Academic Majors

USA

People in Librarians live in

Typical Tasks

• 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.
• Teach library patrons to search for information using databases.
• Keep records of circulation and materials.
• Supervise budgeting, planning, and personnel activities.
• Check books in and out of the library.
• Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies.
• Review and evaluate resource material, such as book reviews and catalogs, in order to select and order print, audiovisual, and electronic resources.
• Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audiovisual aids, and other library materials based on subject matter or standard library classification systems.
• Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.
• Direct and train library staff in duties such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.
• Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary.
• Organize collections of books, publications, documents, audiovisual aids, and other reference materials for convenient access.
• Develop library policies and procedures.
• Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.
• Develop information access aids such as indexes and annotated bibliographies, web pages, electronic pathfinders, and on-line tutorials.
• Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.
• Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audiovisual materials on particular subjects.
• Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library.
• Assemble and arrange display materials.
• Confer with teachers, parents, and community organizations to develop, plan, and conduct programs in reading, viewing, and communication skills.
• Compile lists of overdue materials, and notify borrowers that their materials are overdue.
• Design information storage and retrieval systems, and develop procedures for collecting, organizing, interpreting, and classifying information.
• Develop and index databases that provide information for library users.
• Negotiate contracts for library services, materials, and equipment.
• Provide input into the architectural planning of library facilities.
• Collect and organize books, pamphlets, manuscripts, and other materials in specific fields, such as rare books, genealogy, or music.
• Plan and participate in fundraising drives.
• Perform public relations work for the library, such as giving televised book reviews and community talks.
• Write proposals for research or project grants.