Description
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.
Interests
- Conventional
- Social
- Investigative
Work Values
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Independence
Work Styles
- Cooperation
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Initiative
Responsibilities
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.
- Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
- Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
T-A-S-K
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software
- Library software
- Web platform development software
- Web page creation and editing software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
Abilities
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Information Ordering
Skills
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Administrative
Education
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue for that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Consumer Health Information SpecializationCertifying Organization
Medical Library Association
Type
Core
Certificate name
Avid Certified Operator: Pro Tools | WorksurfaceCertifying Organization
Avid Technology, Inc.
Type
Product/Equipment
Certificate name
Apple Certified TrainerCertifying Organization
Apple Computer, Inc.
Type
Product/Equipment
Certificate name
Member, Academy of Health Information ProfessionalsCertifying Organization
Medical Library Association
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Consumer Health Information Specialization - Level ICertifying Organization
Medical Library Association
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Technology Specialist-DesignCertifying Organization
Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
CompTIA Convergence Technologies ProfessionalCertifying Organization
Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
Type
Core
Income & Employability
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $49,191 |
| Median (50%) | $63,027 |
| High (90%) | $82,961 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $60,946 |
| Mid Level | $73,029 |
| Senior Level | $78,810 |
| Expert Level | $105,952 |
Employability
There are currently 142,200 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 146,400 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 3%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 3%
Video Resources
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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