A systems librarian’s job involves updating library databases, assisting patrons, training staff, and troubleshooting electronic equipment. They must have computer skills, customer service skills, and attend workshops to learn new programs.
A career as a systems librarian is ideal for people who enjoy dealing with books, computers and interacting with the public. A position in this field means that a person could work in a variety of settings including university libraries, public libraries and government agencies. Although the job duties of a systems librarian can vary depending on the employer, there are four main job duties performed. This includes consistently updating library databases, assisting library patrons, training other library staff, and troubleshooting electronic equipment.
One of the systems librarian’s primary tasks is to routinely update a library’s database. For example, this individual is usually responsible for adding and sorting recently obtained books into the electronic database. She may also be responsible for updating the library’s website with pertinent information. In addition, she will add new software updates to ensure the library’s technology is up to date. Hence, this career requires the person to have significant computer skills.
Another important part of the day’s work is helping library users and answering any questions that arise. For example, the systems librarian can help customers locate specific books that they are having difficulty finding. If a book is not located in that library, she would help the customer find it elsewhere.
In addition, it can help patrons learn the basics of using the library’s electronic catalog and help them understand the shelving system. Along with this, a systems librarian is responsible for handling complaints and resolving conflicts. In turn, this position also requires a certain level of customer service skills.
Training other library staff is also an important duty. Any new software or changes to the library database will require the system librarian to transfer this information to other staff. It is up to her to ensure that everyone is properly trained on all programs to keep the operation running smoothly. As a result, she will need to attend the occasional workshop to learn about new programs. She will be responsible for running her own workshops, where she instructs library staff.
In addition, she will have to perform occasional troubleshooting on electronic equipment. As computers, databases, and websites sometimes experience failures or abnormalities, it is a systems librarian’s duty to find solutions. That means she may need to fix computer glitches, deal with viruses, and perform system backups. Consequently, it helps maintain order and enables the library to function at a high level.
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