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Access services librarian vs research librarian

The differences between access services librarians and research 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 research librarian. Additionally, a research librarian has an average salary of $51,263, 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 research librarian are research support, library services, and collection development.

Access services librarian vs research librarian overview

Access Services LibrarianResearch Librarian
Yearly salary$49,899$51,263
Hourly rate$23.99$24.65
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs61,52545,828
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Access services librarian vs research librarian salary

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

Access Services LibrarianResearch Librarian
Average salary$49,899$51,263
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $70,000Between $35,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City-Philadelphia, PA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Harvard University
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between access services librarian and research librarian education

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

Access Services LibrarianResearch Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorEnglishLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of WashingtonNew York University

Access services librarian vs research librarian demographics

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

Access Services LibrarianResearch Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 34.4% Female, 65.6%Male, 35.7% Female, 64.3%
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, 6.3% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.8% White, 77.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between access services librarian and research 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.

Research librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Order materials and perform literature searches using OCLC.
  • Utilize Microsoft SharePoint to create and maintain the library intranet portal.
  • Advise clients using factual data in the Lexis Nexis computer system.
  • Train staff for ILS use.
  • Provide web content via LibGuides.
  • Show more

Access services librarian vs research 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 research librarian skills
  • Research Support, 13%
  • Library Services, 9%
  • Collection Development, 8%
  • Research Services, 6%
  • Library Resources, 6%
  • Research Projects, 6%

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