Librarians & Media Collections Specialists
Librarian, Library Media Specialist, Media Specialist, Reference Librarian
What they do:
Administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Work in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, museums, and corporations, and with various types of informational materials, such as books, periodicals, recordings, films, and databases. Tasks may include acquiring, cataloging, and circulating library materials, and user services such as locating and organizing information, providing instruction on how to access information, and setting up and operating a library's media equipment.
On the job, you would:
- Check books in and out of the library.
- Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
- Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
Knowledge
Business
- customer service
- administrative services
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Engineering and Technology
- computers and electronics
Education and Training
- teaching and course design
Skills
Basic Skills
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- reading work related information
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Verbal
- communicate by speaking
- listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
- order or arrange things
- group things in different ways
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Cooperation
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Initiative
- Concern for Others
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Data base user interface and query software
- Blackboard software
- Structured query language SQL
Library software
- Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) databases
- Surpass management system software
Web platform development software
- Cascading style sheets CSS
- Drupal
Education
Education: (rated 5 of 5)
master's degree
usually needed
usually needed
Job Outlook
Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Explore More
- Archivists
- Instructional Coordinators
- Library Assistants, Clerical
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Library Technicians
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about librarians and media collections specialists.