Librarians and Library Media Specialists

Librarians and Library Media Specialists typically perform the following 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. • Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions. • Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors. • 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. • Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use. • Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer. • Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials, based on subject matter or standard library classification systems. • Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary. • Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups. • Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies. • Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests. • Troubleshoot problems with audio-visual equipment. • Develop library policies and procedures. • Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded. • Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use. • Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids, such as databases, annotated bibliographies, Web pages, electronic pathfinders, software programs, and online tutorials. • Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations.