Librarians and media collections specialists
SOC Code: 25-4022
Librarians and media collections specialists carries a 47% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $64,320 and +1.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 142,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Librarians and media collections specialists (SOC 25-4022) carries an AI exposure score of 47%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 142,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.7% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $64,320, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Librarians and media collections specialists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Check books in and out of the library.
- 2. Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
- 3. Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
- 4. Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
- 5. Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
- 6. Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.
- 7. Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
- 8. Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.
- 9. Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.
- 10. Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials, based on subject matter or standard library classification systems.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Service Orientation
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
- Instructing
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Administrative
- Communications and Media
- Administration and Management
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Librarians and media collections specialists?
Librarians and media collections specialists has an AI exposure score of 47%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Librarians and media collections specialists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Librarians and media collections specialists is projected to grow by 1.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 142,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Librarians and media collections specialists?
Key skills for Librarians and media collections specialists include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Master's degree.
How much do Librarians and media collections specialists earn?
The median annual wage for Librarians and media collections specialists is $64,320, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Librarians and media collections specialists?
The typical entry-level education for Librarians and media collections specialists is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Librarians and media collections specialists?
Librarians and media collections specialists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).