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Access services librarian vs law librarian

The differences between access services librarians and law librarians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an access services librarian and a law librarian. Additionally, a law librarian has an average salary of $51,708, which is higher than the $49,899 average annual salary of an access services librarian.

The top three skills for an access services librarian include library services, library resources and library system. The most important skills for a law librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Access services librarian vs law librarian overview

Access Services LibrarianLaw Librarian
Yearly salary$49,899$51,708
Hourly rate$23.99$24.86
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs61,5251,813
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Access services librarian vs law librarian salary

Access services librarians and law librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Access Services LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average salary$49,899$51,708
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $70,000Between $35,000 And $76,000
Highest paying City-Philadelphia, PA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Northeastern University
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between access services librarian and law librarian education

There are a few differences between an access services librarian and a law librarian in terms of educational background:

Access Services LibrarianLaw Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorEnglishHistory
Most common collegeUniversity of WashingtonNew York University

Access services librarian vs law librarian demographics

Here are the differences between access services librarians' and law librarians' demographics:

Access Services LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 34.4% Female, 65.6%Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.8% White, 77.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between access services librarian and law librarian duties and responsibilities

Access services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Identify and refer items that need attention of the cataloging or conservation department
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

Law librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Supervise cataloging and processing of all materials.
  • Perform library technical services, including cataloging, processing, and acquisitions.
  • Review monthly Lexis and Westlaw usage to identify users needing additional training in cost-effective research techniques.
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

Access services librarian vs law librarian skills

Common access services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 17%
  • Library Resources, 12%
  • Library System, 12%
  • Collection Development, 11%
  • Library Materials, 10%
  • Course Reserves, 5%
Common law librarian skills
  • Library Services, 11%
  • Collection Development, 9%
  • Reference Services, 9%
  • Research Services, 8%
  • Legal Resources, 6%
  • Legal Reference, 6%

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