Librarians and Media Collections Specialists

25-4022.00

Administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Work in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, museums, and corporations, and with various types of informational materials, such as books, periodicals, recordings, films, and databases. Tasks may include acquiring, cataloging, and circulating library materials, and user services such as locating and organizing information, providing instruction on how to access information, and setting up and operating a library's media equipment.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Check books in and out of the library.
• Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
• Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
• Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
• Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
• Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.
• Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.
• Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.
• Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials, based on subject matter or standard library classification systems.
• Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary.
• Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.
• Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies.
• Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.
• Troubleshoot problems with audio-visual equipment.
• Develop library policies and procedures.
• Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.
• Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids, such as databases, annotated bibliographies, Web pages, electronic pathfinders, software programs, and online tutorials.
• Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations.
• Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects.
• Confer with teachers to select course materials and to determine which training aids are best suited to particular grade levels.
• Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders.
• Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library.
• Represent library or institution on internal and external committees.
• Set up, adjust, and operate audio-visual equipment, such as cameras, film and slide projectors, and recording equipment, for meetings, events, classes, seminars, and video conferences.
• Assemble and arrange display materials.
• Maintain inventory of audio-visual equipment.
• Maintain hardware and software, including computers, media equipment, scanners, color copiers, and color laser printers.
• Train faculty and media staff on the use of software and audio-visual equipment.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Data visualization software; StataCorp Stata
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥
• Computer based training software - Learning management system LMS
• Data base user interface and query software - askSam Systems SurfSaver; Blackboard software; CatchTheWeb; Database software; Ex Libris Group Aleph; FileMaker Pro; HTTrack; Inmagic TextWorks; Macropool Web Research; Microsoft Access 🔥; Microsoft Onfolio; National Library of Medicine Medline; Online databases; Saora Keepoint; Structured query language SQL 🔥; Thomson Scientific Dialog
• Desktop publishing software - Adobe InDesign 🔥; Desktop publishing software; Microsoft Publisher; QuarkXPress
• Development environment software - Standard generalized markup language SGML
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Enterprise application integration software - Extensible markup language XML 🔥
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Creative Cloud software 🔥; Adobe Illustrator 🔥; Adobe Photoshop 🔥; Graphics software; SmugMug Flickr
• Information retrieval or search software - Classification Web; LexisNexis; Thomson Reuters Westlaw Edge
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Library software - CATNYP; Dynix Digital Library; Electronic Online Systems International EOS.Web; Ex Libris Group Voyager; Infovision Amlib; Inmagic Genie; Innovative Interfaces Millennium; Kelowna Software L4U; MC2 Systems Auto Librarian; National Library of Medicine DOCLINE; Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) databases; PrimaSoft PC Small Library Organizer Pro; RCL Software Media Library Manager; SirsiDynix Symphony; Surpass management system software; WebClarity Software BookWhere; WorldCat
• Object or component oriented development software - Oracle Java 🔥
• Office suite software - Google Workspace software 🔥; Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Microsoft Windows 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Video conferencing software - Zoom 🔥
• Video creation and editing software - Adobe After Effects 🔥; Adobe Premiere Pro; Apple Final Cut Pro; Apple iMovie
• Web page creation and editing software - Adobe Dreamweaver; Blogging software; Facebook 🔥; Really Simple Syndication RSS; Social networking software; Wiki software
• Web platform development software - Cascading style sheets CSS 🔥; Drupal 🔥; Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML; Hypertext markup language HTML 🔥; JavaScript 🔥; PHP 🔥; Springshare LibGuides
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Process library materials.
• Teach others to use technology or equipment.
• Select educational materials or equipment.
• Search information sources to find specific data.
• Maintain operational records.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
• Help patrons use library or archival resources.
• Direct department activities.
• Confer with others to conduct or arrange operational activities.
• Classify materials according to standard systems.
• Plan community programs or activities for the general public.
• Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
• Diagnose equipment malfunctions.
• Develop policies or procedures for archives, museums or libraries.
• Inspect materials or equipment to determine need for repair or replacement.
• Train staff members.
• Direct activities of subordinates.
• Develop library or archival databases.
• Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
• Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.
• Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs.
• Negotiate purchases or contracts.
• Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
• Serve on institutional or departmental committees.
• Operate audiovisual equipment.
• Construct exhibits or parts of exhibits.
• Maintain inventory records.
• Maintain the inventory of equipment.
• Inventory materials or equipment.
• Maintain computer equipment or software.