CFChooseField
Education

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
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Median pay

$64,320
Median annual pay for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

1.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

13,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

142,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+2,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Master's degree
Typical education needed to enter Librarians and Media Collections Specialists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Monitoring

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Computers and Electronics
  4. 4Education and Training
  5. 5Administrative
  6. 6Communications and Media

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Expression
  2. 2Oral Comprehension
  3. 3Written Comprehension
  4. 4Written Expression
  5. 5Information Ordering
  6. 6Near Vision

Career interests

  1. 1Conventional
  2. 2Social
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Realistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Cooperation
  3. 3Intellectual Curiosity
  4. 4Dependability
  5. 5Social Orientation
  6. 6Empathy

Work activities

  1. 1Working with Computers
  2. 2Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  5. 5Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  6. 6Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Telephone Conversations
  4. 4Contact With Others
  5. 5Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative 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.
  • Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.
  • Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
  • Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandSpringshare LibGuides · in demandAdobe Acrobat · hot technologyGoogle Workspace software · hot technologyHypertext markup language HTML · hot technologyJavaScript · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Visio · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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