Top 12 Assistant Librarian Skills to Put on Your Resume

Landing a role as an assistant librarian requires showcasing a unique set of skills that demonstrate your ability to support library operations, assist patrons, and manage resources efficiently. Highlighting these top skills on your resume can set you apart in the competitive library job market, proving your qualifications and readiness to contribute to a library's success.

Assistant Librarian Skills

1. Cataloging (MARC21)
2. Circulation (SirsiDynix)
3. Reference (LibAnswers)
4. Digital Archiving (DigiTool)
5. Collection Development (WorldCat)
6. Research (ProQuest)
7. Database Management (SQL)
8. Customer Service
9. Information Literacy
10. Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad)
11. Digital Preservation (Archivematica)
12. Metadata Standards (Dublin Core)

1. Cataloging (MARC21)

Cataloging in the context of MARC21 (Machine-Readable Cataloging) is the process of creating detailed records for library materials in a standardized digital format. These records include essential information such as titles, authors, publication details, and subject classifications, enabling efficient organization, discovery, and access to library collections. For an Assistant Librarian, this involves using MARC21 standards to accurately input and maintain bibliographic data in the library's database, ensuring users can find and utilize resources effectively.

Why It's Important

Cataloging using MARC21 is crucial for an Assistant Librarian because it ensures standardized, accurate, and accessible descriptions of library resources, facilitating efficient information retrieval and resource management.

How to Improve Cataloging (MARC21) Skills

Improving cataloging in MARC21 involves understanding the standards, practicing consistently, and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies. Here are concise steps for an Assistant Librarian aimed at enhancing MARC21 cataloging skills:

1. Understand MARC21 Basics: Familiarize yourself with the structure and fields of MARC21. The Library of Congress MARC Standards provides comprehensive documentation and updates.

2. Utilize Cataloging Tools: Use cataloging software like MarcEdit for editing and managing MARC records efficiently.

3. Follow Best Practices: Adopt cataloging best practices from authoritative sources like the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC).

4. Continuous Learning: Participate in webinars, workshops, and online courses. OCLC’s WebJunction offers free, librarian-focused training.

5. Join Professional Networks: Engage with communities such as ALA’s Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS) for support and advice.

6. Practice: Regularly apply what you learn by cataloging diverse materials. Practice enhances understanding and efficiency.

7. Stay Updated: Keep abreast of changes in cataloging standards and practices by subscribing to relevant mailing lists and reading professional literature.

By combining these steps with dedication and a willingness to learn, an Assistant Librarian can significantly improve their MARC21 cataloging skills.

How to Display Cataloging (MARC21) Skills on Your Resume

2. Circulation (SirsiDynix)

Circulation in the context of SirsiDynix refers to the library software module used by assistant librarians and staff to manage the borrowing and returning of library materials, track item availability, and maintain patron accounts.

Why It's Important

Circulation (SirsiDynix) is crucial for an Assistant Librarian as it streamlines the management of library materials’ lending process, tracking item availability, and patron interactions, enhancing service efficiency and user satisfaction.

How to Improve Circulation (SirsiDynix) Skills

Improving circulation in a SirsiDynix system involves several strategies aimed at enhancing user experience, optimizing inventory management, and leveraging the system's features effectively. As an Assistant Librarian, here are concise steps you can take:

1. Streamline Checkout Processes: Ensure that the checkout and check-in procedures are user-friendly. Utilize SirsiDynix's WorkFlows to customize and automate circulation tasks, making transactions smoother for patrons.

2. Catalog Optimization: Regularly update and maintain the library catalog for accuracy. Use SirsiDynix Symphony to manage records effectively, ensuring items are easily discoverable.

3. Engage with Patrons: Increase circulation by actively promoting library collections and services. Implement targeted email campaigns through SirsiDynix’s BLUEcloud suite for personalized communication.

4. Training and Webinars: Continuously improve your proficiency with the system by participating in SirsiDynix’s training sessions and webinars. This keeps you updated on new features and best practices.

5. Feedback Loop: Create a feedback mechanism for patrons and staff to suggest improvements. This can lead to system enhancements that improve user satisfaction and circulation.

6. Community Engagement: Utilize SirsiDynix's Community Engagement tools to reach out and connect with your community, driving interest and increasing library visits.

