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Classifier vs reference librarian

The differences between classifiers and reference 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 reference librarian. Additionally, a reference librarian has an average salary of $50,409, 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 reference librarian are reference services, library patrons, and collection development.

Classifier vs reference librarian overview

ClassifierReference Librarian
Yearly salary$34,561$50,409
Hourly rate$16.62$24.24
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs3651,058
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Classifier vs reference librarian salary

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

ClassifierReference Librarian
Average salary$34,561$50,409
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $54,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City-Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Yale University
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between classifier and reference librarian education

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

ClassifierReference Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorBusinessLibrary Science
Most common collegeStanford UniversityNew York University

Classifier vs reference librarian demographics

Here are the differences between classifiers' and reference librarians' demographics:

ClassifierReference Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 67.3% Female, 32.7%Male, 33.3% Female, 66.7%
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, 6.5% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between classifier and reference 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.

Reference librarian example responsibilities.

  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Coordinate inter-library loan service, using OCLC searches to loan and borrow books and periodicals.
  • Perform reference and readers' advisory for patrons and staff via telephone, IM, email, and in person.
  • Perform copy-cataloging operations using OCLC database and online databases.
  • Maintain responsibility for collection management of the adult non-fiction collection.
  • Instigate student-librarian relationships and increase library productivity by regularly mentoring students in legal research, writing, and study methods.
  • Show more

Classifier vs reference librarian skills

Common classifier skills
  • Technical Knowledge, 37%
  • CPC, 34%
  • USPTO, 23%
  • Tariff Schedule, 2%
  • Classification Process, 2%
  • Patent Applications, 1%
Common reference librarian skills
  • Reference Services, 11%
  • Library Patrons, 9%
  • Collection Development, 9%
  • Library Services, 7%
  • Research Guides, 6%
  • Reference Desk, 4%

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