Library assistants support librarians and library technicians by performing routine customer service and library maintenance duties. They work at the loans desk, recording the issuing and returning of  books and other library items, sending out overdue reminders and collecting fines when loans are overdue. Library assistants also sort returned materials and re-shelve them in the appropriate location and assist library users to locate particular publications. These assistants may also be responsible for unpacking and preparing new materials, which can include entering their details into the library database, and attaching barcodes and labels to assist with shelving and record keeping. In some cases, they may also inspect materials for damage and make minor repairs.


ANZSCO ID & Description: 5997: Issues, receives and shelves library items and maintains associated records.

Alternative names: Library Attendant, Library Clerk

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A library assistant needs:

• good communication skills and interpersonal skills
• excellent organisational skills
• ability to work as part of a team
• good computer skills
• an interest in books and other information sources

Working conditions

Working conditions can vary greatly between libraries, depending on the size, location and type of library. In Australia, there are thousands of public libraries located throughout regional and metropolitan areas. There are also a large number of university, government and business libraries, though not all libraries will necessarily employ library assistants. The majority of library assistants in Australia work in the metropolitan areas. Evening and weekend work may be required, however this may vary depending on the size and location of the library. Library assistants may spend long periods standing.


Tools and technologies

Library assistants use computers to record the lending and return of library materials, to access information stored in electronic databases and journals. They will also need to be familiar with a number of specialised electronic databases and catalogues used to manage and locate records and information both in their own library, and in some cases, at other locations. Trolleys are often used to transport books around the library for shelving, and ladders may be used to reach high shelves.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a library assistant without any formal qualifications and get training on the job. However, entry into this occupation may be improved by obtaining a qualification in library and information services.

The Certificate III in Information and Cultural Services and Certificate IV in Library, Information and Cultural Services are offered at TAFE Colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

You can also become a library assistant by completing a traineeship. The library and information services traineeship usually takes 12 to 36 months to complete. The library and information services (level 2) traineeship available as a school-based traineeship.

  

Library technicians assist librarians to organise, operate and maintain libraries. They are often responsible for maintaining library records and entering information into electronic databases regarding acquisitions and loans. Many library technicians have a strong customer service role and assist library users to navigate the library, use online databases and locate resources at other libraries if required. In some cases they may also design and present promotional activities, displays and events.

Library technicians assist librarians and other information managers to organise and control library and information systems. They are involved in all facets of library functions, including circulation, acquisitions and reference work. They usually work under the supervision of librarians, but may also supervise other staff.

The work done by library technicians varies with the size and type of library. In large libraries, they may specialise in one or more areas (cataloguing, online services or children's services, for example). They may also work in specialist libraries such as school, academic or corporate libraries.

ANZSCO ID: 399312

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• a keen eye for detail
• good communication skills
• good organisational skills
• aptitude for working with computers
• good interpersonal and customer service skills

(Source: WriteOpinions)

Duties and Tasks

• Orders new library materials and maintains library records and circulation systems.
• Catalogues printed and recorded material.
• Enters data into databases and edits computer records.
• Operates audio-visual and reprographic equipment.
• Searches and verifies bibliographic data.

Working conditions


Working conditions can vary greatly between libraries, depending on the size, location and type. In Western Australia there are several hundred public libraries, located throughout the state, in both regional and metropolitan areas, as well as a large number of university, government and business and other private libraries, though not all libraries will necessarily employ library technicians. The vast majority of library technicians in Western Australia work in the Perth metropolitan area. Evening and weekend work is often required, however this may vary depending on the size and location of the library.

Tools and technologies

Library technicians must be proficient with computers, both to maintain library records and to access databases, which are increasingly being stored electronically. They must also be familiar with a range of specialised catalogues and databases in order to effectively manage and locate records and information both in their own library, and in some cases, at other locations. Trolleys are often used to transport books around the library for shelving, and ladders may be used to reach high shelves.


Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a library technician, you usually have to complete a VET qualification in library and information services recognised by the Australian Library and Information Association.
The Diploma of Library and Information Services is offered at TAFE Colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia. 

 

 

   

 

Map librarians are service-oriented professionals that are responsible for providing reference and research consultation for print and digital maps and other cartographic resources, such as aerial photos, atlases and digital geospatial data.

Their core functions (identifying, collecting, organizing, and preserving resources) ensure that maps, digital geospatial resources, and other cartographic resources are available to the general public and specialized groups, such as students and academic researchers.

Map librarians are also responsible for maintaining and expanding map and geospatial data collections and services. They often work closely with a team of colleagues from a range of disciplines for the purpose of building and promoting their library's e-research and data services.

ANZSCO ID: 224611

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes   

To be successful in a career as a map librarian, you need to have a certain set of personality traits, skills and competencies. These attributes will allow you to perform your job duties with effectively, and will help you maintain a positive attitude towards your work.      