By focusing on these areas, you can leverage SirsiDynix’s capabilities to improve library circulation and enhance the overall library experience.

How to Display Circulation (SirsiDynix) Skills on Your Resume

3. Reference (LibAnswers)

Reference (LibAnswers) is a digital platform used by libraries to manage and respond to patron inquiries, providing a centralized system for reference services including FAQs, chat, SMS, and email support.

Why It's Important

Reference (LibAnswers) is crucial for an Assistant Librarian as it provides a centralized platform for efficiently managing and responding to patron inquiries, ensuring accurate information delivery and enhancing user satisfaction with library services.

How to Improve Reference (LibAnswers) Skills

To improve your Reference (LibAnswers) skills as an Assistant Librarian, follow these concise steps:

1. Familiarize with the platform: Spend time navigating LibAnswers to understand its features and functionalities.
2. Attend Training Sessions: Participate in Springshare training specifically for LibAnswers to enhance your understanding and efficiency.
3. Stay Updated: Regularly check the LibAnswers Release Notes for new features and updates.
4. Practice: Use the system frequently to answer real queries and to simulate complex inquiries for practice.
5. Utilize the Knowledge Base: Develop and contribute to a knowledge base of frequently asked questions and answers.
6. Network: Join Springshare Lounge or relevant professional forums to exchange tips and tricks with other librarians.
7. Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from users to understand their needs and improve your responses.
8. Continuous Learning: Keep abreast of library science best practices by following relevant blogs and websites.

By adhering to these steps, you will enhance your proficiency in using LibAnswers, ultimately benefiting your library's reference service.

How to Display Reference (LibAnswers) Skills on Your Resume

4. Digital Archiving (DigiTool)

Digital Archiving, specifically using DigiTool, involves the process of storing, preserving, and managing digital resources and collections. For an Assistant Librarian, it means using the DigiTool platform to catalog, archive, and provide access to digital materials such as documents, images, and multimedia, ensuring their long-term preservation and accessibility to users.

Why It's Important

Digital Archiving (DigiTool) is important because it ensures the long-term preservation of digital materials, making them accessible and searchable for future generations. It helps in safeguarding valuable information from digital decay, enabling efficient information retrieval and supporting research, learning, and knowledge dissemination.

How to Improve Digital Archiving (DigiTool) Skills

Improving digital archiving in DigiTool as an Assistant Librarian involves several key strategies focused on enhancing data management, accessibility, and preservation. Here are some concise steps:

1. Standardization: Adopt and implement metadata standards like Dublin Core for consistent description and retrieval of digital objects.

2. Training: Engage in continuous professional development in digital archiving practices and technologies to stay updated.

3. User Accessibility: Improve user interface and experience by incorporating feedback and conducting usability testing regularly. The Digital Public Library of America offers insights into effective digital collection interfaces.

4. Preservation Strategies: Implement long-term preservation strategies, including regular backups and adopting formats conducive to long-term access. The Library of Congress provides guidelines on sustainable digital file formats.

5. Collaboration: Participate in digital archiving communities and forums to share knowledge and learn from others. Digital Preservation Coalition offers resources and a platform for collaboration.

By focusing on these areas, an Assistant Librarian can significantly contribute to the improvement of digital archiving practices in DigiTool.

How to Display Digital Archiving (DigiTool) Skills on Your Resume

5. Collection Development (WorldCat)

Collection Development in the context of WorldCat refers to the strategic process of selecting, acquiring, evaluating, and managing a library's resources to meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of its users. For an Assistant Librarian, this involves using WorldCat to identify, assess, and access materials from libraries worldwide to complement and enhance the library's collection, ensuring it remains current, relevant, and diverse.

Why It's Important

Collection Development, as facilitated by tools like WorldCat, is crucial for an Assistant Librarian because it helps ensure the library's resources are current, relevant, and diverse. This process supports the educational and informational needs of the community, enhances user satisfaction, and maintains the library's role as a vital resource center.

How to Improve Collection Development (WorldCat) Skills

Improving Collection Development in WorldCat as an Assistant Librarian involves understanding your library's needs, leveraging WorldCat's extensive resources, and effectively integrating these into your collection. Here’s a short guide:

1. Analyze Community Needs: Understand the demographics, interests, and needs of your library's community. Use WorldCat Discovery to identify gaps in your collection that need filling.

