According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Check books in and out of the library. | 87% |
| Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases. | 87% |
| Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources. | 83% |
| Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions. | 82% |
| Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors. | 82% |
| Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information. | 81% |
| Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations. | 81% |
| Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use. | 81% |
| Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer. | 79% |
| Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials, based on subject matter or standard library classification systems. | 77% |
| Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary. | 77% |
| Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups. | 77% |
| Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies. | 77% |
| Troubleshoot problems with audio-visual equipment. | 75% |
| Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests. | 75% |
| Develop library policies and procedures. | 75% |
| Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use. | 74% |
| Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded. | 74% |
| Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids, such as databases, annotated bibliographies, Web pages, electronic pathfinders, software programs, and online tutorials. | 73% |
| Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations. | 72% |
| Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders. | 71% |
| Confer with teachers to select course materials and to determine which training aids are best suited to particular grade levels. | 71% |
| Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects. | 71% |
| Maintain inventory of audio-visual equipment. | 71% |
| Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library. | 70% |
| Represent library or institution on internal and external committees. | 68% |
| 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. | 66% |
| Assemble and arrange display materials. | 62% |