• Demonstrated project management skills

• Demonstrated understanding of cartographic and geospatial resources and concepts

• Demonstrated aptitude for teaching and developing user-oriented documentation

• An understanding of web design and emerging technologies

• Proficient in GIS software, such as ArcGIS and QGIS

• Knowledge of metadata and cataloging concepts

• Excellent interpersonal, and communication skills

• Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and accountability

• Ability to work both independently and as a team member

• Knowledge of the strategies used to obtain different types of maps, imagery, and spatial data

• Understanding of federal, state, and other governmental information, its sources, and they way it is distributed

• Understanding copyright considerations and the ability to negotiate licensing agreements for databases and collections

• Ability to manage multiple GIS related budgets, such as those for hardware, software, data, staffing and supplies

• Understanding of common web and open source technologies for geospatial data such as XML, Python, GeoServer, PostGIS, OpenLayers, and GDAL/OGR as well as APIs

 

John Dunmore Lang (1857) - Map of the proposed seven united provinces of eastern Australia
(Source: National Library of Australia)

Duties and Tasks

• Develop cartographic materials collections

• Oversee the development and maintenance of websites and online guides

• May oversee the integration of digital library systems

• Develop or maintain organizational methods of library

• Sort and catalogue cartographic materials

• Provide research and reference consultation to students, researchers, hobbyists, businesses and other parties

• Print cartographic materials and digital geospatial data

• Liaise with other library departments

• May prepare budgets

• May hire and train staff

Working conditions

Map librarians typically work in either small or large libraries where they provide specialized resources and reference information to the public or a specific group of people, such as students. Some map librarians have private offices, but those in smaller libraries usually share their workspace with others.

Map librarians primarily work full-time, standard business hours, although many map librarians work part-time. Academic and public libraries may require map librarians to work evening and weekend shifts.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Although the educational requirements for becoming a map librarian may vary by employer, you typically need a master's degree in library science or library and information studies to enter this profession, with significant coursework in geography or related disciplines that make use of maps and geospatial data.

Some employers may also require you to have a GIS certificate or have completed GIS related coursework, or have significant GIS experience in order to qualify for a job as a map librarian.

Employment Opportunities

Map librarians are typically on a part-time, full-time or contractual basis by the following types of organizations:

• Public libraries

• University libraries

• Private research institutions and libraries

• Map publishers and editors

• Museums and archives

• Not-for-profit organizations

• Research or information brokerage firms

• Municipal, provincial/state and federal government departments

 

Did You Know? The changing role of medical librarians in a COVID-19 world. Blog 4 December 2020 Health librarians really need to have a broad picture of the health environment to have an impact and connect all the dots,” says Gemma Siemensma, Library Manager at Ballarat Health Services (BHS), Australia. Librarians “need to continue to excel in reference consultations and literature searching to advanced forms of evidence synthesis and critical appraisal,” she adds. It’s evident that the role of medical libraries and librarians has changed considerably since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The degree to which this has happened is discussed by Siemensma with Rolf Schafer and Elle Matthews, Library Manager and E-services Librarian, respectively, from St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney. Suddenly, medical librarians were faced with new responsibilities to support hospitals. During his four-week redeployment, Schafer set up a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) safety and compliance audit and audited clinicians in the ED, whereas Matthews’ new responsibilities ranged from running daily reports and data entry of patient details from the COVID-19 pop up testing clinics into the Patient Administration System to contacting patients on a daily basis to verify their identity in order to merge patients’ electronic medical records. Librarians at BHS were also confronted with new responsibilities. Siemensma points out that one of the most exciting roles played during the pandemic was that a Senior Librarian from BHS Library was involved in a local project which included a Therapeutic Goods Administration submission for a locally made ventilator. One of the librarian’s responsibilities was the development of a systematic search strategy for a literature review to support the application, which has subsequently been approved and the company can now make low cost ventilators. Watch this episode of Landline to see the invention of a locally made ventilator at Ballarat. 16 May 2020 (Source: Landline) As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the reading and research habits of medical staff have changed dramatically. “At the outset of the pandemic, many nursing staff were required to upskill and increase their knowledge of managing acutely ill patients, often on mechanical ventilation. The Library developed an electronic reading list of references to support over 100 nurses undertaking the online Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Nursing courses funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. As the coronavirus pandemic hit, many publishers began curating free content collections to support medical professionals. Opening up COVID-19 research and specific resources (such as infection control) by publishers allowed the BHS Library access content that may have been previously inaccessible. The coronavirus pandemic “has highlighted the importance of access to the evidence base. Conversely it has also highlighted the misinformation that is rampant globally. For me this demonstrates the importance of health libraries and the challenging and rewarding job we get to do day in and day out as an organisation’s only dedicated, secure, permanent, and trustworthy source of authoritative information”, says Siemensma when asked about a lesson from this year. (Source: Oxford University Press - Blog)

   

Medical librarians manage medical libraries. They organize library collections, so they’re easily accessible. Physicians, nurses, researchers, healthcare administrators, and other medical specialists consult librarians when they need to borrow certain books, articles, or other resources.

Medical specialists often contact medical librarians when they need access to materials that provide specific information about medical disorders and treatments. When library requests are made, librarians locate books or other requested materials and make copies for the doctor or other medical specialist.

