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Administrative librarian vs technical services librarian

The differences between administrative librarians and technical 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 technical services librarian. Additionally, an administrative librarian has an average salary of $53,527, which is higher than the $50,657 average annual salary of a technical services librarian.

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

Administrative librarian vs technical services librarian overview

Administrative LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Yearly salary$53,527$50,657
Hourly rate$25.73$24.35
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs34,496118,696
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Administrative librarian vs technical services librarian salary

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

Administrative LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Average salary$53,527$50,657
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $78,000Between $36,000 And $69,000
Highest paying City-Charlottesville, VA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Yale University
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between administrative librarian and technical services librarian education

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

Administrative LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Administrative librarian vs technical services librarian demographics

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

Administrative LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 30.0% Female, 70.0%Male, 32.3% Female, 67.7%
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, 6.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between administrative librarian and technical 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.

Technical services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Proofread and edit MARC records, perform database clean-up, and maintain records in online catalog.
  • Coordinate cataloging, classification and processing of books and audiovisual materials.
  • 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.

Administrative librarian vs technical 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 technical services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 9%
  • Collection Development, 7%
  • Library Resources, 5%
  • Technical Service, 5%
  • Library Materials, 4%
  • Emerging Technologies, 4%

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