BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasLibrarians and Media Collections Specialists

O*NET · 25-4022.00

Librarians and Media Collections Specialists

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.

Also called Access Services Librarian · Acquisitions Librarian · AV Collections Coordinator · AV Collections Coordinator (Audio Visual Collections Coordinator) · Bookmobile Librarian · Catalog Librarian · Cataloger · Catalogue Librarian
46 more

Cataloguer · Chemical Librarian · Children's Librarian · Classifier · Collection Development Librarian · Digital Librarian · Electronic Resources Librarian · Elementary Librarian · Elementary School Librarian · Film Librarian · Government Documents Librarian · Hospital Librarian · Institution Librarian · Instruction Librarian · Interlibrary Loan Services Librarian · International Broadcast Music Librarian · Law Librarian · Librarian · Library Media Specialist · Library Services Specialist · Library Specialist · Media Center Specialist · Media Librarian · Medical Librarian · Medical Record Librarian · Metadata Librarian · Multimedia Specialist · Music Librarian · News Librarian · Outreach Librarian · Periodicals Librarian · Prison Librarian · Public Services Librarian · Record Librarian · Reference and Instruction Librarian · Reference Librarian · Research Librarian · School Librarian · School Library Media Specialist · Serials Librarian · Special Collections Librarian · Special Library Librarian · Systems Librarian · Technical Services Librarian · University Librarian · Youth Services Librarian

Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code CSI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Human Resources Specialists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CSIConventional · Social · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional5.83
  • S Social4.04
  • I Investigative3.63
  • E Enterprising2.75
  • A Artistic2.65
  • R Realistic2.32

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Bachelor's Degree4%
  • Master's Degree96%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (26%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (37%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (22%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Speakingbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Listeningbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Writingbasic3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Service Orientation3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Social Perceptiveness3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Active Learningbasic3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Instructing3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Time Management3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
Show the other 23

Tasks

25 core · 5 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.4.7
  2. Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.4.4
  3. Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.4.4
  4. Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.4.4
  5. Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.4.3
  6. Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.4.3
  7. Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials, based on subject matter or standard library classification systems.4.3
  8. Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders.4.2
  9. Check books in and out of the library.4.1
  10. Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.4.1
  11. Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.4.1
  12. Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library.4.1
Show the other 18
  1. Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.4.0
  2. Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies.4.0
  3. Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.4.0
  4. Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary.3.9
  5. Develop library policies and procedures.3.9
  6. Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids, such as databases, annotated bibliographies, Web pages, electronic pathfinders, software programs, and online tutorials.3.9
  7. Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations.3.8
  8. Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.3.7
  9. Confer with teachers to select course materials and to determine which training aids are best suited to particular grade levels.3.6
  10. Represent library or institution on internal and external committees.3.5
  11. Maintain hardware and software, including computers, media equipment, scanners, color copiers, and color laser printers.3.4
  12. Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.3.3
  13. Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects.3.0
  14. Train faculty and media staff on the use of software and audio-visual equipment.2.9
  15. Maintain inventory of audio-visual equipment.2.8
  16. Assemble and arrange display materials.2.7
  17. Troubleshoot problems with audio-visual equipment.2.4
  18. 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.2.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.45.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language4.45.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Education and Training4.15.6
  • Computers and Electronics3.75.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Administration and Management3.64.7Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Administrative3.55.3Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Communications and Media3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.93.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
Show all 33
  • Public Safety and Security2.72.9
  • Law and Government2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Economics and Accounting2.32.6
  • Foreign Language2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Sales and Marketing2.32.7
  • History and Archeology2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Mathematics2.23.3Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Psychology2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.12.8
  • Telecommunications2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Geography2.02.6
  • Fine Arts1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Philosophy and Theology1.72.0Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Transportation1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Design1.61.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Engineering and Technology1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Therapy and Counseling1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Production and Processing1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Building and Construction1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Chemistry1.3—
  • Mechanical1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Biology1.2—
  • Physics1.2—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Information Ordering4.14.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Comprehension4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Near Vision4.04.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Category Flexibility3.93.5Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Written Expression3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Speech Clarity3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
Show all 52
  • Speech Recognition3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.4Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive Reasoning3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Fluency of Ideas3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Originality3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Problem Sensitivity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Selective Attention3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speed of Closure3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Flexibility of Closure2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Memorization2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Recite the first names of the five people you just met
  • Far Vision2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Perceptual Speed2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Time Sharing2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Trunk Strength2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Manual Dexterity2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Number Facility2.12.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Visualization2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory Attention2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Finger Dexterity2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Mathematical Reasoning1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Multilimb Coordination1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Extent Flexibility1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Spatial Orientation1.80.8
  • Control Precision1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Depth Perception1.60.6
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Dynamic Strength1.50.5
  • Static Strength1.50.6Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Explosive Strength1.3—
  • Response Orientation1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Reaction Time1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.95.7
  • Working with Computers4.94.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.55.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.45.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others4.44.6Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Processing Information4.45.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.45.7
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.35.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
Show all 41
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.14.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.15.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Training and Teaching Others4.14.9Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.04.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.84.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Thinking Creatively3.84.7Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.64.6Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.44.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Staffing Organizational Units3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Developing and Building Teams3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.93.9Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.82.9
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.63.9Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.62.7
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.71.7Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.2—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.8
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.3
  • Contact With Others4.1
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.1
  • Spend Time Sitting4.1
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.0
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate3.9

Technology

81 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (3)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Springshare LibGuides

Hot (24; 2 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Cascading style sheets CSS
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Facebook
  • Google Workspace software
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • JavaScript
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Java
  • PHP
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Zoom
Other tools (54)
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Apple iMovie
  • askSam Systems SurfSaver
  • Blackboard software
  • Blogging software
  • CatchTheWeb
  • CATNYP
  • Classification Web
  • Data visualization software
  • Database software
  • Drupal
  • Dynix Digital Library
  • Electronic Online Systems International EOS.Web
  • Email software
  • Ex Libris Group Aleph
  • Ex Libris Group Voyager
  • Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Graphics software
  • HTTrack
  • Infovision Amlib
  • Inmagic Genie
  • Inmagic TextWorks
  • Innovative Interfaces Millennium
  • Kelowna Software L4U
  • Learning management system LMS
  • LexisNexis
  • Macropool Web Research
  • MC2 Systems Auto Librarian
  • Microsoft Onfolio
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • National Library of Medicine DOCLINE
  • National Library of Medicine Medline
  • Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) databases
  • Online databases
  • PrimaSoft PC Small Library Organizer Pro
  • QuarkXPress
  • RCL Software Media Library Manager
  • Really Simple Syndication RSS
  • Saora Keepoint
  • SirsiDynix Symphony
  • SmugMug Flickr
  • Social networking software
  • Standard generalized markup language SGML
  • StataCorp Stata
  • Surpass management system software
  • Thomson Reuters Westlaw Edge
  • Thomson Scientific Dialog
  • Web browser software
  • WebClarity Software BookWhere
  • Wiki software
  • WorldCat

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Library Technicians
  2. Library Assistants, Clerical
  3. Archivists
  4. Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
  5. Instructional Coordinators
  6. Social Science Research Assistants
  7. Document Management Specialists
  8. Web Administrators
  9. Computer User Support Specialists
  10. Database Administrators

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

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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. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.