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Access services librarian vs public services librarian

The differences between access services librarians and public services 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 public services librarian. Additionally, an access services librarian has an average salary of $49,899, which is higher than the $49,867 average annual salary of a public 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 public services librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Access services librarian vs public services librarian overview

Access Services LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Yearly salary$49,899$49,867
Hourly rate$23.99$23.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs61,52562,620
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Access services librarian vs public services librarian salary

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

Access Services LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average salary$49,899$49,867
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $70,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City-Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Yale University
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between access services librarian and public services librarian education

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

Access Services LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorEnglishLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of WashingtonNew York University

Access services librarian vs public services librarian demographics

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

Access Services LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 34.4% Female, 65.6%Male, 41.9% Female, 58.1%
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, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between access services librarian and public services 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.

Public services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Perform original and copy cataloging of new acquisitions.
  • Perform various technical services including cataloging, weeding, and authority control.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Provide client services such as inter-library loans, ordering of new materials and instruction on use of library OPAC.

Access services librarian vs public services 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 public services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 15%
  • Collection Development, 10%
  • Reference Services, 9%
  • Library Policies, 8%
  • Technical Publications, 7%
  • Technical Manuals, 6%

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