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Circulation librarian vs public services librarian

The differences between circulation 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 a circulation librarian and a public services librarian. Additionally, a circulation librarian has an average salary of $50,163, which is higher than the $49,867 average annual salary of a public services librarian.

The top three skills for a circulation librarian include circulation desk, customer service and library materials. The most important skills for a public services librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Circulation librarian vs public services librarian overview

Circulation LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Yearly salary$50,163$49,867
Hourly rate$24.12$23.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs1,04162,620
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Circulation librarian vs public services librarian salary

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

Circulation LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average salary$50,163$49,867
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $70,000Between $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 librarian and public services librarian education

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

Circulation LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of California - Los AngelesNew York University

Circulation librarian vs public services librarian demographics

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

Circulation LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 32.8% Female, 67.2%Male, 41.9% Female, 58.1%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 librarian and public services librarian duties and responsibilities

Circulation librarian example responsibilities.

  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Database inventory of records and CDs.

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 librarian vs public services librarian skills

Common circulation librarian skills
  • Circulation Desk, 31%
  • Customer Service, 21%
  • Library Materials, 18%
  • Student Assistants, 4%
  • Reference Desk, 4%
  • Library System, 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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