Who do you Think you are?
The workforce will, to some extent, consist of very able women who, having the good sense to realize that their working life is likely to be limited, wish to start working life after matriculation, not after spending four years in higher education. This I would argue is for the common good. Their profitable working life is extended for four years. (Flowers, 1963 p.5)
This quote from before the establishment of the first library technicians course in Australia describes a general point of view at the time, and later, about the role of education for women in occupations such those working in libraries. It reflects a view of library technicians thought to be long gone. Times have changed, yet what do we really know about the ambitions, success and composition of those who work as library technicians today? This paper will investigate the history and development of this occupation and take a look at who really inhabits the world of the library technician, investigating the truth beyond the stereotype. Over a number of years data has been gathered about the education, composition, attitudes and ambitions of library technicians, technician students and those who have chosen to continue their education further and become librarians. Unique characteristics have been investigated and details about how library technicians, particularly those in the early years of study, match up to the broader education community. The results to date show a widely varied group matching some of the stereotypes and defying others. The picture painted is a complex and interesting one providing a useful insight into the composition of those working as library technicians and raising questions about education and definitions in the library industry today.