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Circulation director vs public services librarian

The differences between circulation directors 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 a circulation director and a public services librarian. Additionally, a circulation director has an average salary of $59,920, which is higher than the $49,867 average annual salary of a public services librarian.

The top three skills for a circulation director include audience development, newspapers and independent contractors. The most important skills for a public services librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Circulation director vs public services librarian overview

Circulation DirectorPublic Services Librarian
Yearly salary$59,920$49,867
Hourly rate$28.81$23.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs5,07462,620
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Circulation director vs public services librarian salary

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

Circulation DirectorPublic Services Librarian
Average salary$59,920$49,867
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $119,000Between $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 circulation director and public services librarian education

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

Circulation DirectorPublic Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorBusinessLibrary Science
Most common collegeStanford UniversityNew York University

Circulation director vs public services librarian demographics

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

Circulation DirectorPublic Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 68.5% Female, 31.5%Male, 41.9% Female, 58.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.7% 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 circulation director and public services librarian duties and responsibilities

Circulation director example responsibilities.

  • Manage vendor relationships for BPA audits, reader service, international mail, subscription telemarketing & corporate compliance for USPS standards.
  • Manage records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
  • Insure adherence to ABC rules and regulations.
  • Establish completely fund NIE program at both papers.
  • Analyze and compare marketing campaigns, marketing briefs, and BPA statements.
  • Possess ABC, postal audit, statement of ownership, etc., knowledge.
  • Show more

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.

Circulation director vs public services librarian skills

Common circulation director skills
  • Audience Development, 19%
  • Newspapers, 13%
  • Independent Contractors, 11%
  • Expense Budget, 10%
  • ABC, 4%
  • Strategic Plan, 4%
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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