2. Utilize WorldCat Analytics: Access WorldCat Collection Analysis to compare your library’s holdings against similar institutions and identify unique or missing items.

3. Engage in Interlibrary Loans: For items not in your collection, use WorldCat’s Interlibrary Loan to provide access to your users, while noting frequently requested items for potential acquisition.

4. Stay Updated with WorldCat Selection: Regularly check WorldCat Selection for new publications in your interest areas. This helps in keeping your collection current and relevant.

5. Participate in WorldCat Community: Engage with the OCLC Community Center to share insights, ask questions, and learn from the experiences of other libraries.

6. Continuous Learning: Stay informed about best practices in collection development through webinars, online courses, and other resources provided by OCLC WebJunction.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to enhance your library's collection to better serve your community’s needs.

How to Display Collection Development (WorldCat) Skills on Your Resume

6. Research (ProQuest)

Research (ProQuest) is a comprehensive digital database that provides access to a wide range of academic journals, newspapers, dissertations, and other scholarly resources, supporting diverse research needs across various disciplines for librarians, scholars, and students.

Why It's Important

Research (ProQuest) is important for an Assistant Librarian as it provides comprehensive access to a vast array of scholarly journals, articles, and databases, enabling efficient support for academic research, informing collection development, and enhancing users' learning and discovery experiences.

How to Improve Research (ProQuest) Skills

To improve research using ProQuest, an Assistant Librarian can follow these concise steps:

1. Understand ProQuest Collections: Familiarize with the variety of databases and collections within ProQuest to effectively guide users based on their research needs.

2. Advanced Search Techniques: Utilize ProQuest's Advanced Search features, including Boolean operators, phrase searching, and field-specific queries to refine search results.

3. Use Thesauri and Subject Terms: Explore ProQuest's controlled vocabularies and subject headings to enhance search precision. This is detailed in the Search Tips section.

4. Stay Updated with Training: Participate in ProQuest's free training webinars to keep up-to-date with new features and databases.

5. Create Alerts and RSS Feeds: Set up search alerts and RSS feeds for new research in specific areas, keeping library users informed on the latest developments.

6. Integrate Resources into Library Guides: Embed ProQuest resources and search widgets into the library’s website or learning management systems to facilitate direct access. ProQuest LibGuides offer comprehensive support.

7. Offer Research Consultations: Provide personalized research assistance, leveraging ProQuest’s diverse resources to meet the specific needs of users.

Remember, continuous learning and adapting to new tools and features are key to maximizing the potential of ProQuest for your library's community.

How to Display Research (ProQuest) Skills on Your Resume

7. Database Management (SQL)

Database Management in SQL is the process of using the SQL language to store, manipulate, and retrieve information in a structured database, enabling an Assistant Librarian to efficiently organize, search, and manage library data such as books, member information, and transactions.

Why It's Important

Database Management using SQL is crucial for an Assistant Librarian because it enables efficient organization, retrieval, and management of vast amounts of library data, including books, member records, and transactions, ensuring smooth operation and enhanced service delivery to library users.

How to Improve Database Management (SQL) Skills

Improving database management, especially for SQL databases, involves a few key practices tailored for an Assistant Librarian. Here are concise tips:

1. Understand Database Schema: Familiarize yourself with your library's database schema. This includes understanding how tables are structured, what they contain, and how they relate to each other. W3Schools SQL Tutorial provides an easy introduction to SQL concepts.

2. Regularly Update Skills: SQL and database technologies evolve. Keep your skills current by taking online courses from platforms like Coursera or edX.

3. Implement Data Backup and Recovery Procedures: Ensure that you understand and implement regular backup and recovery procedures to prevent data loss. SQL Server Backup and Restore provides insights specific to SQL Server.

4. Use SQL Best Practices: Write efficient queries and use indexing wisely to improve performance. The SQL Style Guide offers guidelines on writing readable and maintainable SQL.

5. Ensure Data Security: Understand the principles of database security and ensure that sensitive library data is adequately protected. OWASP Database Security provides a checklist for securing database applications.

6. Regular Maintenance: Perform regular database maintenance tasks such as updating statistics, rebuilding indexes, and checking for database consistency. This helps in optimizing performance and ensuring data integrity.

