How to Be Video Librarian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 1, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increase in availability of video libraries has had a profound effect on the way people consume media. With more access to a wide variety of titles, people are spending more time exploring new genres and discovering new favorites. This has resulted in a greater appreciation for the art of filmmaking, a deeper understanding of the creative process, and an increased demand for unique content.

video libraries offer convenience and flexibility, allowing viewers to watch content on their own schedule and at their own pace. Furthermore, the rise in streaming services has made it easier than ever to access a larger selection of movies and shows. This has opened up a world of possibility for both film-makers and viewers alike.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement to become a video librarian. This can be in any field, but library science or a related subject such as media studies or film production would be beneficial.
Obtain a Master's Degree. A master's degree in library science is required for many video librarian positions. This will provide the necessary skills and knowledge to manage a video library and its collections.
Gain Experience. Working as a library assistant or an intern in a library, especially one with a large video collection, can provide the experience necessary to become a video librarian.
Become Certified. The American Library Association (ALA) offers a certification for video librarians that demonstrates expertise in the field. The certification requires passing an examination and having a certain number of years of experience in the field.
Develop Your Skills. Video librarians must have excellent organizational skills, customer service skills, and communication skills. They must also stay up to date with new trends and technologies in the video industry.
Get Licensed. Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain a license or certification to become a video librarian. Check with your local government agency for more information.

To stay updated and capable in the field of Video Librarian, it is important to stay abreast of technology developments, attend educational seminars and workshops, and network with peers. As technology continues to rapidly evolve, attending educational seminars and workshops can help Video Librarians stay current on the latest tools and techniques. Additionally, networking with other Video Librarians can provide valuable insight into the industry, allowing them to learn from each others experiences and stay ahead of the competition. By staying updated on the latest technology and industry trends, Video Librarians can remain proficient in their field and continue to provide an invaluable service to their clients.

You may want to check Video Conferencing Specialist, Video Content Strategist, and Video Surveillance Operator for alternative.

Job Description

Content Acquisition Analyst: Responsible for researching, selecting, and acquiring content (movies, TV shows, documentaries, etc. ) for the Video Librarian.
Cataloging Specialist: Responsible for assigning titles, descriptions, and keywords to the acquired content, as well as maintaining accuracy and currency of the Video Librarian catalog.
Video Editor: Responsible for editing acquired content to ensure it meets the quality standards set by the Video Librarian.
Digital Media Producer: Responsible for creating and producing digital media (video trailers, promotional materials, etc. ) to be used in marketing the Video Librarians content.
Technical Support Specialist: Responsible for providing technical help and troubleshooting assistance to users of the Video Librarian.
Customer Support Representative: Responsible for responding to customer inquiries and feedback, as well as resolving customer complaints in a timely and professional manner.
Database Administrator: Responsible for managing and maintaining the Video Librarians database, including security, backups, and troubleshooting.
User Interface Designer: Responsible for designing user interfaces for the Video Librarian that are intuitive, user-friendly, and visually appealing.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of film and video genres, production techniques, and distribution media
Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively
Proficiency in a variety of media software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, and Microsoft Office
Ability to research and evaluate videos for accuracy, content, and relevance
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong customer service and problem-solving skills
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with producers, distributors, and vendors
Knowledge of copyright law and video licensing regulations
Attention to detail and strong follow-through abilities
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

Organizational and communication skills are some of the most important skills to have in any profession. Without these skills, it can be difficult to remain organized, stay on task and effectively communicate with coworkers and customers. Poor organizational and communication skills can lead to a lack of productivity, missed deadlines, and a decline in customer satisfaction.

This can lead to a decrease in revenue for businesses and a decrease in job security for employees. On the other hand, having strong organizational and communication skills can lead to increased productivity, better customer service, and more job opportunities. By taking the time to hone these skills, individuals can ensure that they are able to succeed in their job and provide customers with the best possible experience.

Music Video Director, Video Director, and Video Researcher are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with video libraries?
How would you rate your knowledge of video formats?
Are you familiar with cataloguing and/or indexing techniques?
How comfortable are you working with a wide variety of video players?
What strategies do you use to stay up to date on the latest trends in video libraries?
How do you handle difficult patron requests?
What is your experience in creating reviews or other written materials about video titles?
What methods do you use to promote new titles or sections of the library?
Are you familiar with digital rights management of videos?
What steps do you take to ensure the security and privacy of patrons information?

Common Tools in Industry

Zoom. Video conferencing tool that allows for remote meetings with colleagues, customers and partners (eg: hosting virtual meetings with remote teams).
Slack. Communication platform for messaging and collaboration (eg: instant messaging with colleagues).
Google Drive. Cloud storage and file sharing service (eg: storing and sharing documents and images).
Screencast-O-Matic. Screen recording and video editing software (eg: creating tutorial videos).
Audacity. Audio editing software (eg: recording and editing audio files).
Adobe Creative Cloud. Suite of applications for graphic design, video editing, web development, photography, and more (eg: creating logos and visual media).
Trello. Project management tool for organizing tasks and tracking progress (eg: assigning tasks to team members).
Microsoft Office Suite. Suite of applications for document creation, spreadsheet management, and presentation building (eg: creating documents in Word and Excel).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
National Association of Broadcasters
International Association of Broadcasters
Directors Guild of America
Writers Guild of America
Motion Picture Editors Guild
Producers Guild of America
Video Software Dealers Association
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Television Academy

We also have Corporate Video Editor, Video Conference Coordinator, and Technical Video Editor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Metadata. Data that describes other data. It is used to provide information about a video file such as title, author, genre, etc.
Digital Rights Management (DRM). A set of copyright protection technologies used to prevent unauthorized use of digital media by controlling access and usage rights.
Codec. A piece of software used for encoding or decoding digital audio or video files.
Transcoding. The process of converting a digital file from one format to another.
Streaming. A method of delivering audio or video content over the internet without requiring the user to download the entire file.
Subtitles. Text that is displayed over a video to provide spoken language translation or additional contextual information.
Closed Captioning. Text that is displayed over a video to provide spoken language translation or additional contextual information. It is specifically designed for people with hearing impairments.
Video on Demand (VOD). A service that allows users to select and watch video content when they want, rather than having to watch it at a scheduled broadcast time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Video Librarian?

Video Librarian is an online video library that provides access to over 10,000 hours of educational, independent and documentary films from over 400 global content providers.