“I struggled considerably in high school. After gaining my high school proficiency at age 16, I enrolled at DVC,” says Francis De Vecchi.
De Vecchi says the challenge of finding the right academic fit coupled with health concerns led to multiple tries at a DVC education. After taking a break from college, they returned to DVC in 2022 and made an effort to get more involved in campus life. De Vecchi discovered newfound confidence as well as a new path.
Fueled by an interest in accessible information, De Vecchi is working towards an associate in science in library technology. “We live in a time of immense information access, but far less competency in information literacy.”
De Vecchi has enjoyed multiple roles within library technology at DVC, first as a student worker, and now as a program assistant and intern working with DVC’s reserve collection. They have also worked as an aide at the Concord Library, applying skills learned through the library technology program.
After completing their associate in science, De Vecchi plans to work as a library technician or assistant while continuing to earn a bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree in library and information science.
The Enduring Relevance of Library Professions
Library technology and library science are critically important today, serving as the essential framework for navigating the digital landscape. Library professionals are the leading defense against misinformation, providing information literacy and evaluation skills to the public. They also ensure digital equity and access to technology for all communities, preserving our collective cultural heritage and intellectual freedom.
“People tend to think that library workers are about books first and foremost. And of course, we tend to like reading and research. But above all, we are in the business of supporting our patrons,” says Tamar Kirschner, Collection Librarian and Library Technology Program Lead at DVC.
The library technology program prepares students for roles in libraries and information centers. Students gain skills in digital technology, archiving, and research applicable to roles in varied library settings. DVC library technology courses are taught partially or fully online, with sessions scheduled evenings and weekends.
Finding Meaning in His Next Chapter
After earning a bachelor’s degree at Columbia University and 30 years in film editing, Eric Pomert sought a meaningful “retirement career.” A visit to a public library led to a chat with librarians who suggested he could take library technology classes at DVC.
Comparing his experience at DVC to his time at Columbia, Pomert says DVC comes out ahead. “It really makes a difference when the teachers have availability and a strong desire to connect with students.”
While at DVC, Pomert completed a library technology internship at St. Mary’s College. Today, he works as a library aide at the Kensington branch of the Contra Costa County public library system – a role that originated from a connection made during his DVC internship.
Careers in Library Technology
Kirshner reports that about half of DVC’s library technology students already work or plan to work in a school library. “In a K-12 school library, most of the staff who are called school librarians are actually library technicians. They oversee everything required to run a library, from class instruction to reference services and ordering materials.” These roles are often attractive to library technology graduates because they can take on the responsibilities of a librarian without needing a master’s degree.
However, in most public libraries or higher education academic settings, a library technician will have a specific role within a department, such as assisting patrons when working in circulation desk services or focusing on materials and the catalog if working in technical services.
DVC library technology graduates have worked in varied roles, including:
- Library Technicians
- Library Assistants
- Cataloging or Metadata Assistants
- Circulation Supervisors
- Public Service and Digital Resources Support Staff
- Technical Services Staff
For more information, visit Library Technology.
Bay Area Job Outlook
- Library Technician: $64,110
- Library Assistant, Clerical: $62,430
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other: $67,540
