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Classifier vs public services librarian

The differences between classifiers 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 classifier and a public services librarian. Additionally, a public services librarian has an average salary of $49,867, which is higher than the $34,561 average annual salary of a classifier.

The top three skills for a classifier include technical knowledge, CPC and USPTO. The most important skills for a public services librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Classifier vs public services librarian overview

ClassifierPublic Services Librarian
Yearly salary$34,561$49,867
Hourly rate$16.62$23.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs36562,620
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Classifier vs public services librarian salary

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

ClassifierPublic Services Librarian
Average salary$34,561$49,867
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $54,000Between $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 classifier and public services librarian education

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

ClassifierPublic Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorBusinessLibrary Science
Most common collegeStanford UniversityNew York University

Classifier vs public services librarian demographics

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

ClassifierPublic Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 67.3% Female, 32.7%Male, 41.9% Female, 58.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.5% 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 classifier and public services librarian duties and responsibilities

Classifier example responsibilities.

  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Review and prepare agency comments on draft classification standards issue by OPM.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.

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.

Classifier vs public services librarian skills

Common classifier skills
  • Technical Knowledge, 37%
  • CPC, 34%
  • USPTO, 23%
  • Tariff Schedule, 2%
  • Classification Process, 2%
  • Patent Applications, 1%
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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