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25-4031.00 · Task explorer

Library Technicians: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.

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This source lists 31 tasks, including 17 marked Core and 14 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 07/2017.

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31 tasks shown

Core · Task 1688 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.

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Core · Task 18511 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.

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Core · Task 18510 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

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.

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Core · Task 1696 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.

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Core · Task 1699 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.

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Core · Task 18512 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

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.

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Core · Task 1689 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Enter and update patrons' records on computers.

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Core · Task 1690 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.

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Core · Task 1702 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.

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Core · Task 1697 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.

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Core · Task 18513 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.

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Core · Task 18515 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.

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Core · Task 1703 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.

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Core · Task 1693 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Train other staff, volunteers, or student assistants and schedule and supervise their work.

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Core · Task 1695 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases.

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Core · Task 18518 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Compile data and create statistical reports on library usage.

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Core · Task 1717 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Design posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.

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Supplemental · Task 1704 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Issue identification cards to borrowers.

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Supplemental · Task 1706 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Review subject matter of materials to be classified and select classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.

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Supplemental · Task 1698 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Process interlibrary loans for patrons.

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Supplemental · Task 18514 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Order all print and non-print library materials, checking prices, figuring costs, preparing order slips, and making payments.

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Supplemental · Task 1707 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Send out notices about lost or overdue books.

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Supplemental · Task 1700 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Retrieve information from central databases for storage in a library's computer.

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Supplemental · Task 1705 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Verify bibliographical data for materials, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and edition.

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Supplemental · Task 18517 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Plan and conduct children's programs, community outreach programs, and other specialized programs, such as library tours.

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Supplemental · Task 1701 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Organize and maintain periodicals and reference materials.

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Supplemental · Task 18516 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Claim missing issues of periodicals and journals.

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Supplemental · Task 1714 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.

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Supplemental · Task 20989 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Sort and deliver library mail and packages.

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Supplemental · Task 1710 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders.

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Supplemental · Task 1718 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Compile bibliographies and prepare abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.

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Make the shortlist useful

Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.