Librarian

Working Schedule

• Librarians work full-time, with many positions requiring weekend or nighttime work. Those who work on school campuses may be off during the same break periods as other employees. Some private company jobs may expect overtime.    

Typical Duties

• Review catalogs and order inventory 
• Curate a wide variety of materials of relevant interest for patrons, based on the function of the library (i.e., public, academic, legal, business, medical, etc.)
• Maintain an organized library database and system of reference
• Add incoming materials to the library database 
• Apply call number labels to book spines
• Provide customer services, such as helping patrons find materials and resources
• Sign up patrons for library membership cards
• Check books and materials out to patrons, with assigned return due dates
• Check books and materials back into the system when returned, while assessing for damage
• Apply late fees or other charges, as needed
• Put items back on shelves 
• Read book reviews and announcements
• Plan and manage budgets, as needed
• Order computer and other IT resources
• Ensure accessibility and compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards
• Manage online library resources 
• Create recommended reading lists
• Work with vendors, as applicable 
• Utilize interlibrary loan opportunities
• Ensure audiovisual equipment is in good working order
• Create and enforce library procedures and policies, such as rules for conduct
• Develop and plan programs and activities for the library to host
• Train and supervise library technicians, assistants, staff, and volunteers

Additional Responsibilities

• Design eye-catching displays that are suitable for patrons and the community
• Resolve problems with equipment, customer complaints, or worker disputes
• Liaison with management, government offices, or other organizations on various decisions
• Coordinate with building managers on maintenance, safety, and parking issues

Soft Skills

• Attention to detail
• Collaboration 
• Communication skills
• Creativity
• Customer service
• Interpersonal skills 
• Monitoring
• Organization skills
• Perceptiveness 
• Problem-solving 
• Sound judgment
• Time management 

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of library software, such as CATNYP, Dynix Digital Library, Electronic Online Systems International, Ex Libris Group Voyager, Kelowna Software L4U, Online Computer Library Center, etc.
• Familiarity with budgeting
• Basic IT troubleshooting skills

• Public libraries
• College and university academic libraries
• K-12 academic libraries
• Special libraries
• National libraries
• Medical and legal institutions

On the surface, it might seem like a Librarian’s job is pretty straightforward. However, as shown in the Typical Duties section, they actually have a ton of different responsibilities! As a result, their days are filled with tasks ranging from the creative to the analytical and sometimes mundane. Few patrons realize how much effort goes into running a library, so it can be considered a sacrifice that most Librarians never have their hard work fully appreciated. Long before Google came along, Librarians empowered citizens with the tools and resources to learn virtually anything they wanted. And they still do!

Just as Amazon nearly killed the bookstore industry, it (along with Google) has also given libraries a run for their money. Today, almost any information or book can be either found online on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. As a result, library services have become vastly overlooked.  

Libraries provide free access to materials but also free computer resources, which many community members enjoy and rely on. The problem is when patrons are only coming to hop online but aren’t otherwise using library materials such as printed books (which are meant to be the “core resource” for public libraries). 

Publishers Weekly, quoting the Freckle Report, states that “there has been a fall of 31% in public library building use over eight years.” The Covid pandemic didn’t help matters, as even regular library patrons shied away and turned to digital reading. On a positive note, the report highlights a “big opportunity for public libraries to lead the way forward in addressing diverse audiences and pulling the publishing industry with them.” The trick is finding strategies — and money — to bring patrons back to libraries in meaningful numbers.

Libraries exist for community members to come inside and find what they’re looking for. Thus, all Librarians should be “people persons” who excel at helping others. 

Many are extroverted and enjoyed being part of busy school activities, showing leadership and organizational skills while under the spotlight. Others may have been more introverted and preferred diligently managing projects without any undue attention or fuss. 

It’s probably safe to say that Librarians were likely big readers growing up. Having a love of books can prepare someone for working with and around books all day! Of course, that’s not to stereotype Librarians. There’s no one-size-fits-all personality type when it comes to this line of work.