Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
People classed as Librarians and Media Collections Specialists administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Its interest code is CSI. Conventional leads at 5.8 out of 7, so expect orderly work with data, records and clear procedures, with Social next at 4.0. The preparation level is extensive preparation, typically graduate school and often five years or more of related experience. O*NET’s skill data points to reading comprehension, speaking, and active listening as the ones to build. Expect to search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions. People who want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures usually fit better here than those who need hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world.
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.
Main 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.
- 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.
- Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials, based on subject matter or standard library classification systems.
- Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Service Orientation
Who this career fits
May suit you if
- You like clear rules and getting the details right.
- You get energy from helping other people move forward.
- You are prepared for graduate-level study and a long training path.
- You are comfortable relying on reading comprehension and speaking.
May not suit you if
- You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
- You want to work with your hands for most of the day. Realistic rates 2.3 out of 7 here.
- You want to be working in the field within the next few years.
Interest profile
O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CSI takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.
Preparation
Extensive preparation. Many jobs here need graduate study, and people often spend five years or more building specialist experience.
Also called
- Catalog Librarian
- Cataloger
- Librarian
- Library Media Specialist
- Reference and Instruction Librarian
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.