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Digital librarian vs librarian

The differences between digital librarians and 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 librarian. Additionally, a digital librarian has an average salary of $57,957, which is higher than the $53,096 average annual salary of a librarian.

The top three skills for a digital librarian include metadata, digital collections and digital assets. The most important skills for a librarian are library services, customer service, and library materials.

Digital librarian vs librarian overview

Digital LibrarianLibrarian
Yearly salary$57,957$53,096
Hourly rate$27.86$25.53
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs17,0161,264
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
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 librarian do?

Librarians are trained in the field of information science so they can assist people in search of information. They direct and develop information systems and programs for the public. It is their job to make sure that the data is well-organized to meet every library user's needs. Their library work focuses on three main aspects, including user services, administrative services, and technical services. Typically, librarians work in schools, government, or local libraries.

Digital librarian vs librarian salary

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

Digital LibrarianLibrarian
Average salary$57,957$53,096
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $82,000Between $38,000 And $73,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonAlaska
Best paying companyYale UniversityMeta
Best paying industryMediaEducation

Differences between digital librarian and librarian education

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

Digital LibrarianLibrarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorLibrary Science And AdministrationLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Digital librarian vs librarian demographics

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

Digital LibrarianLibrarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 44.4% Female, 55.6%Male, 31.3% Female, 68.7%
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, 6.4% 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 digital librarian and 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

Librarian example responsibilities.

  • Plan and manage weekly toddler programs and activities.
  • Recruit, train, and manage volunteers, teen ambassadors, book buddies, elderly volunteers, and teen tech assistants.
  • Manage adult non-fiction materials and coordinate staff.
  • Manage and maintain inventory of NAVAIR technical documentation.
  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Show more

Digital librarian vs librarian skills

Common digital librarian skills
  • Metadata, 17%
  • Digital Collections, 11%
  • Digital Assets, 10%
  • Digital Content, 10%
  • Technical Support, 9%
  • SharePoint, 4%
Common librarian skills
  • Library Services, 11%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Library Materials, 8%
  • Collection Development, 7%
  • Library Resources, 6%
  • Reference Services, 5%

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