Librarians and Media Collections Specialists

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.

Sample of reported job titles:
Audio Visual Specialist, Audio Visual Technician, Catalog Librarian, Instructional Technology Specialist, Librarian, Library Media Specialist, Media Technician, Multimedia Services Coordinator, Reference Librarian, Technical Services Librarian

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

  • 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.
  • Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
  • Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.

Technology Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software:Data visualization software
    ,
    StataCorp Stata
  • Cloud-based data access and sharing software:Microsoft SharePoint
  • Computer aided design CAD software:Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Data base user interface and query software:askSam Systems SurfSaver
    ,
    Blackboard software
    ,
    CatchTheWeb
    ,
    Database software
    ,
    Ex Libris Group Aleph
    ,
    FileMaker Pro
    ,
    HTTrack
    ,
    Inmagic TextWorks
    ,
    Macropool Web Research
    ,
    Microsoft Access
    ,
    Microsoft Onfolio
    ,
    National Library of Medicine Medline
    ,
    Saora Keepoint
    ,
    Structured query language SQL
    ,
    Thomson Scientific Dialog
  • Desktop publishing software:Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
    ,
    Desktop publishing software
    ,
    Microsoft Publisher
    ,
    QuarkXPress

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

  • Working with Computers:Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships:Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge:Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates:Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

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.

Worker Requirements

Skills

  • 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.
  • Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Critical Thinking:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Writing:Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service:Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • English Language:Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Computers and Electronics:Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Education and Training:Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  • Communications and Media:Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Worker Characteristics

Abilities

  • Oral Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Oral Comprehension:The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Near Vision:The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Speech Recognition:The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • Speech Clarity:The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Interests

  • Conventional:Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
  • Social:Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
  • Realistic:Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Work Values

  • Relationships:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
  • Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
  • Independence:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Work Styles

  • Integrity:Job requires being honest and ethical.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility:Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
  • Cooperation:Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
  • Initiative:Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
  • Persistence:Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
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