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Elementary librarian vs public services librarian

The differences between elementary librarians and public 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 an elementary librarian and a public services librarian. Additionally, an elementary librarian has an average salary of $52,474, which is higher than the $49,867 average annual salary of a public services librarian.

The top three skills for an elementary librarian include library materials, library collection and library programs. The most important skills for a public services librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Elementary librarian vs public services librarian overview

Elementary LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Yearly salary$52,474$49,867
Hourly rate$25.23$23.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs2,75462,620
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Elementary librarian vs public services librarian salary

Elementary librarians and public services librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Elementary LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average salary$52,474$49,867
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $77,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City-Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Yale University
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between elementary librarian and public services librarian education

There are a few differences between an elementary librarian and a public services librarian in terms of educational background:

Elementary LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorElementary EducationLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaNew York University

Elementary librarian vs public services librarian demographics

Here are the differences between elementary librarians' and public services librarians' demographics:

Elementary LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 7.5% Female, 92.5%Male, 41.9% Female, 58.1%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between elementary librarian and public services librarian duties and responsibilities

Elementary librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage and supervise a full-time media assistant, technology technicians and parent and student volunteers.
  • Conduct research for teachers for relevant on-line resources for their curricular use.
  • Introduce some computer research skills and concepts 3rd grade - target social relationships and personal responsibility 4th grade - biography project.
  • Manage and supervise a full-time media assistant, technology technicians and parent and student volunteers.
  • Obtain a grant to update the non-fiction collection.

Public services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Perform original and copy cataloging of new acquisitions.
  • Perform various technical services including cataloging, weeding, and authority control.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Provide client services such as inter-library loans, ordering of new materials and instruction on use of library OPAC.

Elementary librarian vs public services librarian skills

Common elementary librarian skills
  • Library Materials, 22%
  • Library Collection, 20%
  • Library Programs, 13%
  • AV, 9%
  • Research Projects, 8%
  • Research, 8%
Common public services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 15%
  • Collection Development, 10%
  • Reference Services, 9%
  • Library Policies, 8%
  • Technical Publications, 7%
  • Technical Manuals, 6%

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