What does a library manager do?
Library manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real library manager resumes:
- Provide continuous cataloging training for library staff.
- Operate library cataloging system efficiently by providing unique identification code to the newly purchase books.
- Provide safety and security oversight of the library, training and updating evacuation/plot plans and extinguishment methods.
- Research using LEXIS-NEXIS and WestLaw databases for legal, business, and newspaper research.
- Utilize Lexis and Westlaw extensively to locate articles and case law relate to the topic.
- Record retention.SecurityDuties include enforcing the rules and regulations of TDCJ.
Library manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Library Managers are proficient in Library Services, Library Policies, and Collection Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Initiative, Problem-solving skills, and Reading skills.
We break down the percentage of Library Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Library Services, 18%
Managed Houston office library services and initiated library resource changes which have enhanced and increased productivity.
- Library Policies, 11%
Interpreted and recommended library policies to support excellent customer relations and library education.
- Collection Development, 9%
Managed large technical library encompassing collection development in adult reference including audio-visual, periodicals, documentation control, and database selection.
- Local Community, 8%
Provided reference, research, technical instruction & support to the local community.
- Electronic Resources, 7%
Developed successful training program introducing users to electronic resources.
- Library Materials, 4%
Evaluated, selected and purchased library materials for chemists, engineers and product development personnel.
Most library managers use their skills in "library services," "library policies," and "collection development" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential library manager responsibilities here:
Initiative. The most essential soft skill for a library manager to carry out their responsibilities is initiative. This skill is important for the role because "new information, technology, and resources constantly change the details of what librarians do." Additionally, a library manager resume shows how their duties depend on initiative: "conceived of and led fund-raising initiatives, as well as community outreach projects. "
Problem-solving skills. Another essential skill to perform library manager duties is problem-solving skills. Library managers responsibilities require that "librarians conduct and assist with research." Library managers also use problem-solving skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "resolved any building problems that suddenly came up & delegated tasks where i was able;. "
Reading skills. library managers are also known for reading skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to library manager responsibilities, because "librarians must be excellent readers." A library manager resume example shows how reading skills is used in the workplace: "promoted reading to community schools and daycare centers * made selection of library materials and assisted with selection of new hires. "
Communication skills. library manager responsibilities often require "communication skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "librarians need to be able to explain ideas and information in ways that patrons understand." This resume example shows what library managers do with communication skills on a typical day: "developed uidco library newsletter as a communication tool to interpret and explain cataloging rules to staff. "
Technology skills. Another common skill required for library manager responsibilities is "technology skills." This skill comes up in the duties of library managers all the time, as "librarians use technology to help patrons research topics." An excerpt from a real library manager resume shows how this skill is central to what a library manager does: "assessed ongoing effectiveness of public and technical services including technology, cataloging, circulation and virtual library resources. "
The three companies that hire the most library managers are:
- The New York Public Library2 library managers jobs
- Harvard University2 library managers jobs
- Timberland Regional Library2 library managers jobs
Compare different library managers
Library manager vs. Circulation supervisor
A technical services librarian is responsible for overseeing the technical and circulation services at a library. Typical duties for this role include supervising the technical and circulation staff, working closely with other library services, and directing the activities on library automation. In addition, you will make technical decisions involving the use and management of bibliographic records based on accepted standards. As a technical services librarian, it is also your responsibility to assist in the preparation of the library's annual budget and contribute to collection and acquisition development initiatives.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a library manager are more likely to require skills like "local community," "electronic resources," "library resources," and "research services." On the other hand, a job as a circulation supervisor requires skills like "student assistants," "library patrons," "circulation services," and "library circulation." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
The education levels that circulation supervisors earn slightly differ from library managers. In particular, circulation supervisors are 7.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a library manager. Additionally, they're 1.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Library manager vs. Circulation director
As a collection management librarian, one must perform the tasks associated with library services, especially in collection management. Collection management librarians monitor, analyze, and report collection management data. The librarians establish and maintain the collection management plan of the team for the rear area and conceptualize and deliver outreach opportunities with the community and city organizations promoting library services, programs, and resources. They are also skilled in electronic resources, collection development, and insurance companies.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real library manager resumes. While library manager responsibilities can utilize skills like "library services," "library policies," "collection development," and "local community," circulation directors use skills like "audience development," "newspapers," "independent contractors," and "expense budget."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Circulation directors tend to reach lower levels of education than library managers. In fact, they're 13.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Library manager vs. Technical services librarian
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a library manager is likely to be skilled in "local community," "library operations," "library programs," and "public service," while a typical technical services librarian is skilled in "emerging technologies," "serials," "oclc," and "technical manuals."
Technical services librarians earn the best pay in the professional industry, where they command an average salary of $58,457. Library managers earn the highest pay from the health care industry, with an average salary of $71,616.When it comes to education, technical services librarians tend to earn higher degree levels compared to library managers. In fact, they're 7.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Library manager vs. Collection management librarian
Updated January 8, 2025
