Will AI Replace Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?

Check books in and out of the library.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials, based on subject matter or standard library classification systems.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Troubleshoot problems with audio-visual equipment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Develop library policies and procedures.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids, such as databases, annotated bibliographies, Web pages, electronic pathfinders, software programs, and online tutorials.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Confer with teachers to select course materials and to determine which training aids are best suited to particular grade levels.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Represent library or institution on internal and external committees.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Assemble and arrange display materials.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Maintain inventory of audio-visual equipment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Maintain hardware and software, including computers, media equipment, scanners, color copiers, and color laser printers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Train faculty and media staff on the use of software and audio-visual equipment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.