This organization for LTAs used to be active in San Antonio. It currently does not have a chapter in SA.
Library Jobs for LTA graduates
Resources for Library Support Staff from ALA
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