Librarians

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

• Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.
• Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
• Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
• Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.
• Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
• Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.
• Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services and provide information about library policies.
• Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.
• Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary.
• Develop library policies and procedures.
• Organize collections of books, publications, documents, audio-visual aids, and other reference materials for convenient access.
• Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids, such as databases, annotated bibliographies, web pages, electronic pathfinders, software programs, and online tutorials.
• Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders.
• Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.
• Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.
• 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.
• Represent library or institution on internal and external committees.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

• Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials based on subject matter or standard library classification systems.
• Develop and maintain databases that provide information for library users.
• Design information storage and retrieval systems and develop procedures for collecting, organizing, interpreting, and classifying information.
• Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
• Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Negotiate contracts for library services, materials, and equipment.
• Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library.
• Check books in and out of the library.
• Collect and organize books, pamphlets, manuscripts, and other materials in specific fields, such as rare books, genealogy, or music.
• Author or publish professional articles, internal documents, and instructional materials.
• Write proposals for research or project grants.
• Compile lists of overdue materials and notify borrowers that their materials are overdue.
• Plan and participate in fundraising drives.
• Assemble and arrange display materials.
• Perform public relations work for the library, such as giving televised book reviews and community talks.
• Provide input into the architectural planning of library facilities.
• Complete minor repairs and cleaning of library resources, equipment, and facilities, such as dusting and fixing printer paper jams.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™.