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College librarian vs law librarian

The differences between college librarians and law 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 college librarian and a law librarian. Additionally, a college librarian has an average salary of $52,999, which is higher than the $51,708 average annual salary of a law librarian.

The top three skills for a college librarian include library services, library resources and reference services. The most important skills for a law librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

College librarian vs law librarian overview

College LibrarianLaw Librarian
Yearly salary$52,999$51,708
Hourly rate$25.48$24.86
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs1,8861,813
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

College librarian vs law librarian salary

College librarians and law librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

College LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average salary$52,999$51,708
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $77,000Between $35,000 And $76,000
Highest paying City-Philadelphia, PA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Northeastern University
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between college librarian and law librarian education

There are a few differences between a college librarian and a law librarian in terms of educational background:

College LibrarianLaw Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceHistory
Most common collegeUniversity of Maryland - College ParkNew York University

College librarian vs law librarian demographics

Here are the differences between college librarians' and law librarians' demographics:

College LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 33.9% Female, 66.1%Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between college librarian and law librarian duties and responsibilities

College 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.
  • Redesign and repair periodical and CD-ROM/DVD center at no cost.

Law librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Supervise cataloging and processing of all materials.
  • Perform library technical services, including cataloging, processing, and acquisitions.
  • Review monthly Lexis and Westlaw usage to identify users needing additional training in cost-effective research techniques.
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

College librarian vs law librarian skills

Common college librarian skills
  • Library Services, 29%
  • Library Resources, 24%
  • Reference Services, 16%
  • Cataloging, 7%
  • AV, 6%
  • Library Materials, 5%
Common law librarian skills
  • Library Services, 11%
  • Collection Development, 9%
  • Reference Services, 9%
  • Research Services, 8%
  • Legal Resources, 6%
  • Legal Reference, 6%

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