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Digital librarian vs children's librarian

The differences between digital librarians and children's 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 digital librarian and a children's librarian. Additionally, a digital librarian has an average salary of $57,957, which is higher than the $49,900 average annual salary of a children's librarian.

The top three skills for a digital librarian include metadata, digital collections and digital assets. The most important skills for a children's librarian are reference services, collection development, and youth services.

Digital librarian vs children's librarian overview

Digital LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Yearly salary$57,957$49,900
Hourly rate$27.86$23.99
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs17,0169,834
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does a digital librarian do?

Digital Librarians are professionals who are responsible for organizing and preserving a digital library so that it is accessible by the public through the internet. These librarians must maintain records of their digital collections by cataloging them accurately. They collaborate with other IT professionals to ensure that all information shared over the web is properly licensed, especially those donated or loaned to the library. Digital Librarians must also monitor the collection budgets and expenditures while maintaining relationships with all vendors associated with the digital library.

What does a children's librarian do?

A Children's Librarian involves reading stories to young library users/patrons and returning books to their respective shelves. These librarians coordinate library references and services for caregivers and children. They choose age-appropriate and high-quality reading material, develop library initiatives, and conduct outreach programs. This position may be regarded as a stepping stone for a good career as the librarians may pursue graduate degrees. Librarians should have a sense of humor, the ability to accept failure, and be very flexible.

Digital librarian vs children's librarian salary

Digital librarians and children's librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Digital LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Average salary$57,957$49,900
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $82,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateWashington-
Best paying companyYale University-
Best paying industryMedia-

Differences between digital librarian and children's librarian education

There are a few differences between a digital librarian and a children's librarian in terms of educational background:

Digital LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorLibrary Science And AdministrationLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityUniversity of Maryland - College Park

Digital librarian vs children's librarian demographics

Here are the differences between digital librarians' and children's librarians' demographics:

Digital LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 44.4% Female, 55.6%Male, 10.6% Female, 89.4%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 digital librarian and children's librarian duties and responsibilities

Digital librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage and customize Sharepoint sites, design Sharepoint forms and workflows.
  • Manage document delivery via Docline and consortia memberships.
  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Edit various XML and MARC metadata standards.
  • Customize various web design templates using HTML, CSS, Javascript, and XSLT.
  • Load PDF and XML files.
  • Show more

Children's 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.
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

Digital librarian vs children's librarian skills

Common digital librarian skills
  • Metadata, 17%
  • Digital Collections, 11%
  • Digital Assets, 10%
  • Digital Content, 10%
  • Technical Support, 9%
  • SharePoint, 4%
Common children's librarian skills
  • Reference Services, 12%
  • Collection Development, 12%
  • Youth Services, 9%
  • Library Services, 7%
  • Teen, 6%
  • Public Library, 5%

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