Archival collections librarian vs research librarian

The differences between archival collections 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 archival collections librarian and a research librarian. Additionally, a research librarian has an average salary of $51,263, which is higher than the $50,340 average annual salary of an archival collections librarian.

The top three skills for an archival collections librarian include cataloging, and . The most important skills for a research librarian are research support, library services, and collection development.

Archival collections librarian vs research librarian overview

	Archival Collections Librarian	Research Librarian
Yearly salary	$50,340	$51,263
Hourly rate	$24.20	$24.65
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	3,938	45,828
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 47%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	2	2

Archival collections librarian vs research librarian salary

Archival collections librarians and research librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Archival Collections Librarian	Research Librarian
Average salary	$50,340	$51,263
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $73,000	Between $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 archival collections librarian and research librarian education

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

	Archival Collections Librarian	Research Librarian
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 47%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common major	Communication	Library Science
Most common college	New York University	New York University

Archival collections librarian vs research librarian demographics

Here are the differences between archival collections librarians' and research librarians' demographics:

	Archival Collections Librarian	Research Librarian
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 52.9% Female, 47.1%	Male, 35.7% Female, 64.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.1% Asian, 3.8% White, 81.8% 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 Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between archival collections librarian and research librarian duties and responsibilities

Archival collections librarian example responsibilities.

Manage the acquisition, cataloging, and storage of rare books.
Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
Assist producers and editors by providing video footage need for editing sessions.
Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
Establish working relationships with Producers/Editors for determining maximum product availability.
Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.

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.

Archival collections librarian vs research librarian skills

Common archival collections librarian skills

Cataloging, 100%

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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Archival Collections Librarian
Archival Collections Librarian vs Research Librarian

Updated January 8, 2025

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