The most common librarian responsibilities include shelving, organizing, and sorting books, but the job also requires research skills, Internet database work, and, in some cases, business management. Librarians are in charge of all aspects of day-to-day operations in most libraries. Many of these things are visible to patrons, but many of them also take place in back offices or over the computer. Librarian responsibilities include everything from creating a welcoming environment to ensuring that bills are paid, books are ordered, and information networks are up and running.
The most well-known librarian responsibilities revolve around the aesthetic presentation of books. Libraries are, at their most basic level, vast collections of books and related media such as films, sound recordings, and magazines. It is the librarian’s responsibility to ensure that all materials are organized so that patrons can find them easily. A librarian must organize and catalog volumes, as well as reshelve material that has been misplaced or temporarily removed from circulation.
Librarians must also check out and in materials. This is usually done with a computer scanning system, but it can also be done hand, with the patron’s name and the materials borrowed recorded in a ledger. Late fees are usually set and assessed librarians for items returned late.
Another common librarian task is catalog maintenance. Librarians, for example, must keep track of magazine and other periodicals subscriptions to ensure that the most recent issues are received. Books that have been damaged or lost must usually be replaced, as well as new releases and current best sellers. Libraries are valuable not only for their archival qualities, but also for the current and cutting-edge information they provide. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, responsibilities of a librarian is to maintain a proper balance.
Many places require librarians to be research experts as well. Frequently, librarians are called upon to assist researchers and library patrons. Sometimes this entails simply answering factual questions, but it frequently necessitates assistance in locating or recommending specific resources. A librarian’s job often requires a thorough understanding of what books are available, how to locate them, and where they can be found.
Many librarian responsibilities are also managerial in nature. Librarians are frequently tasked with planning library events as well as scheduling and managing common areas. For example, many community libraries have conference rooms that can be rented or reserved, just as many academic institutions have study rooms. Librarian responsibilities include regulating patron online time and monitoring to ensure appropriate access when computers are available for public use.
Librarians are usually business-savvy as well. They are frequently in charge of the library’s accounting, and they may even be in charge of proposing and writing budget reports. One of the least glamorous, but often most important, responsibilities of a librarian is to manage the library’s expenses and operating costs.