To successfully execute their responsibilities, medical librarians must understand medical terminology and treatments and complete formal librarian training. Likewise, they must understand research
methodologies and modern technology used to easily access medical journal articles, books, and other resources. Librarians often receive requests to retrieve resources within a very short time period.

Medical librarians perform a key task for both healthcare professionals and patients by managing the flow of medical information. They provide high quality health data to patients and keep doctors and
other medical experts up to date on the latest advances in their specialty, ensuring effective care and superior diagnoses.

Medical librarians are an integral part of the health care team. They have a direct impact on the quality of patient care, by helping physicians, allied health professionals and researchers to stay abreast of
new developments in their specialty areas. They also work closely with patients and consumers who are seeking authoritative health information.

Medical librarians often serve on the faculty of health care and biomedical degree programs, where they teach health care providers how to access and evaluate information and contribute expertise on a variety of topics. They also may serve on university or pharmaceutical company research teams, where they can have an impact on the development of new treatments, products and services.

Medical librarians provide access to resources in a variety of formats, ranging from traditional print to electronic sources and data. They design and manage websites, Internet blogs, distance education programs and digital libraries. They conduct outreach programs to public health departments, consumers, off-site students and unaffiliated healthcare providers.

Medical librarians work closely with a variety of personnel within the library to accomplish day-to-day tasks. They also collaborate with colleagues in a variety of institutional tasks, such as fundraising, marketing, business and information technology systems.

Informationists, a new role for medical librarians, are experts with training in both information science and clinical/biomedical science. They retrieve and synthesize information and work in clinical or research settings.

ANZSCO ID: 224611

Alternative names: Medical Information Specialist

Knowledge, skills and attributes       

• Maintain Databases - Must know how to keep information current and update databases as time progresses. Must sort info and keep it organized.

• Research - Be able to study and research practices and procedures to stay current on medical practices.

• Critical Thinking - Must constantly be devising new ways of interacting with people, adapt to changes, and learn about the things a medical professional needs to know.

• Analytical - Must be able to analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems.

• Complex Problem Solving - Use logic and reason to determine the best routes to solve issues as they arise.

• Reading Comprehension - Must be able to understand written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents and be able to relay information as it is gathered.

• Communication - Be able to work and communicate with doctors to keep them current on medical news and advancements as they are learned.

 
Elle Matthews, E-services Librarian @ St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney
(Source: OUP)

Duties and Tasks

Medical librarians can also contribute positively to the creation of new products, services, and medical treatments by putting their expertise at the disposal of research teams. These teams can be part of a pharmaceutical company or a university medical faculty. Outreach programs that furnish the latest medical information to individuals, students, unaffiliated medical providers, and public health departments. Websites, blogs, online libraries, and distance education programs are among the methods available for spreading the word about the latest the clinical and healthcare advances.

These experts also help medical personnel find the information they need on a daily basis. A fresh specialization is the informationist, who participate in either research or clinical settings and work to retrieve biomedical information and train others in the necessary use of information science.

Working conditions

A medical librarian can find work in a huge range of settings, including hospitals, universities and other academic facilities, companies making prescription drugs or medical equipment, research facilities, publishing firms, and government health departments at every level, among others. Their expertise is needed wherever medical data is required.

Major hospitals and academic medical centres employ many medical librarians to organize and access their libraries, or to build and index online resources. Internet-based medical information companies also utilize the services of these experts. In academic settings, medical librarians often serve in positions of authority and public prominence such as deans or associate deans. The chief information officer of a medical organization is often a medical librarian.

Some medical librarians work in non-traditional library settings such as Internet companies, where they select, index and organize information on the Web. Others are directors of large hospital or academic health centre libraries. They often serve as chief information officers for health care organizations. In academic settings, medical librarians tend to hold positions of broad responsibility and high visibility—i.e., as associate university librarians, deans or associate deans.

 

Tools and technologies

A medical librarian may assist in training new health care providers in an academic setting, performing faculty work in which they show these providers how to access and analyze information related to their biomedical or health care degree. They use all kinds of data tools, ranging from standard print sources to cutting-edge electronic resources.

Education and training/entrance requirements

 

Many medical librarians prepare themselves for their career by first earning a bachelor's degree concentrating on management, medical terminology, biology, medical sciences, and similar topics, though any will suffice.

Medical librarians must have a Master of Library and Information Science degree.

Employment Opportunities

Medical librarians are employed anywhere health information is needed. Employment settings include universities; hospitals, academic health centres and clinics; consumer health libraries; research centres; foundations; biotechnology centres; insurance companies; medical equipment manufacturers; pharmaceutical companies; publishers; and federal, state and local government agencies.

 

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
(Jobs not linked are being worked on currently)

Archivist	Cartographer	Geographic Information Systems Officer	Museum Curator
Teacher	University Lecturer	University Tutor

Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [ Librarian; Library Assistant;]
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Hospital Careers [Medical Librarian;]
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Career Profiles [Medical Librarian;]
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