7. Leverage Database Management Tools: Utilize tools and software for managing SQL databases more efficiently. Tools like phpMyAdmin for MySQL or SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) for SQL Server can significantly aid in database management.

By focusing on these areas, an Assistant Librarian can effectively improve their management of SQL databases, ensuring that library data is accurate, secure, and accessible.

How to Display Database Management (SQL) Skills on Your Resume

8. Customer Service

Customer service, in the context of an Assistant Librarian, involves assisting patrons by answering questions, locating resources, and providing guidance on library services and policies to ensure a positive and productive library experience.

Why It's Important

Customer service is crucial for an Assistant Librarian as it ensures patrons feel welcomed, supported, and valued, facilitating a positive library experience and promoting repeat visits and engagement with library resources and services.

How to Improve Customer Service Skills

Improving customer service, especially for an Assistant Librarian, involves enhancing communication skills, expanding knowledge on library resources, and employing technology to facilitate user access. Here are some concise tips:

1. Enhance Communication Skills: Develop active listening and clear communication techniques. This guide from Help Scout offers valuable insights.

2. Expand Knowledge on Library Resources: Stay informed about your library's collections, online databases, and special services. The American Library Association provides resources for continuous learning.

3. Employ Technology: Leverage library management systems and apps to improve user experience. This article from Princh discusses the benefits of integrating technology in libraries.

4. Feedback and Adaptation: Regularly solicit feedback from library users and adapt services accordingly. This piece from Qualtrics discusses effective feedback collection methods.

5. Personalized Assistance: Offer tailored support and recommendations based on individual user needs. The Library of Congress provides a guide to reference and information services that can be adapted to any library setting.

Incorporating these approaches will significantly enhance the service provided to library patrons, ensuring a positive and enriching library experience.

How to Display Customer Service Skills on Your Resume

9. Information Literacy

Information literacy is the ability to identify, find, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically, crucial for decision-making, problem-solving, and continuous learning.

Why It's Important

Information literacy is crucial for an Assistant Librarian as it empowers them to effectively locate, evaluate, and use information, enabling them to support patrons in navigating the vast sea of available resources, fostering a knowledgeable community, and promoting informed decision-making.

How to Improve Information Literacy Skills

Improving information literacy, especially for an Assistant Librarian, involves honing skills to effectively find, evaluate, and use information. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly explore ALA for the latest trends and resources in library and information sciences.

2. Take Courses: Engage in online courses on platforms like Coursera or edX that offer specialized programs in information literacy and digital librarianship.

3. Practice Critical Evaluation: Develop critical thinking skills by evaluating information sources. Cornell University Library offers a guide on critically analyzing information sources.

4. Utilize Technology: Familiarize yourself with digital tools and databases. WebJunction provides training and resources on various technology tools beneficial for libraries.

5. Engage in Professional Development: Join library associations like IFLA to connect with professionals, attend workshops, and access a wealth of resources.

6. Collaborate and Network: Participate in forums and networks such as Library 2.0 to share knowledge and learn from peers.

By actively engaging in these steps, Assistant Librarians can significantly enhance their information literacy skills, ensuring they provide the best support and resources to their communities.

How to Display Information Literacy Skills on Your Resume

10. Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad)

Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad) is a digital system used by libraries to request and lend books and other materials among institutions, allowing patrons to access resources not available in their home library's collection.

Why It's Important

Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad) is crucial for an Assistant Librarian because it expands access to a vast range of materials beyond the library's own collection, enabling them to better support patrons' diverse research needs efficiently.

How to Improve Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad) Skills

Improving Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad) as an Assistant Librarian involves adopting several strategies to streamline processes, enhance user experience, and leverage technology for efficiency. Here are concise steps with inline linking:

1. Streamline Request Processing: Implement automated request processing where possible to reduce manual entry and expedite loan times.

2. Update and Maintain Policies: Regularly review and update loan policies to reflect current practices and ensure they are clearly communicated to users.

3. Enhance Training: Provide ongoing training for staff on ILLiad updates and best practices to improve efficiency and service quality.

4. Optimize User Interface: Work with the ILLiad software to customize the user interface for ease of use, ensuring it is intuitive for both library staff and patrons.

5. Leverage Technology: Integrate library management systems and explore new technologies like Z39.50 for resource sharing to reduce manual search time.

