Librarians maintain subscriptions to publications, decide which books and other materials to order, catalog and maintain new and existing publications, and make the material available to those who need it. In the water industry, librarians have knowledge of specialized collections concerning water issues. These special issues include regulations, laws, and technologies about water treatment and delivery. Employees in many disciplines need up-to-date information about their fields. As a result, many water agencies staff and maintain their own libraries. A water agency's librarian:

• organizes the technical information regarding water science, government regulations, policy changes, and other important issues;
• manages news clipping services;
• maintains collections of publications, periodicals, journals, scientific papers, and historical documents;
• oversees electronic connections to other information sources such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Geological Service, and the American Water Works Association;
• helps other employees and contacts find the information they need;
• advises members of the public who seek information about water issues.