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Digital librarian vs technical services librarian

The differences between digital 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 digital librarian and a technical services librarian. Additionally, a digital librarian has an average salary of $57,957, which is higher than the $50,657 average annual salary of a technical services librarian.

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

Digital librarian vs technical services librarian overview

Digital LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Yearly salary$57,957$50,657
Hourly rate$27.86$24.35
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs17,016118,696
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
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 technical services librarian do?

A technical services librarian is responsible for overseeing the technical and circulation services at a library. Typical duties for this role include supervising the technical and circulation staff, working closely with other library services, and directing the activities on library automation. In addition, you will make technical decisions involving the use and management of bibliographic records based on accepted standards. As a technical services librarian, it is also your responsibility to assist in the preparation of the library's annual budget and contribute to collection and acquisition development initiatives.

Digital librarian vs technical services librarian salary

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

Digital LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Average salary$57,957$50,657
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $82,000Between $36,000 And $69,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CACharlottesville, VA
Highest paying stateWashingtonAlaska
Best paying companyYale UniversityYale University
Best paying industryMediaProfessional

Differences between digital librarian and technical services librarian education

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

Digital LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorLibrary Science And AdministrationLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Digital librarian vs technical services librarian demographics

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

Digital LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 44.4% Female, 55.6%Male, 32.3% Female, 67.7%
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, 6.6% 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 digital librarian and technical services 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

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.

Digital librarian vs technical services librarian skills

Common digital librarian skills
  • Metadata, 17%
  • Digital Collections, 11%
  • Digital Assets, 10%
  • Digital Content, 10%
  • Technical Support, 9%
  • SharePoint, 4%
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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