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Administrative librarian vs reference librarian

The differences between administrative librarians and reference 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 reference librarian. Additionally, an administrative librarian has an average salary of $53,527, which is higher than the $50,409 average annual salary of a reference librarian.

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

Administrative librarian vs reference librarian overview

Administrative LibrarianReference Librarian
Yearly salary$53,527$50,409
Hourly rate$25.73$24.24
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs34,4961,058
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Administrative librarian vs reference librarian salary

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

Administrative LibrarianReference Librarian
Average salary$53,527$50,409
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $78,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City-Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Yale University
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between administrative librarian and reference librarian education

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

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

Administrative librarian vs reference librarian demographics

Here are the differences between administrative librarians' and reference librarians' demographics:

Administrative LibrarianReference Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 30.0% Female, 70.0%Male, 33.3% Female, 66.7%
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, 6.5% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between administrative librarian and reference 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.

Reference librarian example responsibilities.

  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Coordinate inter-library loan service, using OCLC searches to loan and borrow books and periodicals.
  • Perform reference and readers' advisory for patrons and staff via telephone, IM, email, and in person.
  • Perform copy-cataloging operations using OCLC database and online databases.
  • Maintain responsibility for collection management of the adult non-fiction collection.
  • Instigate student-librarian relationships and increase library productivity by regularly mentoring students in legal research, writing, and study methods.
  • Show more

Administrative librarian vs reference librarian skills

Common administrative librarian skills
  • PLM, 32%
  • Library Services, 21%
  • Collection Development, 15%
  • Professional Development, 13%
  • Library System, 8%
  • Library Operations, 6%
Common reference librarian skills
  • Reference Services, 11%
  • Library Patrons, 9%
  • Collection Development, 9%
  • Library Services, 7%
  • Research Guides, 6%
  • Reference Desk, 4%

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