• Professional responsibilities of librarians are separated into three categories.shelves of library books image by nextrecord from Fotolia.com
  
  As technology progresses, libraries continue to evolve to encompass more than just the traditional functions of borrowing books and doing research. There are three different types of library services in which librarians fulfill a variety of professional duties. In smaller libraries, librarians may be called upon to perform duties from more than one or all types of library service.
  
  

User Services

• Service librarians are librarians who provide all types of services to the patrons who come into their facility. They are typically stationed throughout the library in reference and children's departments, as well as at the main circulation desk. Their professional duties include assisting patrons with locating and checking out materials. These librarians are also called upon to help patrons find and research information. They also provide instructions and assist with the use of library equipment including computers, projectors, microfiche readers and other technology equipment.
  
  

Technical Services

• Technical services librarians usually do not interact with patrons, unless of course they are in smaller libraries where they perform multiple functions. These librarians are responsible for a number of professional duties pertaining to the procurement of library materials. They analyze library trends, such as what types of books or materials are being checked out the most often to ensure they maintain appropriate quantities. Keeping abreast of new book, CD and DVD releases and securing appropriate quantities for their facility are also important duties. In addition, technical services librarians are also required to catalog new materials and fulfill requests for specific items.
  
  

Administrative Services

• Librarians who work in administrative service aspects of the library perform professional duties that entail the overall management of the library. Their responsibilities include budgeting, fundraising and maintaining library finances. Human resource functions, such as writing performance evaluations, interviewing candidates for employment, scheduling and supervising employees, also fall within the duties of administrative librarians. They are also responsible for public relations activities and ensuring that all aspects of the library operate smoothly.