Will AI replace Librarians and Media Collections Specialists?

AI can do 84% of the work Librarians and Media Collections Specialists do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 5 of their 30 tasks, while 17 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 1 physical task. 7 still need a person.

AI is already doing this5 · 22% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.Mostly automated8% of time
  • Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.Mostly automated7% of time
  • Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids, such as databases, annotated bibliographies, Web pages, electronic pathfinders, software programs, and online tutorials.Mostly automated4% of time
  • Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.Mostly automated3% of time
  • Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary.Mostly automated1% of time

AI could do this next17 · 62% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.8% of time
  • Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.8% of time
  • Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.7% of time
  • Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.7% of time
  • Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.5% of time
  • Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials, based on subject matter or standard library classification systems.5% of time
  • Check books in and out of the library.4% of time
  • Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.4% of time
  • Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies.4% of time
  • Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.3% of time
  • Develop library policies and procedures.1% of time
  • Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects.1% of time
  • Confer with teachers to select course materials and to determine which training aids are best suited to particular grade levels.1% of time
  • Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders.1% of time
  • Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library.1% of time
  • Maintain hardware and software, including computers, media equipment, scanners, color copiers, and color laser printers.1% of time
  • Maintain inventory of audio-visual equipment.under 1% of time

Robots can technically do this1 · 1% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Assemble and arrange display materials.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time

Still needs a person7 · 14% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.3% of time
  • Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.3% of time
  • Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations.3% of time
  • Represent library or institution on internal and external committees.3% of time
  • Troubleshoot problems with audio-visual equipment.1% of time
  • 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.1% of time
  • Train faculty and media staff on the use of software and audio-visual equipment.1% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

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What this means

AI can already do almost all of this work at least twice as fast. Real use is still behind at 21 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. Expect the role to shift toward deciding what to do, checking AI's work and owning the result.

What to do next

  • Do the 5 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 17 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 1 physical task robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 7 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Curators84%Library Technicians82%Archivists81%Museum Technicians and Conservators39%Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary84%Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary84%

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