Librarians

Bookmark Print History Journal
x

Journal


    • Please sign in to view journal entries
x

Your Employment History in this Occupation

Please sign in to view Employment History
x
Rating
x

Please fill out the fields below to e-mail someone a link to this page

x
Please sign in to bookmark occupations

About the Job

Administer libraries and perform related library services. Work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, educational institutions, museums, corporations, government agencies, law firms, non-profit organizations, and healthcare providers. Tasks may include selecting, acquiring, cataloguing, classifying, circulating, and maintaining library materials; and furnishing reference, bibliographical, and readers' advisory services. May perform in-depth, strategic research, and synthesize, analyze, edit, and filter information. May set up or work with databases and information systems to catalogue and access information.

It is also Called

  • Access Services Librarian
  • Acquisitions Librarian
  • Administrative Librarian
  • Adult Reference Librarian
  • Adult Services Librarian
  • Archival Collections Librarian
  • Audio-Visual Librarian
  • Automation Librarian
  • Bibliographer
  • Bookmobile Librarian

What They Do

  • Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information, and assist in furnishing or locating that information.
  • Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
  • Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
  • Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.
  • Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings, to select and order print, audiovisual, and electronic resources.
  • Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.
  • 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.
  • Develop library policies and procedures.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: CSE.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Conventional interests, but also prefer Social and Enterprising environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Relationships, but also value Working Conditions and Independence in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

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

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • 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.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Education Required

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).

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $69,270.00 with most people making between $42,120.00 and $95,120.00

Outlook

0.53%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 9,400 people in California. It is projected that there will be 10,000 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 50 openings due to growth and about 250 replacement openings for approximately 300 total annual openings.



California Career Resource Network