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Librarian - Tasks and specialisations

Librarians may do some or all of the following:

help customers find the library materials they need, such as books, CDs, DVDs, or electronic resources
conduct in-depth research or literature searches for customers (usually in an organisational, corporate, or law library)
help customers use equipment in the library, such as microfiche readers or photocopiers
plan and manage library services
create and implement educational programmes, such as information literacy and subject-based information sessions
select and buy library books and other material, such as DVDs
catalogue and classify library material, such as books and magazines
select, update and maintain electronic resources and database
train staff
arrange promotional events to encourage the community to use the library
conduct surveys, and hold meetings to find out customers' needs
manage and develop the library's websites and intranet
help develop library technology such as customer self-issue systems, databases, and library blogs
take part in meetings with library funding providers.

A librarian helping a customer access online newspapers

Paula Hasler compiling a report to track library service performance

Librarians may choose to specialise in one of several roles, such as:

Acquisitions Librarian: Acquisitions librarians decide what materials a library needs, and then order and ensure payment for those materials.

Collection Development Librarian: Collection development librarians choose which materials to purchase for the library's collection.

Copy or Original Cataloguer: Copy cataloguers add electronic records of new library materials to a library's catalogue. Original cataloguers create electronic records, and may specialise in cataloguing heritage or foreign language materials.

Electronic Services Librarian: Electronic services librarians create and manage library websites and online services.

Lending Services Librarian: Lending services librarians manage the desk-based services to circulate library materials.

Liaison Librarian: Liaison librarians provide specialist liaison services to support the needs of particular subjects or special groups.

Māori Resources Librarian: Māori resources librarians facilitate access to resources relevant to Māori.

Reference Librarian: Reference librarians have more interaction with the public, and may serve a particular user group such as children and youth, university students, researchers, users interested in genealogy, or organisational and corporate clients.

Special Collections Librarian: Special collections librarians manage heritage materials of national or international importance, or other research collections.