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Classifier vs research librarian

The differences between classifiers 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 classifier and a research librarian. Additionally, a research librarian has an average salary of $51,263, 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 research librarian are research support, library services, and collection development.

Classifier vs research librarian overview

ClassifierResearch Librarian
Yearly salary$34,561$51,263
Hourly rate$16.62$24.65
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs36545,828
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Classifier vs research librarian salary

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

ClassifierResearch Librarian
Average salary$34,561$51,263
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $54,000Between $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 classifier and research librarian education

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

ClassifierResearch Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorBusinessLibrary Science
Most common collegeStanford UniversityNew York University

Classifier vs research librarian demographics

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

ClassifierResearch Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 67.3% Female, 32.7%Male, 35.7% Female, 64.3%
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, 6.3% 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 classifier and research 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.

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

Classifier vs research librarian skills

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