Librarians and Media Collections Specialists

Librarians and Media Collections Specialists score 54 out of 100, which is elevated exposure to AI. That ranks #158 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 30 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 5 on its own and 22 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 10 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

54/ 100

Elevated

Rank: #158of 923 jobs
US workers: 133,790BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $68,270a year
In real AI use: 10 of 30tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 5 (17%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 22 (73%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 3 (10%)

Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real 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.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Maintain hardware and software, including computers, media equipment, scanners, color copiers, and color laser printers.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
Check books in and out of the library.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Develop library policies and procedures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids, such as databases, annotated bibliographies, Web pages, electronic pathfinders, software programs, and online tutorials.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Confer with teachers to select course materials and to determine which training aids are best suited to particular grade levels.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Set up, adjust, and operate audio-visual equipment, such as cameras, film and slide projectors, and recording equipment, for meetings, events, classes, seminars, and video conferences.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Assemble and arrange display materials.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Maintain inventory of audio-visual equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Troubleshoot problems with audio-visual equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
Represent library or institution on internal and external committees.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Train faculty and media staff on the use of software and audio-visual equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · Seen in real AI use

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Questions about librarians and media collections specialists and AI

Will AI replace librarians and media collections specialists?

Not entirely. Parts of the job are likely to change as AI takes over routine tasks. Librarians and Media Collections Specialists score 54 out of 100 (elevated exposure), #158 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 27 of the job's 30 tasks, 5 of them on its own, while 3 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which librarians and media collections specialists tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases"; "Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials, based on subject matter or standard library classification systems"; "Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies".

Which librarians and media collections specialists tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Troubleshoot problems with audio-visual equipment"; "Represent library or institution on internal and external committees"; "Train faculty and media staff on the use of software and audio-visual equipment".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 10 of the 30 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as librarians and media collections specialists, and what do they earn?

About 133,790 people in the US, with median pay of $68,270 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.