library-assistant/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — library assistant

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 25-4031.00 (Library Technicians).

Task statements

• [Core] Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
• [Core] Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
• [Core] Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
• [Core] Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.
• [Core] Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.
• [Core] Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
• [Core] Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
• [Core] Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
• [Core] Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
• [Core] Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.
• [Core] Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.
• [Core] Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
• [Core] Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
• [Core] Catalogue and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
• [Core] Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
• [Core] Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.
• [Core] Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage.
• [Supplemental] Process interlibrary loans for patrons.
• [Supplemental] Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer.
• [Supplemental] Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.
• [Supplemental] Issue identification cards to borrowers.
• [Supplemental] Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.
• [Supplemental] Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.
• [Supplemental] Send out notices about lost or overdue books.
• [Supplemental] Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.
• [Supplemental] Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.
• [Supplemental] Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.
• [Supplemental] Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments.
• [Supplemental] Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals.
• [Supplemental] Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours.
• [Supplemental] Sort and deliver library mail and packages.

Detailed work activities

• Assist other educational professionals with projects or research.
• Classify materials according to standard systems.
• Collect deposits, payments or fees.
• Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.
• Deliver items.
• Develop instructional materials.
• Direct activities of subordinates.
• Distribute instructional or library materials.
• Help patrons use library or archival resources.
• Inspect materials or equipment to determine need for repair or replacement.
• Maintain computer equipment or software.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
• Maintain operational records.
• Mediate disputes.
• Move materials, equipment, or supplies.
• Operate audiovisual equipment.
• Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
• Organize informational materials.
• Plan community programs or activities for the general public.
• Process library materials.
• Provide information to the general public.
• Respond to customer problems or complaints.
• Search information sources to find specific data.
• Send information, materials or documentation.
• Sort mail.
• Train staff members.
• Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.