secretairebibliothèque

Secretairebibliothèque, also written secretaire-bibliothécaire, is a French-language occupational title describing a professional who performs both secretarial functions and library duties. The term combines secretaire (secretary) and bibliothèque (library), and it is used in Francophone contexts to denote a role found in small to medium-sized libraries, archives, schools, cultural centers, and corporate information offices where staff cover multiple functions.

Responsibilities typically include administrative tasks such as calendar management, correspondence, file handling, record keeping, and budgeting assistance, as well as library services like circulation desk duties, acquisitions, cataloging, classification, shelving, and reference or reader’s advisory work. The position may involve cataloging using library management systems, metadata creation, basic digitization coordination, and collection maintenance. In some organizations, the role also oversees archival processes, inventory, and space planning.

Qualifications usually combine training in secretarial studies or office administration with library or information science education. Employers often require familiarity with library software and cataloging standards, such as MARC or Dublin Core, and strong communication and organizational skills. Fluency in the local language and a service orientation are common prerequisites.

Historical context: the term appears in Francophone settings where small institutions merged administrative and library duties. In contemporary practice, many jurisdictions distinguish the roles into more specialized positions (secretarial assistant, library assistant, information specialist), though the combined title persists in some organizations and in historical references. See also librarianship, secretary, administrative assistant, information management.