• Academics

Librarian

25-4021.00

Median wages

$50,910

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.
  • Data base user interface and query software — Ex Libris Group Aleph; Microsoft Access Hot technology ; Structured query language SQL Hot technology ; Thomson Scientific Dialog
  • Desktop publishing software — Microsoft Publisher Hot technology
  • Document management software — Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat Hot technology
  • Electronic mail software — Email software
  • Enterprise application integration software — Extensible markup language XML Hot technology
  • Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop Hot technology
  • Information retrieval or search software — Classification Web; LexisNexis Hot technology ; Westlaw
  • Internet browser software — Web browser software
  • Library software — Online Computer Library Center OCLC; RCL Software Media Library Manager; Surpass; WorldCat
  • Object or component oriented development software — Oracle Java Hot technology
  • Office suite software — Microsoft Office
  • Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint Hot technology
  • Project management software — Microsoft SharePoint Hot technology
  • Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel Hot technology
  • Video creation and editing software — Apple Final Cut Pro Hot technology ; Apple iMovie
  • Web page creation and editing software — Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver Hot technology ; Adobe Systems Adobe Flash Player; Really Simple Syndication RSS; Yahoo Flickr
  • Web platform development software — Cascading Style Sheets CSS Hot technology ; Hypertext markup language HTML Hot technology ; JavaScript Hot technology ; Springshare LibGuides
  • Word processing software — Microsoft Word

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

  • 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.
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