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Librarians and Media Collections Specialists

Librarians and Media Collections Specialists

Overview
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Examples

These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, neurologists, and veterinarians.

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.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $34K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $47K
Median Salary: $60K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $77K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $97K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core 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.

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.

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.

Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary.

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.

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.

Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations.

Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders.

Maintain inventory of audio-visual equipment.

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.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
Data visualization software
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Desktop publishing software
Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
Development environment software
Standard generalized markup language SGML
Document management software
Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise application integration software
Extensible markup language XML
Graphics or photo imaging software
Microsoft Visio
Information retrieval or search software
LexisNexis
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Library software
WorldCat
Object or component oriented development software
Oracle Java
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software
Microsoft SharePoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Video creation and editing software
Apple Final Cut Pro
Web page creation and editing software
Facebook
Web platform development software
Hypertext markup language HTML
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Audio and visual presentation and composing equipment
Microfilm readers
Communications Devices and Accessories
Multi-line telephone systems
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Desktop computers
Consumer electronics
Portable amplifiers
Hand tools
Claw hammers
Lighting Fixtures and Accessories
Light boards
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Voltmeters
Motor vehicles
Bookmobiles
Office machines and their supplies and accessories
Cash registers
Photographic or filming or video equipment
Digital camcorders
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Customer and Personal Service
92%
Importance

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.

English Language
91%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics
86%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Education and Training
83%
Importance

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
73%
Importance

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
71%
Importance

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
68%
Importance

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
61%
Importance

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Public Safety and Security
59%
Importance

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Personnel and Human Resources
56%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Top 10 Skills
Active Listening
77%
Importance

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
73%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking
73%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking
70%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Writing
69%
Importance

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Learning
65%
Importance

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Judgment and Decision Making
65%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Learning Strategies
64%
Importance

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Monitoring
64%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Complex Problem Solving
63%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Top 10 Abilities
Oral Expression
79%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Oral Comprehension
78%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Near Vision
75%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Speech Recognition
74%
Importance

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Information Ordering
73%
Importance

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
73%
Importance

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Written Comprehension
72%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Written Expression
72%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Category Flexibility
69%
Importance

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Inductive Reasoning
69%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Top 10 Work Activities
Interacting With Computers
97%
Importance

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
92%
Importance

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
89%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
88%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Getting Information
87%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
83%
Importance

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Thinking Creatively
79%
Importance

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Training and Teaching Others
79%
Importance

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Processing Information
78%
Importance

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Documenting/Recording Information
77%
Importance

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Detailed Work Activities

Process library materials.

Teach others to use technology or equipment.

Select educational materials or equipment.

Maintain operational records.

Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.

Search information sources to find specific data.

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.

Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.

Diagnose equipment malfunctions.

Develop policies or procedures for archives, museums or libraries.

Train staff members.

Direct activities of subordinates.

Inspect materials or equipment to determine need for repair or replacement.

Develop library or archival databases.

Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.

Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.

Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs.

Negotiate purchases or contracts.

Order instructional or library materials or equipment.

Serve on institutional or departmental committees.

Operate audiovisual equipment.

Construct exhibits or parts of exhibits.

Maintain inventory records.

Maintain the inventory of equipment.

Inventory materials or equipment.

Maintain computer equipment or software.

Majors
Major
Educational/Instructional Media Design
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Library Science and Administration
Interests
Conventional
89%
Importance

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
72%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Realistic
55%
Importance

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.

Enterprising
48%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Investigative
46%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Artistic
34%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Top 10 Work Styles
Integrity
89%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Adaptability/Flexibility
88%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Cooperation
88%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Dependability
85%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Initiative
85%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Persistence
85%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Achievement/Effort
84%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Attention to Detail
84%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Independence
83%
Importance

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
82%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Work Values
Relationships
84%
Importance

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
78%
Importance

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
74%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Achievement
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Support
60%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Recognition
53%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.