Librarians

How AI is changing librarians work

9 of 24 measurable main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Amber (some AI use) — 38%. 1 newer task is not in the data yet and left out.

This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.

Tasks in this job and recorded AI use

• Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
• Search standard reference materials (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
• Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
• Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Maintain hardware and software (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials, based on subject matter or standard library classification systems (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and staff activities (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Talk with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Direct and train library staff in duties (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Teach library patrons basic computer skills (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Check books in and out of the library (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies (main task) — too new for the AI data
• Develop library policies and procedures (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Engage in professional development activities (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Talk with teachers to select course materials and to determine which training aids are best suited to particular grade levels (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Represent library or institution on internal and external committees (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Set up, adjust, and operate audio-visual equipment — some recorded AI use
• Maintain inventory of audio-visual equipment — some recorded AI use
• Train faculty and media staff on the use of software and audio-visual equipment — too new for the AI data
• Assemble and arrange display materials — no recorded AI use
• Troubleshoot problems with audio-visual equipment — no recorded AI use

Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).

Your first steps (guidance)

1. Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
2. Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information”. Try the prompt for: “Search standard reference materials”.

Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. The first 2 weeks are free; Premium (coming soon) adds weeks 3–12. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.

Questions about AI and librarians

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