Librarians and Media Collections Specialists

Core Tasks

1. Check books in and out of the library.
2. Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
3. Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
4. Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
5. Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
6. Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.
7. Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
8. Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.
9. Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.
10. Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials, based on subject matter or standard library classification systems.
11. Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary.
12. Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.
13. Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies.
14. Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.
15. Troubleshoot problems with audio-visual equipment.
16. Develop library policies and procedures.
17. Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.
18. Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.
19. Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids, such as databases, annotated bibliographies, Web pages, electronic pathfinders, software programs, and online tutorials.
20. Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations.
21. Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects.
22. Confer with teachers to select course materials and to determine which training aids are best suited to particular grade levels.
23. Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders.
24. Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library.
25. Represent library or institution on internal and external committees.
26. 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.
27. Assemble and arrange display materials.

Technology & Tools

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