Librarian

Career description:

Librarians evaluate books and other informational resources for consideration as additions to collections. They organize resources so that patrons can easily find the material that they desire. Librarians assess the research needs of individual visitors and identify the necessary resources. Librarians arrange speakers, entertainers, and workshops to educate and entertain patrons. They publicize services to their constituency and endeavor to expand the use of library resources. 

What it’s like:

Common duties:

• Help library patrons find the books or online reference information they need
• Organize materials according to the library’s system
• Plan library programs, such as storytelling for young children
• Develop and index databases of library materials
• Read book reviews, publishers’ announcements, and catalogs to see what is available
• Work with the book publisher’s sales department or attend conferences to help choose new books, audio books, videos, and other materials for the library
• Research and buy equipment, such as computers or AV and equipment
• Manage and/or train and direct library technicians, assistants, library volunteers and other support staff
• Prepare library budgets
• Conduct public outreach, such as public relations efforts or fundraising for the library

Similar occupations:

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