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College librarian vs technical services librarian

The differences between college librarians 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 college librarian and a technical services librarian. Additionally, a college librarian has an average salary of $52,999, which is higher than the $50,657 average annual salary of a technical services librarian.

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

College librarian vs technical services librarian overview

College LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Yearly salary$52,999$50,657
Hourly rate$25.48$24.35
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs1,886118,696
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

College librarian vs technical services librarian salary

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

College LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Average salary$52,999$50,657
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $77,000Between $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 college librarian and technical services librarian education

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

College LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of Maryland - College ParkNew York University

College librarian vs technical services librarian demographics

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

College LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 33.9% Female, 66.1%Male, 32.3% Female, 67.7%
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, 6.6% 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 college librarian and technical services 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.

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.

College librarian vs technical services librarian skills

Common college librarian skills
  • Library Services, 29%
  • Library Resources, 24%
  • Reference Services, 16%
  • Cataloging, 7%
  • AV, 6%
  • Library Materials, 5%
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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