Librarians and Media Collections Specialists

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 5 (17%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 22 (73%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 3 (10%)

• Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials, based on subject matter or standard library classification systems.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Maintain hardware and software, including computers, media equipment, scanners, color copiers, and color laser printers.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Check books in and out of the library.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Develop library policies and procedures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids, such as databases, annotated bibliographies, Web pages, electronic pathfinders, software programs, and online tutorials.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Confer with teachers to select course materials and to determine which training aids are best suited to particular grade levels.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Set up, adjust, and operate audio-visual equipment, such as cameras, film and slide projectors, and recording equipment, for meetings, events, classes, seminars, and video conferences.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Assemble and arrange display materials.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Maintain inventory of audio-visual equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Troubleshoot problems with audio-visual equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Represent library or institution on internal and external committees.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Train faculty and media staff on the use of software and audio-visual equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · Seen in real AI use