Specific Job Description and Responsibilities of a Special Librarian

Being a special librarian is different from other types of librarians because of the nature of the library where he/she is working. Unlike a school and academic librarian, there are no curricula to base the collection development on. When I started working in a special library, the duties and responsibilities were not clear cut.

Eventually, as I started submitting my accomplishment reports, I realized what the job entails and came up with the following job description based on what I do on a daily and monthly basis.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES of a SPECIAL LIBRARIAN

Collect information on user demographics (age, sex, profession, address, etc.) through a specific log-in system. Create a new library visitor log-in system, in which the new patron is asked to write down the date of his visit, his name, contact number, school and/or organization, and research interests

Compile library statistics for monthly and yearly reports.

For Library Management & Marketing: Contact artists and local event organizers to discuss possible tie-up events with the library

Attended board meeting with library administrators to discuss collection development, marketing prospects, and future directions.

Update the library blog and social media pages

Distribute informative brochures and promotional material to affiliated nearby organizations, e.g., Plaza Hotel.

For Reference & Information Service, assist users in finding books related to the research topic, recommended books, and help students with their research tasks e.g., bibliography

For Cataloging & Classification, edited the collection categories in the online OPAC system, migrate all of the bibliographical entries in the online OPAC system to the new collection categories by using keywords, titles, and authors to find the entries.

Installing call number tags to successfully accessioned, classified, and digitally cataloged books.

For Acquisition & Selection, set-up a new accessioning system, in which new books are listed digitally, manually annotated in the library's accession book (hard copy), stamping the library logo on the front and back covers, title page, and the secret page

Adding protective covering for books and shelving/reshelving them

Why Every Library Needs a Hometown Authors Shelf and How to Promote Them

I have previously written about building a Local Authors Collection in a library in a previous post, How to Start a Local Authors Collection . Now, I will discuss further why this is mandatory for every library, especially public ones. All libraries often highlight international bestsellers—but what about the author who lives just down the street? A Hometown Author Shelf tells the story of your community, written by its own people. Local authors offer unique perspectives that national voices can’t. Their work may reflect regional issues, dialects, history, or folklore that rarely reach mainstream publication. Also, they don't have many followers, because they're just doing their thing and not getting much attention. This is where the library comes in. When patrons see familiar names or places in print, it deepens their emotional connection to both the library and literature. It says, “Your story matters here.” It also attracts local media attention, potential donors, and mo...

How to Start a Local Authors Collection in Your Library: 3 Steps

Looking to celebrate the voices in your own backyard? Starting a Local Authors Collection is one of the most meaningful ways to connect your library with its community. This will also promote your library to locals who may not have heard that your library is open and accessible to everyone! It will also send the message that you value your local authors and would like to work more with them in the future! Step 1: Audit! Begin with a simple audit: Do you already have hometown authors on your shelves? Create a list. Then, reach out to local writing groups, independent publishers, or universities—places where emerging writers often surface. Step 2: Curate! Don’t overlook self-published authors. Many have strong followings and are eager to share their work. Establish clear submission guidelines to ensure quality and consistency. Step 3: Promote! Highlight the new collection with shelf signage or a dedicated reading nook. Monthly features or “Local Author Spotlights” on social media also ...

How I Use My Starbucks Planner to Keep Myself Accountable

Let’s be honest: most of us buy those Starbucks planners because they’re pretty, not because we’re planning to become meticulous schedulers. At least, that was my initial intention—until I realized it could be the accountability tool I desperately needed. Now, my Starbucks planner is less about appointments and more about keeping track of my daily battles with self-discipline. Here’s how I use it to monitor three key areas of my life: resisting the urge to smoke, watching my calorie intake, and moving my body. 1. The Smoking Tracker This is the toughest section to fill out because it demands raw honesty. At the end of each day, I mark whether I resisted the urge to smoke—or if I gave in. There’s no judgment here (okay, maybe a little self-judgment), just a simple note: "Resisted" or "Gave In." I also jot down what triggered my cravings. Was it stress? Boredom? A sudden existential crisis while folding laundry? Writing it down helps me notice patterns, and when I...

Ruby Galvez, RL

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