6. Collect and Analyze Data: Utilize ILLiad’s reporting features to track service metrics and identify areas for improvement.

7. Foster Collaborations: Engage in regional and national ILL networks to expand resource availability and share best practices.

By focusing on these areas, an Assistant Librarian can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their library's Interlibrary Loan services through ILLiad.

How to Display Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad) Skills on Your Resume

11. Digital Preservation (Archivematica)

Digital Preservation, as implemented by Archivematica, is the process of maintaining, managing, and ensuring the accessibility of digital objects (such as documents, datasets, multimedia files) over the long term. It involves a series of managed activities necessary to keep digital material readable and usable as technologies evolve. Archivematica is an open-source software that automates this process, ensuring digital materials remain intact and accessible over time for future generations.

Why It's Important

Digital Preservation, such as that offered by Archivematica, is crucial for ensuring the long-term accessibility, readability, and usability of digital content. For an Assistant Librarian, it is vital because it safeguards the library's digital collections against obsolescence and data loss, ensuring these resources remain available for future generations of researchers, students, and the public.

How to Improve Digital Preservation (Archivematica) Skills

Improving digital preservation using Archivematica involves several key steps tailored for an Assistant Librarian role. Focus on understanding the workflow, enhancing metadata quality, and staying updated with community best practices. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Familiarize Yourself with Archivematica: Begin by thoroughly understanding Archivematica's capabilities and workflow. The official documentation is an essential resource for mastering the basics and exploring advanced features.

2. Enhance Metadata Quality: Improving the quality and consistency of metadata is crucial for digital preservation. Utilize the Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) standards to ensure your metadata effectively supports preservation and access.

3. Automate Processes: Learn to automate repetitive tasks within Archivematica to improve efficiency. Explore the Archivematica Automation Tools for guidance on automating ingestion and other processes.

4. Participate in Training and Workshops: Engage in professional development opportunities. Archivematica training sessions and workshops can deepen your understanding and provide practical skills.

5. Join the Community Forum: Connect with the Archivematica community through the Archivematica User Forum. Sharing experiences and solutions with peers can offer valuable insights and troubleshooting support.

6. Stay Informed on Digital Preservation Trends: Keep abreast of the latest in digital preservation by following relevant publications and blogs. The Digital Preservation Coalition offers resources and news on current trends and technologies.

7. Implement Regular Audits and Feedback Loops: Establish a routine for auditing your digital preservation process and seeking feedback from users. Continuous improvement is vital for adapting to new challenges and technologies.

By focusing on these areas, you can effectively enhance your digital preservation efforts with Archivematica, ensuring the long-term accessibility and integrity of digital assets.

How to Display Digital Preservation (Archivematica) Skills on Your Resume

12. Metadata Standards (Dublin Core)

Metadata Standards, such as the Dublin Core, provide a structured and standardized way to describe and catalog information resources. For an Assistant Librarian, this means using a set of 15 core elements (e.g., Title, Creator, Subject, Description) to effectively organize, manage, and retrieve various types of materials in a library's collection, enhancing searchability and accessibility for users.

Why It's Important

Metadata standards like Dublin Core are crucial because they ensure consistent, structured, and easily understandable descriptions of digital resources, enabling effective organization, discovery, and sharing of information across different systems and platforms. This is essential for Assistant Librarians to efficiently manage, retrieve, and provide access to diverse collections, enhancing user experience and resource utilization.

How to Improve Metadata Standards (Dublin Core) Skills

Improving metadata standards, particularly Dublin Core, involves several key steps tailored for an Assistant Librarian:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly review the latest Dublin Core documentation to ensure compliance with new standards and practices.

2. Training: Participate in Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) webinars and workshops to enhance understanding and application of the standards.

3. Use Tools: Implement metadata editing tools that support Dublin Core standards to ensure accuracy and efficiency in metadata creation.

4. Quality Control: Develop a checklist based on Dublin Core guidelines to review and improve existing metadata records.

5. Community Engagement: Join DCMI communities and forums for advice, sharing best practices, and staying informed on evolving standards.

By focusing on continuous learning, leveraging tools, and engaging with the metadata community, an Assistant Librarian can significantly improve the application and effectiveness of Dublin Core standards in their institution.

How to Display Metadata Standards (Dublin Core) Skills on Your Resume