Library Technicians

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.83
Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.82
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.80
Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.79
Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.78
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.76
Enter and update patrons' records on computers.76
Issue identification cards to borrowers.75
Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.73
Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.71
Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.70
Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.69

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Process interlibrary loans for patrons.69
Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.68
Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.68
Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments.68
Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.67
Send out notices about lost or overdue books.67
Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer.66
Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.65
Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.65
Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.64
Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours.64
Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage.62
Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.61
Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.60
Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals.60
Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.54
Sort and deliver library mail and packages.51
Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.46
Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.38
Open and close the library.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Reading Comprehension60
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening56
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.
Speaking56
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Service Orientation53
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Learning47
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making47
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring47
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Writing47
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

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Management of Personnel Resources44
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Time Management44
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Instructing41
Teaching others how to do something.
Complex Problem Solving38
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Persuasion28
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Mathematics25
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Systems Analysis25
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Financial Resources22
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operations Monitoring22
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Negotiation19
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Operation and Control19
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Maintenance16
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Operations Analysis16
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Programming16
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Troubleshooting16
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Quality Control Analysis13
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Technology Design10
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Science6
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Equipment Selection3
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Repairing3
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service78
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.
English Language71
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administrative59
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Computers and Electronics58
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education and Training54
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Communications and Media46
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Psychology41
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Mathematics40
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Public Safety and Security40
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Geography35
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Sociology and Anthropology29
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Administration and Management27
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

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Telecommunications25
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Economics and Accounting23
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Production and Processing23
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
History and Archeology22
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Sales and Marketing21
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Fine Arts19
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Philosophy and Theology18
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Law and Government17
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Personnel and Human Resources17
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Design14
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Medicine and Dentistry14
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Engineering and Technology13
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Therapy and Counseling12
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Chemistry11
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Foreign Language11
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Physics8
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Mechanical7
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Transportation7
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Biology5
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Building and Construction4
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension60
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression60
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Near Vision56
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Clarity56
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition56
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension56
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Information Ordering50
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Written Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Finger Dexterity47
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

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Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Inductive Reasoning47
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Problem Sensitivity47
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Perceptual Speed44
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Manual Dexterity38
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Extent Flexibility35
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Memorization35
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Trunk Strength35
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Static Strength31
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Dynamic Strength28
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Fluency of Ideas28
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Arm-Hand Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Multilimb Coordination25
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Originality25
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Speed of Closure25
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Stamina25
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Time Sharing25
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination25
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization25
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Gross Body Equilibrium22
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Spatial Orientation22
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Hearing Sensitivity19
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Wrist-Finger Speed19
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Flexibility10
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Depth Perception6
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Explosive Strength6
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Reaction Time3
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation3
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization3
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement3
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Working with Computers82
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information76
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates75
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships70
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Documenting/Recording Information65
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Handling and Moving Objects63
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events62
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work62
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public62
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Processing Information61
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge61
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings60
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

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Performing General Physical Activities58
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems54
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Performing Administrative Activities53
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Thinking Creatively52
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others50
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People50
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Assisting and Caring for Others49
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Scheduling Work and Activities48
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others45
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization44
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards44
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources44
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others42
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Developing Objectives and Strategies38
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials37
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Analyzing Data or Information35
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Training and Teaching Others31
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Controlling Machines and Processes29
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Developing and Building Teams29
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information28
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Coaching and Developing Others25
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Selling or Influencing Others22
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others21
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates20
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Staffing Organizational Units18
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment15
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment9
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment7
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Cooperation77
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Attention to Detail76
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability73
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Social Orientation58
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Integrity47
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Empathy46
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Sincerity41
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Humility40
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Self-Control40
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Optimism33
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Cautiousness30
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance29
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

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Initiative26
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Intellectual Curiosity26
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Adaptability25
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Stress Tolerance23
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Achievement Orientation22
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Self-Confidence19
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Leadership Orientation10
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Innovation8
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity7
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional92
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social51
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Realistic35
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative28
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising15
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic10
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day96%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day80%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
E-Mail
- Every day88%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day60%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom48%
- Some freedom37%
- Limited freedom11%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom39%
- Some freedom44%
- Limited freedom13%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important51%
- Very important27%
- Fairly important13%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important42%
- Very important32%
- Important21%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others43%
- Contact with others most of the time33%
- Contact with others about half the time12%
- Occasional contact with others13%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important35%
- Very important37%
- Important17%
- Fairly important12%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day51%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never12%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important39%
- Very important20%
- Important18%
- Fairly important17%

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Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually28%
- More than half the time39%
- Less than half the time28%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually26%
- More than half the time24%
- About half the time35%
- Less than half the time11%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)13%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)46%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)18%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)21%
Time Pressure
- Every day28%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week37%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results27%
- Important results18%
- Moderate results31%
- Minor results17%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually38%
- More than half the time19%
- Less than half the time17%
- Never22%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day43%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day48%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day31%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never20%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important18%
- Very important23%
- Important25%
- Fairly important13%
- Not important at all21%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month39%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day32%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never33%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility17%
- High responsibility20%
- Limited responsibility30%
- No responsibility26%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated23%
- Moderately automated26%
- Slightly automated15%
- Not at all automated28%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time17%
- About half the time22%
- Less than half the time49%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive12%
- Moderately competitive26%
- Slightly competitive27%
- Not at all competitive28%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours14%
- 40 hours41%
- Less than 40 hours45%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- High responsibility16%
- Moderate responsibility27%
- Limited responsibility26%
- No responsibility29%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- More than half the time11%
- About half the time14%
- Less than half the time66%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time11%
- Less than half the time70%
- Never13%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious14%
- Fairly serious40%
- Not serious at all36%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never43%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- About half the time14%
- Less than half the time59%
- Never22%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never72%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never78%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never74%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never67%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never69%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never74%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)84%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never75%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never74%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all84%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time32%
- Never66%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never79%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never91%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Never92%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never93%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never93%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never87%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never93%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never89%
Exposed to High Places
- Never92%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never93%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never93%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Post-secondary certificate

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Data base user interface and query software
Ex Libris Group Aleph, FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Access, National Library of Medicine Medline
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Library software
Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) databases, SirsiDynix Symphony, WebClarity Software BookWhere, WorldCat
Word processing software
HandyFile Find and Replace Text Aid Kit, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop
Desktop publishing software
Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Publisher
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Email software
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Web page creation and editing software
Adobe Dreamweaver

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Process library materials.
Provide information to the general public.
Help patrons use library or archival resources.
Deliver items.
Move materials, equipment, or supplies.
Maintain operational records.
Classify materials according to standard systems.
Distribute instructional or library materials.
Assist other educational professionals with projects or research.
Mediate disputes.
Inspect materials or equipment to determine need for repair or replacement.
Maintain computer equipment or software.

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Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
Collect deposits, payments or fees.
Respond to customer problems or complaints.
Send information, materials or documentation.
Direct activities of subordinates.
Search information sources to find specific data.
Train staff members.
Plan community programs or activities for the general public.
Organize informational materials.
Develop instructional materials.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.
Sort mail.
Operate audiovisual equipment.
Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology