Librarian and Media Collections Specialist
Other 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
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.
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.
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.
Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services and provide information about library policies.
Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.
Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.
Troubleshoot problems with audio-visual equipment.
Develop library policies and procedures.
Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.
Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.
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.
Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects.
Confer with teachers to select course materials and to determine which training aids are best suited to particular grade levels.
Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders.
Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library.
Represent library or institution on internal and external committees.
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.
Assemble and arrange display materials.
Maintain inventory of audio-visual equipment.
Maintain hardware and software, including computers, media equipment, scanners, color copiers, and color laser printers.
Train faculty and media staff on the use of software and audio-visual equipment.
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.
Reading Comprehension→ Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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.
Active Learning→ Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Learning Strategies→ Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Monitoring→ Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Complex Problem Solving→ Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Instructing→ Teaching others how to do something.
Systems Analysis→ Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Social Perceptiveness→ Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management→ Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Coordination→ Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Interacting 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.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others→ Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Training and Teaching Others→ Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Thinking Creatively→ Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Processing Information→ Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Documenting/Recording Information→ Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems→ Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work→ Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization→ Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events→ Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Developing Objectives and Strategies→ Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Analyzing Data or Information→ Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Developing and Building Teams→ Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings→ Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards→ Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Scheduling Work and Activities→ Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coaching and Developing Others→ Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public→ Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others→ Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others→ Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others→ Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People→ Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Teach others to use technology or equipment.
Process library materials.
Select educational materials or equipment.
Search information sources to find specific data.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Maintain operational records.
Help patrons use library or archival resources.
Direct department activities.
Confer with others to conduct or arrange operational activities.
Classify materials according to standard systems.
Plan community programs or activities for the general public.
Diagnose equipment malfunctions.
Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
Develop policies or procedures for archives, museums or libraries.
Direct activities of subordinates.
Inspect materials or equipment to determine need for repair or replacement.
Train staff members.
Develop library or archival databases.
Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs.
Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.
Negotiate purchases or contracts.
Inventory materials or equipment.
Maintain inventory records.
Maintain the inventory of equipment.
Serve on institutional or departmental committees.
Operate audiovisual equipment.
Construct exhibits or parts of exhibits.
Maintain computer equipment or software.
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.
Information Ordering→ The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g. , patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Speech Clarity→ The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Written Comprehension→ The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility→ The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Inductive Reasoning→ The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Deductive Reasoning→ The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Problem Sensitivity→ The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Far Vision→ The ability to see details at a distance.
Fluency of Ideas→ The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Selective Attention→ The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Flexibility of Closure→ The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Originality→ The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
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.
Language→ Knowledge of the structure and content of a language - English, French, Swahili et cetera - 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.
Administration and Management→ Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Clerical→ Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Telecommunications→ Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Analytical or scientific software -- Data visualization software; Statistical software
Computer aided design CAD software -- e.g., Autodesk AutoCAD
Database user interface and query software -- Database software; Relational database software; Microsoft Access; Structured query language SQL; FileMaker; Blackboard software
Desktop publishing software -- e.g., Scribus; Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign; Microsoft Publisher; QuarkXPress
Development environment software -- Standard generalized markup language SGML; Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Suite
Document management software -- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
Electronic mail software -- Email software; Zoho Mail; Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise application integration software -- Extensible markup language XML
Graphics or photo imaging software -- Graphics software; Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator; Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop; Microsoft Visio; SmugMug Flickr
Information retrieval or search software -- Classification Web; LexisNexis; Westlaw
Internet browser software -- Web browser software; Google Chrome; Mozilla Firefox; Microsoft Edge
Library software -- Library system; Online Computer Library Center; Web-based search-and-copy cataloging tool;
Object or component oriented development software -- e.g., Oracle Java
Office suite software -- e.g., Google Workspace; Microsoft Office
Operating system software -- e.g., Linux; Android; Microsoft Windows
Presentation software -- e.g., Google Slides; Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software -- e.g., Microsoft SharePoint
Spreadsheet software -- e.g., Google Sheets; Microsoft Excel
Video creation and editing software -- e.g., Adobe Systems Adobe After Effects; Adobe Systems Adobe Premiere Pro; Apple Final Cut Pro; Apple iMovie
Web page creation and editing software -- Blogging software; Social networking software; Wiki software; Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver; Adobe Systems Adobe Flash Player; Facebook
Web platform development software -- Cascading Style Sheets CSS; Drupal; Extensible HyperText Markup Language XHTML; Hypertext markup language HTML; JavaScript; PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor; Springshare LibGuides
Word processing software -- e.g., Google Docs; Microsoft Word
Audio mixing consoles→ Sound boards
Bar code reader equipment→ Barcode scanners
Cargo trucks→ Bookmobiles
Cash registers
Cassette players or recorders→ Audio tape players; High speed video duplicators
Claw hammer→ Claw hammers
Compact disk players or recorders→ Compact disk CD players
Desktop computers
Digital camcorders or video cameras→ Digital camcorders
Digital cameras
Digital video disk players or recorders→ Digital video disk DVD players
Epidiascopes→ Opaque projectors
Film projectors→ Motion picture projectors
Liquid crystal display projection panels→ Liquid crystal display LCD projection systems
Loudspeakers→ Portable amplifiers
Media control systems→ Audio or video editing systems
Microfiche or microfilm viewers→ Microfiche readers; Microfilm readers
Microfiche reader printers→ Microfilm printers
Microphones→ Wireless microphones
Multimedia projectors
Notebook computers→ Laptop computers
Overhead projectors→ Large screen projectors; Overhead display projectors
Personal computers
Photocopiers→ Photocopying equipment
Projection screens or displays→ Video screens
Public address systems→ Audio presentation systems; Public address PA systems
Scanners
Screwdrivers
Slide projectors
Special purpose telephones→ Multi-line telephone systems
Stage or projection or studio lighting system→ Light boards
Still cameras
Televisions→ Television monitors
Video cassette players or recorders→ Video cassette recorders VCR
Videoconferencing systems→ Videoconferencing equipment
Voltage or current meters→ Voltmeters
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.
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.
Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Independence→ Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Innovation→ Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Social Orientation→ Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
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.