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Careers / Librarians |
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Summary Description |
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Administer libraries and perform related library services. Work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, educational institutions, museums, corporations, government agencies, law firms, non-profit organizations, and healthcare providers. Tasks may include selecting, acquiring, cataloguing, classifying, circulating, and maintaining library materials; and furnishing reference, bibliographical, and readers' advisory services. May perform in-depth, strategic research, and synthesize, analyze, edit, and filter information. May set up or work with databases and information systems to catalogue and access information. |
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Sample Job Titles |
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1. |
Access Services Librarian |
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2. |
Acquisitions Librarian |
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3. |
Administrative Librarian |
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4. |
Adult Reference Librarian |
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5. |
Adult Services Librarian |
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6. |
Archival Collections Librarian |
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7. |
Audio-Visual Librarian |
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8. |
Automation Librarian |
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9. |
Bibliographer |
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10. |
Bookmobile Librarian |
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11. |
Branch or Department Chief Librarian |
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12. |
Business and Economics Librarian |
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13. |
Catalog Librarian |
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14. |
Cataloger |
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15. |
Catalogue Librarian |
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16. |
Cataloguer |
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17. |
Chemical Librarian |
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18. |
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Librarian |
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19. |
Children's Librarian |
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20. |
Circulation Manager |
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21. |
Civil and Environmental Engineering Librarian |
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22. |
Classifier |
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23. |
Co-op Librarian |
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24. |
Collection Development Librarian |
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25. |
Collection Management Librarian |
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26. |
College Librarian |
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27. |
Coordinator of Learning Resources |
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28. |
Coordinator of Library Services |
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29. |
County Law Library Coordinator |
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30. |
Digital Librarian |
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31. |
Director of Visual Education |
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32. |
Document Manager |
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33. |
Document Services Librarian |
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34. |
Electronic Collections Librarian |
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35. |
Electronic Resources Librarian |
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36. |
Elementary Librarian |
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37. |
Elementary Library Media Specialist |
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38. |
Extension Services Librian |
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39. |
Film Librarian |
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40. |
Government Documents Coordinator |
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41. |
Government Documents Librarian |
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42. |
Head of Acquisitions |
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43. |
Head of Circulation |
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44. |
Head of Circulation Department |
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45. |
Head of Government Information Services |
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46. |
Head of Information Services |
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47. |
Head of Outreach and Delivery Services |
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48. |
Head of Print Serials Section |
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49. |
Head of Reference Services |
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50. |
High School Librarian |
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51. |
High School Library Media Specialist |
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52. |
Hospital Librarian |
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53. |
Information Scientist |
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54. |
Information Services Librarian |
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55. |
Institution Librarian |
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56. |
Instruction Librarian |
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57. |
Interlibrary Loan Librarian |
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58. |
Interlibrary Loan Services Librarian |
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59. |
International Broadcast Music Librarian |
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60. |
Law Librarian |
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61. |
Librarian |
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62. |
Librarian/Specialist |
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63. |
Library Associate |
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64. |
Library Circulation Department Chief |
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65. |
Library Director |
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66. |
Library Manager |
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67. |
Library Media Specialist |
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68. |
Library Specialist |
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69. |
Library Supervisor |
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70. |
Library Technical Assistant |
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71. |
Library Technician |
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72. |
Media Center Specialist |
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73. |
Media Librarian |
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74. |
Medical Librarian |
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75. |
Medical Library Technician |
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76. |
Medical Record Librarian |
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77. |
Music Librarian |
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78. |
News Librarian |
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79. |
Outreach Librarian |
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80. |
Periodicals Librarian |
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81. |
Prison Librarian |
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82. |
Public Services Librarian |
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83. |
Record Librarian |
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84. |
Reference Bibliographer |
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85. |
Reference Librarian |
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86. |
Research Librarian |
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87. |
School Librarian |
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88. |
School Library Media Specialist |
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89. |
Serials Cataloger Librarian |
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90. |
Serials Librarian |
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91. |
Special Collections Librarian |
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92. |
Special Library Librarian |
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93. |
Systems Librarian |
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94. |
Technical Services Librarian |
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95. |
University Librarian |
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96. |
Visual Education Director |
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97. |
Young Adult Librarian |
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98. |
Youth Services Librarian |
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Job Tasks |
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Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.
