# Tasks & work activities — librarian

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 25-4022.00 (Librarians and Media Collections Specialists).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Check books in and out of the library.
- **[Core]** Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
- **[Core]** Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
- **[Core]** Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
- **[Core]** Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
- **[Core]** Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.
- **[Core]** Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
- **[Core]** Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.
- **[Core]** Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.
- **[Core]** Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials, based on subject matter or standard library classification systems.
- **[Core]** Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary.
- **[Core]** Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies.
- **[Core]** Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.
- **[Core]** Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.
- **[Core]** Troubleshoot problems with audio-visual equipment.
- **[Core]** Develop library policies and procedures.
- **[Core]** Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.
- **[Core]** Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.
- **[Core]** Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids, such as databases, annotated bibliographies, Web pages, electronic pathfinders, software programs, and online tutorials.
- **[Core]** Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations.
- **[Core]** Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects.
- **[Core]** Confer with teachers to select course materials and to determine which training aids are best suited to particular grade levels.
- **[Core]** Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders.
- **[Core]** Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library.
- **[Core]** Represent library or institution on internal and external committees.
- **[Core]** Set up, adjust, and operate audio-visual equipment, such as cameras, film and slide projectors, and recording equipment, for meetings, events, classes, seminars, and video conferences.
- **[Core]** Assemble and arrange display materials.
- **[Supplemental]** Maintain inventory of audio-visual equipment.
- **[nan]** Maintain hardware and software, including computers, media equipment, scanners, color copiers, and color laser printers.
- **[nan]** Train faculty and media staff on the use of software and audio-visual equipment.

## Detailed work activities

- Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
- Classify materials according to standard systems.
- Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs.
- Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.
- Confer with others to conduct or arrange operational activities.
- Construct exhibits or parts of exhibits.
- Develop library or archival databases.
- Develop policies or procedures for archives, museums or libraries.
- Diagnose equipment malfunctions.
- Direct activities of subordinates.
- Direct department activities.
- Help patrons use library or archival resources.
- Inspect materials or equipment to determine need for repair or replacement.
- Inventory materials or equipment.
- Maintain computer equipment or software.
- Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
- Maintain inventory records.
- Maintain operational records.
- Maintain the inventory of equipment.
- Negotiate purchases or contracts.
- Operate audiovisual equipment.
- Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
- Plan community programs or activities for the general public.
- Process library materials.
- Search information sources to find specific data.
- Select educational materials or equipment.
- Serve on institutional or departmental committees.
- Teach others to use technology or equipment.
- Train staff members.
- Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.