Administer libraries and perform related library services. Work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, educational institutions, 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.
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Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.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.
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.
Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.