Librarians & Media Collections Specialists
Librarian, Library Media Specialist, Reference Librarian, University 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:
- Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
- Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.
- Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
Knowledge
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Business
- customer service
- management
Education and Training
- teaching and course design
Engineering and Technology
- computers and electronics
Skills
Basic Skills
- reading work related information
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
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
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Social Orientation
- Empathy
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Data base user interface and query software
- Blackboard software
- Structured query language SQL Hot Technology
Library software
- Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) databases
- Surpass management system software
Web platform development software
- Cascading style sheets CSS Hot Technology
- PHP Hot Technology
Education
Education: (rated 4 of 4)
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 & Media Collections Specialists.