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Digital librarian vs library director

The differences between digital librarians and library directors 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 library director. Additionally, a digital librarian has an average salary of $57,957, which is higher than the $44,750 average annual salary of a library director.

The top three skills for a digital librarian include metadata, digital collections and digital assets. The most important skills for a library director are library services, collection development, and professional development.

Digital librarian vs library director overview

Digital LibrarianLibrary Director
Yearly salary$57,957$44,750
Hourly rate$27.86$21.51
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs17,0165,428
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Digital librarian vs library director salary

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

Digital LibrarianLibrary Director
Average salary$57,957$44,750
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $82,000Between $28,000 And $69,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAHoboken, NJ
Highest paying stateWashingtonAlaska
Best paying companyYale UniversityUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryMediaEducation

Differences between digital librarian and library director education

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

Digital LibrarianLibrary Director
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorLibrary Science And AdministrationLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Digital librarian vs library director demographics

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

Digital LibrarianLibrary Director
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 44.4% Female, 55.6%Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5%
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 library director 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

Library director example responsibilities.

  • Manage records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
  • Hire & supervise 26 staff , 16 FTE.
  • Supervise one FTE and six part time employees.
  • Investigate and troubleshoot protocols, procedures and reagents.
  • Work with vendors to develop licensing and to troubleshoot electronic access.
  • Provide oversight of the acquisitions process at all stages, including final approval.
  • Show more

Digital librarian vs library director skills

Common digital librarian skills
  • Metadata, 17%
  • Digital Collections, 11%
  • Digital Assets, 10%
  • Digital Content, 10%
  • Technical Support, 9%
  • SharePoint, 4%
Common library director skills
  • Library Services, 16%
  • Collection Development, 7%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Library Operations, 6%
  • Academic Library, 6%
  • Library Resources, 5%

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