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Electronic resources librarian vs research librarian

The differences between electronic resources librarians and research librarians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an electronic resources librarian and a research librarian. Additionally, an electronic resources librarian has an average salary of $51,325, which is higher than the $51,263 average annual salary of a research librarian.

The top three skills for an electronic resources librarian include electronic resources, library services and collection development. The most important skills for a research librarian are research support, library services, and collection development.

Electronic resources librarian vs research librarian overview

Electronic Resources LibrarianResearch Librarian
Yearly salary$51,325$51,263
Hourly rate$24.68$24.65
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs38,50245,828
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does an electronic resources librarian do?

As technology becomes widespread nowadays, schools also enhance their services by using electronics in libraries. Thus, they need an electronic resource librarian who acquired enough knowledge to carry on the responsibility. They are to use electronics to provide students with book catalogs and digital copies of books while also monitoring for orders and the return of books. They also must ensure that every book donated is appropriately licensed. Any alterations of the digital operating system used, the electronic librarian can troubleshoot and report it to the administration.

What does a research librarian do?

The primary duty of a research librarian is to assist scholars, students, and other researchers in finding books and other study materials. Research librarians handle integrated library systems such as serials control, acquisitions, and cataloging. They create and maintain the library's intranet portal using Microsoft SharePoint. Part of their job is to instruct and assist staff on the proper usage of intranet catalogs and other research databases. They establish a partnership with the other librarians to design and provide information and library literacy instruction to the student body.

Electronic resources librarian vs research librarian salary

Electronic resources librarians and research librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Electronic Resources LibrarianResearch Librarian
Average salary$51,325$51,263
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $75,000Between $35,000 And $74,000
Highest paying CityPhiladelphia, PAPhiladelphia, PA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companySimpson Thacher & BartlettHarvard University
Best paying industryProfessionalProfessional

Differences between electronic resources librarian and research librarian education

There are a few differences between an electronic resources librarian and a research librarian in terms of educational background:

Electronic Resources LibrarianResearch Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorInterior DesignLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Electronic resources librarian vs research librarian demographics

Here are the differences between electronic resources librarians' and research librarians' demographics:

Electronic Resources LibrarianResearch Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 29.7% Female, 70.3%Male, 35.7% Female, 64.3%
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 electronic resources librarian and research librarian duties and responsibilities

Electronic resources librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Implement EZProxy and an OpenURL link resolver to improve access for state employees.
  • Upload e-journal MARC records in ILS system.
  • Coordinate the cataloging of electronic/digital materials with MARC records.
  • Utilize electronic resources to create reports and spreadsheets from research and statistical information.
  • Provide interlibrary loan service through OCLC.
  • Show more

Research librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Order materials and perform literature searches using OCLC.
  • Utilize Microsoft SharePoint to create and maintain the library intranet portal.
  • Advise clients using factual data in the Lexis Nexis computer system.
  • Train staff for ILS use.
  • Provide web content via LibGuides.
  • Show more

Electronic resources librarian vs research librarian skills

Common electronic resources librarian skills
  • Electronic Resources, 21%
  • Library Services, 10%
  • Collection Development, 9%
  • Management System, 6%
  • Library System, 6%
  • Library Resources, 5%
Common research librarian skills
  • Research Support, 13%
  • Library Services, 9%
  • Collection Development, 8%
  • Research Services, 6%
  • Library Resources, 6%
  • Research Projects, 6%

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