Career: Librarians
Job Description
Administer libraries and perform related library services. Work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, schools, colleges and universities, museums, corporations, government agencies, law firms, non-profit organizations, and healthcare providers. Tasks may include selecting, acquiring, cataloguing, classifying, circulating, and maintaining library materials; and furnishing reference, bibliographical, and readers' advisory services. May perform in-depth, strategic research, and synthesize, analyze, edit, and filter information. May set up or work with databases and information systems to catalogue and access information.
Job Tasks
Importance %age |
Task Description |
97
|
Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations. |
96
|
Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests. |
94
|
Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions. |
92
|
Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information, and assist in furnishing or locating that information. |
90
|
Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary. |
89
|
Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded. |
87
|
Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies. |
86
|
Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders. |
84
|
Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer. |
83
|
Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases. |
80
|
Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings, to select and order print, audiovisual, and electronic resources. |
76
|
Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audiovisual materials on particular subjects. |
74
|
Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids, such as databases, annotated bibliographies, web pages, electronic pathfinders, software programs, and online tutorials. |
74
|
Direct and train library staff in duties such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use. |
74
|
Represent library or institution on internal and external committees. |
73
|
Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups. |
72
|
Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use. |
72
|
Develop library policies and procedures. |
70
|
Organize collections of books, publications, documents, audiovisual aids, and other reference materials for convenient access. |
63
|
Complete minor repairs and cleaning of library resources, equipment, and facilities, such as dusting and fixing printer paper jams. |
62
|
Develop and maintain databases that provide information for library users. |
60
|
Author or publish professional articles, internal documents, and instructional materials. |
59
|
Keep up to date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors. |
58
|
Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audiovisual aids, and other library materials based on subject matter or standard library classification systems. |
58
|
Collect and organize books, pamphlets, manuscripts, and other materials in specific fields, such as rare books, genealogy, or music. |
57
|
Assemble and arrange display materials. |
56
|
Write proposals for research or project grants. |
55
|
Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations. |
53
|
Check books in and out of the library. |
52
|
Provide input into the architectural planning of library facilities. |
43
|
Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library. |
42
|
Design information storage and retrieval systems, and develop procedures for collecting, organizing, interpreting, and classifying information. |
39
|
Perform public relations work for the library, such as giving televised book reviews and community talks. |
38
|
Compile lists of overdue materials, and notify borrowers that their materials are overdue. |
32
|
Plan and participate in fundraising drives. |
31
|
Negotiate contracts for library services, materials, and equipment. |
Work Activities
Importance %age |
Activity Description |
71
|
Getting Information
|
70
|
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
|
67
|
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
|
66
|
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
|
66
|
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
|
66
|
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
|
64
|
Processing Information
|
63
|
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
|
60
|
Analyzing Data or Information
|
59
|
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
|
58
|
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
|
57
|
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
|
55
|
Thinking Creatively
|
54
|
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
|
53
|
Training and Teaching Others
|
52
|
Documenting/Recording Information
|
51
|
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
|
50
|
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
|
48
|
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
|
48
|
Performing Administrative Activities
|
47
|
Handling and Moving Objects
|
47
|
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
|
46
|
Interacting With Computers
|
44
|
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
|
44
|
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
|
43
|
Coaching and Developing Others
|
40
|
Scheduling Work and Activities
|
38
|
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
|
37
|
Assisting and Caring for Others
|
37
|
Developing Objectives and Strategies
|
34
|
Developing and Building Teams
|
33
|
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
|
32
|
Staffing Organizational Units
|
29
|
Performing General Physical Activities
|
26
|
Selling or Influencing Others
|
25
|
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
|
20
|
Controlling Machines and Processes
|
17
|
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
|
14
|
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
|
11
|
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
|
7
|
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
|