- Help patrons use library or archival resources.
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Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
- Search information sources to find specific data.
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Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials based on subject matter or standard library classification systems.
- Classify materials according to standard systems.
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Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
- Teach others to use technology or equipment.
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Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.
- Teach others to use technology or equipment.
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Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
- Select educational materials or equipment.
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Develop and maintain databases that provide information for library users.
- Develop library or archival databases.
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Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.
- Search information sources to find specific data.
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Design information storage and retrieval systems and develop procedures for collecting, organizing, interpreting, and classifying information.
- Develop policies or procedures for archives, museums or libraries.
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Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
- Maintain operational records.
- Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
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Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services and provide information about library policies.
- Help patrons use library or archival resources.
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Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
- Direct department activities.
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Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.
- Plan community programs or activities for the general public.
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Negotiate contracts for library services, materials, and equipment.
- Negotiate purchases or contracts.
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Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary.
- Help patrons use library or archival resources.
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Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library.
- Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
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Organize collections of books, publications, documents, audio-visual aids, and other reference materials for convenient access.
- Organize informational materials.
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Develop library policies and procedures.
- Develop policies or procedures for archives, museums or libraries.
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Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.
- Confer with others to conduct or arrange operational activities.
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Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids, such as databases, annotated bibliographies, web pages, electronic pathfinders, software programs, and online tutorials.
- Develop library or archival databases.
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Collect and organize books, pamphlets, manuscripts, and other materials in specific fields, such as rare books, genealogy, or music.
- Organize informational materials.
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Check books in and out of the library.
- Process library materials.
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Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders.
- Negotiate purchases or contracts.
- Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
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Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.
- Train staff members.
- Direct activities of subordinates.
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Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.
- Inspect materials or equipment to determine need for repair or replacement.
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Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations.
- Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
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Author or publish professional articles, internal documents, and instructional materials.
- Develop instructional materials.
- Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.
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Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects.
- Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.
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Represent library or institution on internal and external committees.
- Serve on institutional or departmental committees.
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Write proposals for research or project grants.
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Compile lists of overdue materials and notify borrowers that their materials are overdue.
- Maintain operational records.
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Plan and participate in fundraising drives.
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Assemble and arrange display materials.
- Construct exhibits or parts of exhibits.
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Perform public relations work for the library, such as giving televised book reviews and community talks.
- Promote educational institutions or programs.
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Provide input into the architectural planning of library facilities.
- Advise educators on curricula, instructional methods, or policies.
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Complete minor repairs and cleaning of library resources, equipment, and facilities, such as dusting and fixing printer paper jams.
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Work Activities |
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Getting Information —
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
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Interacting With Computers —
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates —
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events —
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
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Processing Information —
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others —
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge —
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships —
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
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Documenting/Recording Information —
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work —
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public —
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems —
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
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Analyzing Data or Information —
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
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Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People —
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
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Performing Administrative Activities —
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
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Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings —
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
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Communicating with Persons Outside Organization —
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
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Training and Teaching Others —
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards —
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
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Monitoring and Controlling Resources —
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. |
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Thinking Creatively —
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
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Developing and Building Teams —
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
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Provide Consultation and Advice to Others —
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
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Developing Objectives and Strategies —
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
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Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others —
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
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Coaching and Developing Others —
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
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Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others —
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
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Scheduling Work and Activities —
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
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Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates —
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. |
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Handling and Moving Objects —
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
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Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information —
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
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Assisting and Caring for Others —
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material —
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
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Nature of the Work |
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Working Conditions |
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Interesting Fact |
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The U.S. industry whose workers have the lowest unemployment rate is Government (2.8%). |
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Did you know... |
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MyPlan.com has over 150,000 pages of free articles that profile various careers, industries, colleges, and majors! |
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