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Administrative librarian vs public services librarian

The differences between administrative 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 administrative librarian and a public services librarian. Additionally, an administrative librarian has an average salary of $53,527, which is higher than the $49,867 average annual salary of a public services librarian.

The top three skills for an administrative librarian include PLM, library services and collection development. The most important skills for a public services librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Administrative librarian vs public services librarian overview

Administrative LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Yearly salary$53,527$49,867
Hourly rate$25.73$23.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs34,49662,620
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Administrative librarian vs public services librarian salary

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

Administrative LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average salary$53,527$49,867
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $78,000Between $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 administrative librarian and public services librarian education

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

Administrative LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Administrative librarian vs public services librarian demographics

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

Administrative LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 30.0% Female, 70.0%Male, 41.9% Female, 58.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.5% 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 administrative librarian and public services librarian duties and responsibilities

Administrative librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage document delivery via Docline and consortia memberships.
  • Maintain accurate records of circulation and materials, inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Evaluate and select integrated library system for OPAC and serials management.

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.

Administrative librarian vs public services librarian skills

Common administrative librarian skills
  • PLM, 32%
  • Library Services, 21%
  • Collection Development, 15%
  • Professional Development, 13%
  • Library System, 8%
  • Library Operations, 6%
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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