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Classifier vs technical services librarian

The differences between classifiers and technical 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 technical services librarian. Additionally, a technical services librarian has an average salary of $50,657, 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 technical services librarian are library services, collection development, and library resources.

Classifier vs technical services librarian overview

ClassifierTechnical Services Librarian
Yearly salary$34,561$50,657
Hourly rate$16.62$24.35
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs365118,696
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Classifier vs technical services librarian salary

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

ClassifierTechnical Services Librarian
Average salary$34,561$50,657
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $54,000Between $36,000 And $69,000
Highest paying City-Charlottesville, VA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Yale University
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between classifier and technical services librarian education

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

ClassifierTechnical Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorBusinessLibrary Science
Most common collegeStanford UniversityNew York University

Classifier vs technical services librarian demographics

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

ClassifierTechnical Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 67.3% Female, 32.7%Male, 32.3% Female, 67.7%
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, 6.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between classifier and technical 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.

Technical services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Proofread and edit MARC records, perform database clean-up, and maintain records in online catalog.
  • Coordinate cataloging, classification and processing of books and audiovisual materials.
  • Identify and refer items that need attention of the cataloging or conservation department
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

Classifier vs technical services librarian skills

Common classifier skills
  • Technical Knowledge, 37%
  • CPC, 34%
  • USPTO, 23%
  • Tariff Schedule, 2%
  • Classification Process, 2%
  • Patent Applications, 1%
Common technical services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 9%
  • Collection Development, 7%
  • Library Resources, 5%
  • Technical Service, 5%
  • Library Materials, 4%
  • Emerging Technologies, 4%

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