A professional who collects and organizes books, pamphlets, manuscripts, and other materials on select subjects to be used for research. Responsibilities include:

• Organizes collections according to field of interest.
• Examines reference works and consults specialists preparatory to selecting materials for collections.
• Compiles bibliographies.
• Appraises books, using references, such as bibliographies, book auction records, and special catalogs on incunabula (printing prior to 1500).
• Publishes papers and bibliographies on special collections to notify scholars of available materials.
• Lectures on booklore, such as history of printing, bindings, and illuminations.
• May plan and arrange displays for library exhibits.
• May index and reproduce materials for sale to other libraries.