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Circulation librarian vs research librarian

The differences between circulation 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 a circulation librarian and a research librarian. Additionally, a research librarian has an average salary of $51,263, which is higher than the $50,163 average annual salary of a circulation librarian.

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

Circulation librarian vs research librarian overview

Circulation LibrarianResearch Librarian
Yearly salary$50,163$51,263
Hourly rate$24.12$24.65
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs1,04145,828
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Circulation librarian vs research librarian salary

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

Circulation LibrarianResearch Librarian
Average salary$50,163$51,263
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $70,000Between $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 circulation librarian and research librarian education

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

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

Circulation librarian vs research librarian demographics

Here are the differences between circulation librarians' and research librarians' demographics:

Circulation LibrarianResearch Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 32.8% Female, 67.2%Male, 35.7% Female, 64.3%
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, 6.3% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.8% White, 77.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between circulation librarian and research 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.

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.
  • Show more

Circulation librarian vs research 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 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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