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Public librarian: Job description and activities

Job description

A public librarian acquires, organises, promotes and disseminates a wide range of resources to meet the diverse needs of the community.

They support independent learning and provide a wide range of information to enquirers relating to: business; the community; careers; learning; recreation.

The trend in public libraries is towards using ICT. Librarians should be comfortable with technology as part of the role involves assisting the public in accessing the internet and other web-based services.

Public librarians may also spend time talking to and building up relationships with members of the public, and assisting with specific learning needs or community groups.

Typical work activities

Typical work activities include:

• keeping up to date with newly-released publications in order to select library resources;
• managing budgets;
• organising resources in an accessible way;
• stock maintenance including weeding;
• anticipating community needs and trends in order to utilise library services as much as possible;
• promoting the use of the library through displays, talks, and community events, which may involve work in the library or going out into the community;
• providing reader, advisory and information services to the public and local businesses;
• organising library provision for special community groups, such as the housebound, ethnic minority groups, schools, youth organisations, adult learners and pre-school groups;
• developing the use of ICT to improve service delivery;
• assisting members of the public and other users in accessing ICT;
• undertaking reader development activities, which may or may not be directed at specific groups;
• providing services to socially excluded groups (this will demand flexibility);
• working with other agencies and bodies, such as museums and educational services, to develop services and initiatives in the community.

Some senior librarians may also be involved in the following activities:

• managing and motivating a team of staff who could be in several libraries;
• acquiring resources/funding;
• overseeing the building of new libraries or the refurbishment of existing libraries;
• giving presentations to groups;
• strategic development of the service.

AGCAS

Written by Sarah Herring, University of Bristol

Last updated:

November 2007

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